Albany

Town and port in Western Australia, on King George Sound, 409 km/254 mi southeast of Perth; population (1996) 20,493. It suffered from the initial development of the port of Fremantle, but has grown with the greater exploitation of the surrounding area. It is the centre for an agricultural region and the main port for southwestern Western Australia, exporting cattle, wool, and grain; industries include woollen milling, meat processing, and fish canning. Albany is also a popular tourist resort, with a temperate climate and fine beaches.

The Albany Doctor is a cooling breeze from the sea, rising in the afternoon.

Features Albany is known for its excellent fishing and beautiful coastal scenery. To the south of the town are the Torndirrup National Park, the Gap, the Natural Bridge, and the Blowholes.

History Albany was founded in 1826 as a penal colony, and was originally called Frederickstown after the Duke of York. It was renamed Albany in 1832 after the Chief of the British Army at the time, Commander Albany.