Princess Royal Fortress
Princess Royal Fortress, formerly known as the Princess Royal Battery and Barracks, is located on Mount Adelaide and offers a fascinating journey through Australia’s military history, set against the stunning landscapes of Albany. It was originally constructed as a military base and is now a military park and one of the Nation’s leading outdoor military museums.
From the summit, visitors can enjoy the incredible views from the Convoy Lookout, overlooking King George Sound. The Fortress itself features fascinating underground bunkers, historic gun emplacements, and a wealth of military history, and is home to the National ANZAC Centre making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
The History of Princess Royal Fortress
Captain Vancouver’s Claim and Early Exploration
In 1791, Captain George Vancouver claimed southern Western Australia for Britain, naming Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound after the monarch.
Establishment of Princess Royal Fortress
Princess Royal Fortress, established in 1893, holds historical significance as part of the first national strategy to defend Australia, exemplifies pre-Federation cooperation between states, and is valued for its potential in research and education. All the Australian States contributed money, and the Imperial British Government provided guns, to defend intercontinental trade routes.
The Role of Albany Barracks and Gun Batteries
The Albany Barracks housed the garrison, while the concealed gun batteries served as part of the fort’s defensive system. The fort's guns acted as a deterrent until 1956, when advancements in missile technology made them obsolete. Within the fort precinct, there was also a Signal Tower and Lookout, used by the US Navy when part of their submarine fleet was stationed at Albany during WWII.
Restoration and Transformation into a Military Museum After years of varied use and neglect, a restoration project transformed the site into a museum showcasing its historical significance. The site was opened to the public in 1988 and declared a military heritage park in 1995. The Princess Royal Fortress is now home to several key attractions that bring Australia's military history to life.
Over 30 dedicated volunteers enhance the visitor experience by offering tour guiding, providing information, and assisting with exhibitions and curatorial tasks. The National ANZAC Centre is the most recent addition to the Fortress complex and Heritage Park, opening in 2014 during the Centenary Celebrations.
What's at Princess Royal Fortress?
Whether you're a history lover or just curious about Australia's defence heritage, the site offers a wealth of information and is a must-see on your visit to the Forts. You'll find two guns positioned strategically, an underground magazine, several relocated buildings, ruins, and buildings that have been carefully reconstructed. You can explore the original gun batteries, coastal gun defenses, and the historic barracks where officers once lived and worked. Key Victorian Georgian style buildings include the Albany Barracks, Military Institute, Guard House, Repository Store (now the Warden's residence), and Parade Ground (now a car park).
Anzac Day Commemorations
On April 25th Albany holds one of the most significant Anzac Day services in Australia, marking the departure of the first ANZAC convoy in 1914. The event includes a dawn service, a march, and various activities at the National Anzac Centre.Princess Royal Battery
The Princess Royal Battery once housed two gun batteries dug into Mount Adelaide. Fort Princess Royal had two 6-inch guns, and Fort Plantagenet had one 6-inch gun. The two 6-inch Mark IV BL guns are still in their original positions, showcasing the fortress's history. Today, visitors can explore these original gun batteries, experience historic military equipment, and learn about the fort’s role in defending the region.
Albany Barracks
The barracks, built as part of the Princess Royal Fortress in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the lives of soldiers who once lived here. Initially home to a garrison of 26 men, the barracks later hosted the U.S. Navy’s ‘Great White Fleet’ in 1908. During World War I, the Forts served as the last port of departure for Australian and New Zealand troops. Although briefly abandoned in the 1920s, the Forts regained importance in 1925 when the 24th Heavy Battery Defence Unit, led by Lieutenant E.N. Knight, was stationed there.
Military Heritage Centre
Inside the Military Heritage Centre, you’ll discover a rich collection of historical items, including weapons, uniforms, medals, and personal stories of service members. Special exhibits highlight the role of the 11th Battalion and 10th Light Horse Regiment, offering a deeper understanding of their contributions to Australia’s military efforts. It's a hub of fascinating displays and artefacts that bring Australia’s military history to life.
Underground Magazine and Historic Displays
Visitors can explore this fascinating part of the fortress where explosives and ammunition were once stored. This brick and concrete tunnel, through a granite outcrop, has storage for explosives and ammunition, along with ventilation holes in the roof. This hidden space offers a glimpse into the operational history of the site. Alongside, you can view displays of military artillery, torpedoes, and anti-submarine missiles, allowing for an up-close look at the weaponry that played a key role in the country’s defence.
