In late 1914, over 41,000 Australians and New Zealanders left Albany, bound for the First World War. This is their story.
Perched on Mount Clarence with stunning views over King George Sound, the National Anzac Centre is a must-visit when you’re in Albany. The impressive modern building houses a deeply moving experience that connects visitors with the Anzac story in a personal way.
Walking into the warm reception area, you’re greeted by footage of soldiers marching to their fate and the echo of boots pounding the ground.
The friendly guides explain the unique way to experience the museum – each visitor receives a card with a picture of an actual service man or woman and a barcode on the back.
As you make your way through the exhibits, you’ll place your card onto interactive stations where information about your character’s personal journey appears on touch screens. You follow their story from recruitment through training, embarking, life on the convoys, and the conflicts of WWI. It creates a powerful connection to history that stays with you long after your visit.
The final station, aptly titled “Counting the Cost,” reveals your character’s fate. For those lucky enough to survive, you’ll learn about their return home and the challenges they faced adjusting back to civilian life. You can even type a personal message to your character, which converts into a postal letter displayed on the massive touch screens near the exit.
One of the most impressive features is the convoy map table. Place your character card anywhere on the table, and their details appear showing which ship they were on and its position in the harbor. The spy glasses on each edge of the screens bring up a keyboard that lets you search the database of over 40,000 Anzacs – a wonderful way to look for family connections.
Throughout the Centre, you’ll find amazing displays of war artifacts, with walls covered in pictures, stories, maps, and fascinating details of the period. Each visitor also receives an audio device that works on a swiping system, allowing you to stop, pause and play whatever stories interest you at your own pace.
The spectacular harbor views are a key feature, with each strategically placed window telling its own story. In one large, light-filled room, you’ll find an impressive Light Horse sculpture and a bench running the full length of a massive harbour view.
iPad displays in this room can be held up to the window to see the ships of the convoys appear on screen in line with the view, as they were before departure.
Don’t miss the Pool of Reflection, a memorial listing the names of Anzacs who left Albany in World War I. In this moving tribute, the names forever ripple towards the harbor – a beautifully designed space that leaves a lasting emotional impact.
Is it suitable for children?
Due to the presence of strong war themes, the National Anzac Centre isn’t generally recommended for children under the age of seven years. The tone is somewhat somber, creating a space for quiet observation and reflection. That said, you might see families with sleeping babies in prams or toddlers, but most child visitors tend to be around 8+ years old.
For families with younger children, there are plenty of interesting things to see at the surrounding Albany Heritage Park, including great walks up to the memorial with amazing views and lots of wildlife to spot along the way.
Visitor Information
The National Anzac Centre is open 7 days a week from 9:00am to 5:00pm (with last entry at 4:00pm). It remains open during all public holidays except Christmas Day.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: $25
- Concession: $21
- Children (5-15 years): $11
- Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children): $60
- DVA/Active Service Card holders: $12.50
The Centre is located within the heritage-listed Princess Royal Fortress, one of only two pre-federation fortresses built to protect intercontinental trade routes. While you’re there, take time to explore the Fortress grounds, including original gun batteries, coastal gun defenses, and the barracks where officers lived and worked.
The Forts Store, located in what was once the Military Institute, is open 9am to 4pm daily and offers giftware, memorabilia, military-themed toys, and an excellent collection of military books.
For those wanting refreshments, the Princess Royal Fortress is also home to Garrison Restaurant and Bar, where you can enjoy the best view in Albany while dining.
www.nationalanzaccentre.com.au
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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.
