Balneaire Seaside Resort

Albany Boat Harbour

by Mikebb

The boat harbour is located in the safe waters of Oyster Harbour very near Emu Point and a few kilometers further along Middleton Bay. When we visited everyone was returning to shore as a serious bad weather report had been issued and the storm clouds were approaching. If you are interested in boats it is well worth the drive as you will see commercial vessels and pleasure boats of all shapes and sizes. In actual fact the bad weather report was accurate with several hundred kilometres of coast taking a hammering, particularly Australind where 30 homes were destroyed and several hundred others damaged. Our holiday home at Mandurah was damaged which spoilt some of the pleasure of our visit to Albany.

Some Local Animals Sighted On Trails

by Mikebb

When walking along the coastal trails around King George Sound and the Princess Royal Fortress we came across several animals in the wild, there were many more we heard moving in the bush but the ones we saw were enjoying the winter sun. No snakes were about as it was winter, however if you ever see a snake just keep clear of it, snakes usually only get aggressive if you step on them or try to kill them, normally they move on when they hear noise. There were many birds in the bush but they were too fast for my camera skill.

Old Gaol

by imstress

The Old Gaol was built in 1850s by the convicts. It was used to house the convicts and became the district gaol in 1872.

In the early 1930s it became a storehouse and was extensively restored in 1968.

It is now a museum of Gaol life.

Opens daily from 10am to 4pm. Admission fee is $5.

Whaleworld

by Felsomindszent

"Whaling Ship."

One of the whalers that was beached and fitted out so visitors can have access to most part of the ship. It is very interesting, although the ship is like most others but for the harpoon gun at the bow.

"Harpoon Gun."

The harpoon gun was only fired by the Captain of the ship. It hurled a harpoon into the whale where the head would explode killing the whale almost instantly.

"Ramp."

This ramp was used to haul the carcas onto the flensing deck.

"Flensing Deck."

This is where the carcas is discected into the varying parts.

"Disecting."

Once the head and blubber is removed, the flesh is then cut up into pieces and placed into holes in the deck. From there it is transported to the boiler room for processing.

"Part of Boiler Room."

Some of the equipment, such as these pipes, in the boiler room are still in good condition. This, considering they have not been in use since 1978.

"Skeleton of a Blue Whale."

The Blue Whale is the largest of the whale population. They have been known to grow well over 70 metres.