Are your children fascinated by ships and early settlement history? The Brig Amity in Albany is a must-visit attraction that will transport your family back to 1826!
Located at the Museum of the Great Southern on Residency Road, the Brig Amity is a full-size replica of the original vessel that brought the first European settlers and convicts to establish a military outpost in Albany. Built in the 1970s to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival, this impressive ship offers an immersive historical experience.
As you walk up the gangplank, you’ll step back in time and discover what life was like aboard a convict ship. The informative audio guide brings the ship’s story to life at various numbered points throughout the vessel. Listen to tales of Amity’s perilous six-week journey from Sydney to King George Sound as the first European settlement on Western Australia’s coast was established.
There are three levels to explore: the top deck complete with the ship’s wheel (perfect for little pirates!), the middle deck with sleeping quarters, and the bottom deck that held cargo.
Kids will love climbing into the bunks and imagining life at sea. Our little explorers particularly enjoyed pretending to be sleeping sailors!
Be aware that there are tight spaces and very steep ladders throughout the ship. When navigating between decks, adults should go first with children following carefully step by step. We wouldn’t recommend this attraction for children under 3 years old.
The helpful volunteer guides are happy to answer any questions and can suggest other interesting things to see at the Museum of the Great Southern and around Albany.
Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for concession card holders, and $2 for children aged 4 and up. Family tickets (two adults and two children) are available for $12. The Brig Amity is staffed by volunteers, so during bad weather, opening times may vary. To avoid disappointment, it’s recommended to call the Museum on (08) 9841 4844 before your visit.
Note that the Brig Amity is closed on Anzac Day until 1pm, Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
For more information, visit the official website at visit.museum.wa.gov.au/greatsouthern/brig-amity
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