Convoy Lookout
From the summit of Mount Adelaide, you can take the Convoy Walk to the Convoy Lookout, which offers breathtaking views of King George Sound. This vantage point provides visitors with a chance to imagine the sight of the Convoy ships that were anchored here before departing for the Gallipoli and Egypt campaigns during World War I. The lookout features informative signage that marks the locations where each ship was positioned before embarking on its journey.
Original Coastal Defence Guns
Stroll through the grounds to discover heritage-listed buildings and original coastal defence guns from WWII. Enjoy seeing the large cannons which provide an interactive way to connect with history. Most children enjoy these but please supervise them at all times.
The Fort’s Store
Housed in the historic Military Institute, built in 1893 at the Princess Royal Fortress, the Forts Store has been a cornerstone of the visitor experience since its opening in November 2014. Open daily from 9am to 4pm, the store offers a wide range of giftware, military memorabilia, and themed collector's items. Visitors can browse an extensive selection of books, including fiction and non-fiction titles focused on World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam conflict. The store also features exclusive poppy products, National ANZAC Centre souvenirs, apparel, and medals, alongside unique items created by local artisans specifically for The Forts Store. With its knowledgeable team providing expert guidance, the store offers a perfect blend of history and retail, creating a meaningful connection to the National ANZAC Centre and the region's military heritage.Mount Adelaide Nature Trail
The Mount Adelaide Nature Trail is a 2.25 km walk offering breathtaking views of King George Sound, Princess Royal Harbour, and the Stirling Range. Located within the 260-hectare Albany Heritage Park, the trail showcases a blend of natural beauty and historical sites.
This historic trail features interpretive signage, pre-federation military sites, and is suitable for all ages with some bushwalking experience. Starting and ending at Forts Road and Apex Drive, the trail provides facilities like parking, lookouts, and is dog-friendly. There are seats located throughout the walk.
Fort Amenities
Mount Adelaide provides facilities for a comfortable visit, including a water fountain near the visitor store for bottle refills, covered picnic tables and barbecues available year-round, and restrooms located at the National Anzac Centre and near the main barracks.
Accessibility
The Princess Royal Fortress Convoy Walk & Lookout is paved and wheelchair friendly, however is still steep. People who use a wheelchair may require assistance to reach the top. The Main Barracks Gallery is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and wide doors. The National Anzac Centre and parts of the Princess Royal Fortress offer wheelchair-accessible pathways, entrances, restrooms, parking, and exhibits, though some heritage buildings may be less accessible.Food Options
Restaurant: The Commanding Officer's Residence now houses a restaurant, Garrison's. Take a break and enjoy lunch, morning tea, and dinner most days. It’s a wonderful setting to unwind and refuel after a day of exploring.Picnic or BBQ: Relax in nature at picnic benches or use one of the BBQ's surrounded by beautiful parkland.
Details
Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum
Forts Road, Albany WA 6330
OPEN: 9am - 5pm, 7 days
Closed Christmas Day
Entry to the Fortress is FREE
Fees apply to the National ANZAC Centre
Dining near the Fortress:
Soak up the atmosphere at The Earl of Spencer Historic Inn - Make memories at The Earl!
Make great memories in Albany’s traditional English-Style pub high up on Earl street. At The Earl we deliver delicious beer and local wines, fantastic live music on Friday nights and great pub grub! The traditional Aussie hearty pub meals, and tasty lunch specials are prepared fresh daily and can be enjoyed indoors in the restaurant and bar or outside in the spacious beer garden. Choose from the 16 beers on tap and a wide choice of wine and spirits, many which are local. Come round for a brew after work, or head to The Earl for dinner with the family or friends. You'll appreciate the British flair and decor, and the historic artefacts on display in this 1800’s Inn, one of the oldest and still running inns in Albany. There's a great ambiance and plenty of free off-street parking and the kids will enjoy the wooden playground with cubby house, swing and climbing frame. The Earl is significant as one of the oldest and still running hotels/inns in Albany, having first been licensed in 1884, and operating for 40 years and again as a licensed venue since 1987.
Ataturk Channel
From just outside the National ANZAC Centre you get an amazing view of Ataturk Channel, the channel leading into Princess Royal Harbour. The Atatürk Channel, a narrow waterway leading into Princess Royal Harbour in Albany, Western Australia, stands as a powerful symbol of the shared history between Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey during World War I.
Named after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey and a key military leader at Gallipoli, the channel offers breathtaking views from just outside the National ANZAC Centre. Its naming reflects a gesture of mutual respect and remembrance between the nations, with Turkey reciprocally naming the beach at Gallipoli where ANZAC troops landed as "ANZAC Cove."
