National Anzac Centre
Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, ANZAC Day Dawn Service
Princess Royal Fortress
National Anzac Centre
Albany Heritage Park
The National Anzac Centre is set within a 250 hectare parkland reserve located in the heart of Albany, Western Australia.
It includes the summit of Mt. Clarence and Mt. Adelaide and stretches from the centre of Albany to the shores of King George Sound and Middleton Beach. The Centre overlooks the actual location from which over 41,000 Australians and New Zealanders left Australia bound for the Great War.
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The park surrounding the National Anzac Centre offers the ultimate blend of natural, cultural, historical and adventure based experiences including historic cultural sites, nature based walking and mountain bike trails, wildflowers, whale watching as well as shopping and dining.
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Explore the park by car, bike or foot to discover Albany's number one attraction.
Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
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The Desert Mounted Corps Memorial stands at the summit of Mt Clarence. It is a recast of the original statue erected at Suez in 1932 however the granite blocks are originals from Suez. The statue formed part of a memorial which was erected at Port Said, Egypt and unveiled on 23 November 1932 but was irreparably damaged during the Suez crisis in 1956.
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The masonry was salvaged and brought to Australia for re-erection on this site which, for many troops who sailed from King George Sound in 1914, was their last glimpse of Australian soil.
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It was unveiled by rt. Hon Sir Robert Menzies, Prime Minister of Australia on 11 October 1964. Bullet marks sustained during the Suez conflict can still be seen on the granite blocks.
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The memorial is the site of Albany's Anzac Day dawn service on 25 April each year and is accessed by foot via a commemorative staircase that interprets the memorial. Accessible car bays are also available adjacent to the memorial via a sealed service road.
Padre White Lookout
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The Padre White lookout is a steel walkway located at the top of Mt. Clarence and marks the spot where the Rector of St John's Church, Padre White , stood in 1930 after leading a pilgrimage from his church in York Street to Mt Clarence, in what is claimed to have been the first ever observance of a Dawn Service on ANZAC Day in Australia.
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Padre White is a reserved character in Albany's history. From 1916 to 1918 he served as an army chaplain with the 44th Battalion and, upon his return to Australia delivered sermons in remembrance of locals who lost lives in the First World War.
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The lookout provides stunning views of King George Sound, Princess Royal Harbour and the City Centre of Albany and is accessible on foot via the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial commemorative stair case. Accessible car bays are also available adjacent to the lookout via a sealed service road.
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For the more adventurous it can be accessed by foot via the Mt Clarence Heritage and Granite Trail.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
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The 260 hectare reserve surrounding the National Anzac Centre is a hotspot for nature and adventure lovers, and provides a range of activities for all ages and fitness levels.
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Walking and Bike Trails
Traverse granite summits, wander among natural Australian bush or take in magnificent views on the shores of King George Sound. there is a walking trail experience for everyone. Mt. Clarence also features a purpose built downhill track for mountain bikes, just minutes from town.
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Wildflowers
Take a stroll on one of our many bush-walking trails to experience the wildflowers we have on show.
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Whale Watching
As whales frolic in our sheltered bays between June and October - they can be seen from prime viewing spots around the reserve. Dolphins and seals are also regularly spotted in Albany's sheltered waters.