Tag: Western Australia

Exploring Oceania:  Australasia, Western Australia Part IV:  the City of Albany

Monday, February 19, 2024

HAL Grand Australia & NZ Cruise

On this cruise, the last port-of-call in Western Australia is the city of Albany.  We had not been here before; and we are so sorry there was no time to explore the city!!!  It looks like a charming place.  But, a wine-tasting tour filled the day!!!  Had we found the time, we would have discovered: 

     Albany is a popular resort town; known for its natural environment and preservation of its heritage.

     The Menang Noongar people have inhabited the area for 23,000 years.

     The first known European sighting was by Peter Nuyts on the Gulden Zeepaard in 1627.

     In 1791, George Vancouver claimed this area, now known as Western Australia, as a British possession.

     A settlement was founded on December 26, 1826 as a military outpost.  By the 1900s, the town was a gateway to the eastern goldfields; and its industry was primarily agriculture, timber, and whaling.

     Albany is also known for its history during WW! When over 41,000 Australians and New Zealanders left Albay in 1914 destined to fight and win the Great War. 

     Today, the National ANZAC Centre, located in the Princess Royal Fortress, tells the personal stories of these heroes.  

Here are some photos:

We arrived in Albany ready for adventure!!!
We met our driver and guide, Michelle, and headed off to explore Western Australia’s Great Southern Wine District!!!
Driving thru the charming town, we realized a return visit would, someday, be necessary to see the town properly!!!
Because today, we were going to sample the local wines of three noted vineyards.
The first stop was Gilbert’s Wines in Mount Barker.
We sampled 9 different wines here…..
…..but left purchasing only 5.
And, we also discovered the Wine Dogs of Australia!!! …..
…..These dogs are so famous, a book was written about them!!!
But, we digress, the next cellar door was Plantagenet Wines…..
…..where we also had lunch.
We sampled several wines…..
…..but only bought one.
We did , however, meet their friendly Wine Dog!!!
Our next stop was Galafrey Wines…..
where we purchased a bottle of their tawny port…..
…..took a quick tour…..
…..met their cute Wine Dog…..
…..and then departed to our final tasting, passing the area’s ubiquitous Blue Gum tree…..
…..to arrive at West Cape Howe Wines.
Another short tour…..
…..a few more sips…..
…..one more purchase…..
…..how could one resist!!!!…..
And then, we returned to the ship as our adventures in Western Australia came to an end.

Next, we will visit the state of South Australia.

Join us, soon, as we explore Port Lincoln, Kangaroo Island, and Adelaide