Between 2014 and 2018, Australia and New Zealand will commemorate the Anzac Centenary, marking 100 years since their involvement in World War I. To honour the first ANZACs, a significant program of events is planned in Albany between October 30 and November 2, 2014.
Albany is significant because on November 1, 1914, the first convoy of Australian and New Zealand troops departed for the First World War from Albany.
Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington described Albany as the birthplace of the Anzac Story.
“The commemorations will give people from Australia and around the world the opportunity to pay their respects to the thousands of soldiers who departed from Albany for the First World War,” Mr Wellington said.
“For many Australian and New Zealand soldiers it was the last Australian soil they ever saw.”
Featuring the combined Australian Defence Forces, the centre-piece commemorative event program will include a sunset ceremony, commemorative service, symbolic departure of between three to six naval ships, troop march and a ship open day program.
A series of supporting community events is also planned, including a free public concert featuring the West Australian Symphony Orchestra with high-profile special guests; a commemorative lighting and pyrotechnics show on Friday October 31; and an outdoor food and produce market called the Stirling Terrace Mess Hall.
Coinciding with the ANZAC commemorations, will be the opening of the new National Anzac Interpretive Centre as part of the historic Princess Royal Fortress. The innovative Centre will allow visitors to follow personal stories of the Australian and New Zealand men and women who left Albany.
Mr Wellington said thousands of visitors were expected to make the pilgrimage to Albany.
“Albany will be the focus of both national and international attention and will be transformed with many activities and events for visitors to participate in,” he said.
The region's beaches are routinely named among the best in Australia. Albany and the Great Southern are also known for their gourmet attractions - with an abundance of cosmopolitan cafes and bars, slow food, markets, wineries, olive oils, and organic produce.
Some of the area's major attractions include:
• The Gap and Natural Bridge – Giant granite cliffs dropping straight into the rugged southern ocean. The Natural Bridge is a huge granite bridge which has been formed over 1000 years of erosion from the ferocious Southern Ocean.
• Blowholes - A crack line in the granite where air and spray 'blow' through.
• Stony Hill – is the highest point in the National Park offering sensational views of Albany and surrounds.
• Salmon Holes – Famous for the salmon schools and excellent fishing.
• Frenchman's Bay area – numerous roads lead to secluded beaches and bays with picnic facilities.
• Whale watching – see Humpback and Southern Right Whales frolicking close to shore and at one of the many lookouts along the coastline.
• Bluff Knoll – in the Stirling Range National Park – is the highest peak in Western Australia
• Wind Farm - Breathtaking views of the coastline and the most southerly point of Western Australia, West Cape Howe.
• Less than an hour's drive away – Denmark, Porongurup and Mt Barker offer more stunning scenery, top restaurants and wineries and a wealth of activities and attractions.
Visitors to Albany can also enjoy bushwalking, amazing beaches for diving, snorkelling and fishing.
The Anzac Albany events are being hosted and delivered by the Federal Government, through the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Australian Defence Force, the Western Australian Government and the City of Albany.
For more information about the events planned for the commemoration visit anzacalbany.com.au.
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