ALBANY Albany is an end in itself destination. Western Australia’s most southern port and city. A deep water port also, that is capable of taking the biggest of ships.  Albany was discovered earlier than Perth, and in a planned in hindsight WA, scenario Albany would be the ‘capitol’ of the state. Deep water port and WA’s most temperate climate. And, closer to Melb, Syd and Adelaide than Perth, those earlier growth centres. In 1791, English explorer George Vancouver explored the south coast including entering and naming King George Sound. Albany was the site at which, on 27 September 1791, Vancouver took possession of New Holland for the British Crown. Vancouver went out of his way to establish good relationships with the local Aboriginal people. Albany is the oldest permanently settled town in Western Australia, predating Perth and Fremantle by some two years. The city was founded in January 1827 as a military outpost of New South Wales as part of a plan to forestall French ambitions in the region. Today the town is a place of significance as a tourist destination and base from which to explore the South-West of the State and is well regarded for its natural beauty and preservation of heritage. The town has an important, though somewhat controversial, role in the Anzac Legend, being the last port of call for troopships departing Australia in the First World War. The ANZAC Park by the shoreline a fitting reminder. Heritage factors are strongly at work in Albany. The Churches in Albany are all over a century old. The Anglican being the oldest continuous for the faith in WA. This old church and always open to view. The Catholic also being a classic for the times. The War Memorial is a in the central cbd. There are a number of museums in Albany. The ‘old gaol’ museum a must visit. There are still a number of the ‘old’ hotels in business and the city and waterfront still housing these 100 year pubs. Albany is a great all weather place to visit and has  plenty of history and lots to do. Allow up to a week to enjoy.