Albany is a port city in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, located 418 kilometres southeast of Perth. The city centre sits at the northern edge of Princess Royal Harbour, part of King George Sound, with Mount Clarence to the east and Mount Melville to the west. The area, known as Kinjarling ("place of rain") to the Menang Noongar people who inhabited it for over 18,000 years, is the oldest colonial settlement in Western Australia, founded in 1826 as a British military outpost—predating Perth and Fremantle by more than two years.
Albany developed as a significant whaling centre until 1978 and became Western Australia's first deep-water port. The city's economy is now built on agriculture, tourism, timber, and grain exports through the Port of Albany. The Great Southern wine region surrounding the city produces approximately 25 percent of Western Australia's wine. The surrounding area features notable natural attractions including Torndirrup National Park (home to The Gap and Natural Bridge), West Cape Howe, and Stirling Range national parks, as well as beaches such as Misery Beach.
With over 38,000 residents, Albany serves as a regional administrative and commercial hub. Heritage sites including the National Anzac Centre, Princess Royal Fortress, and a replica of the Brig Amity reflect its historical significance. The city is popular for whale watching during the May to October season and offers recreational trails including the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail. Located five hours by car or one hour by plane from Perth, Albany has a mild climate and functions as a resort and retirement destination.