This symbolic exchange honors the sacrifices made during the Gallipoli campaign and underscores the reconciliation between former adversaries. Atatürk’s poignant words, expressing peace and unity for the ANZAC soldiers who died on Turkish soil, have become an enduring testament to this bond. The Atatürk Channel not only connects visitors to Albany's historical significance as a departure point for ANZAC troops but also serves as a reminder of the lasting ties forged through mutual respect and shared history.Have a look at Ataturk Channel from the Fortress in the video:
Centenary Upgrades
The Centenary Upgrades to the Albany Heritage Park, completed prior to the ANZAC Centenary on November 1, 2014, significantly enhanced the site's appeal and accessibility. These improvements were undertaken to commemorate the centenary of the departure of ANZAC troops from Albany, a historically significant event marking the beginning of Australia and New Zealand's involvement in World War I.
A key feature of the upgrades is the Convoy Lookout, offering breathtaking views over King George Sound, the location where the ANZAC convoy gathered before setting sail. Enhancements included a gravel-filled area around the historic marine guns, making them easier for visitors to explore.
The placement of the National ANZAC Centre within the park was meticulously chosen to provide a direct connection to the area's military history, while the open access to the Princess Royal Fortress further enriches the visitor experience. The upgrades have made Albany Heritage Park a highly recommended destination for those seeking to connect with ANZAC history in a stunning natural setting.
Underground Bunker
The Underground Bunker at Princess Royal Fortress is a remarkable piece of military engineering, built into the mountainside as part of the site's defensive infrastructure from 1893 to 1956. Although the guns of King George Sound were never fired in active military defense, they served their purpose as a strong deterrent, safeguarding Albany's strategically important deep-water harbour. The guns' placement, guarding both King George Sound and Ataturk Channel, made the area exceptionally challenging to attack.
Visitors to the bunker can explore its stone-walled trenches, which connect to two large artillery guns. This immersive experience provides a rare glimpse into the construction and function of a real bunker-fortress. As one of the few surviving fortified outposts in Australia, the bunker is not only a fascinating historical site but also a significant example of late 19th-century military engineering.
TRecognized by the Historic Engineering Marker, the bunker demonstrates the era's advanced design and durability, offering a tangible connection to Australia’s military heritage.
Video of the Princess Royal Battery and Magazine Bunker
National ANZAC Centre
The National ANZAC Centre, opened in 2014 as part of the Centenary Celebrations, stands as one of Australia's most powerful and modern military museums. Located at the Princess Royal Fortress, it provides an interactive and immersive experience for visitors.
You can assume the identity of an actual serviceman or woman who served during World War I, following their journey from recruitment and training to life on the convoys and the conflicts at Gallipoli.
A significant feature is the Pool of Reflection, a thought-provoking exhibit that records the names of the 41,265 Australians and New Zealanders who embarked on the First and Second convoys.
This site, with its moving displays and deeply personal stories, offers a reflective and educational experience, connecting visitors to the ANZAC legacy in a meaningful way.
Open 7 days a week, from 9:00am to 5:00pm (last entry at 4:00pm).
Open during all public holidays, except Christmas Day.
Location: 70 Forts Road, Albany, Western Australia.
Convoy Lookout
Convoy Walk up to Convoy Lookout is amazing. The views over King George Sound and Vancouver Peninsula and outlying island is incredible. This is where the ships filled with Australian and New Zealand soldiers waited to depart.
Set onto the granite peak of Mt Adelaide, the Convoy Lookout's elevated view over the sound is breathtaking.
Great views and Information.
Video of the Convoy Lookout, Princess Royal Fortress
HMAS Perth Museum and Interpretive Centre
The HMAS Perth Museum and Interpretive Centre, located within the Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum, is a dedicated space honoring the history and legacy of the HMAS Perth. The museum highlights the ship's story, its role in Australia's maritime history, and its transformation into a renowned diving site, offering visitors an opportunity to connect with the past and appreciate the significance of this iconic vessel, scuttled in King George Sound near Frenchman Bay.
HMAS Wreck Dive
The HMAS Perth, now a popular dive wreck, attracts divers from around the world to explore its underwater remains. Scuttled in December 2001, the wreck now serves as an artificial reef, teeming with marine life such as kingfish, yellow tails, and carpet sharks. Divers can venture through the remains of this historic ship, observing the extensive coral and sponge growth while immersing themselves in its rich history.
In addition to the HMAS Perth, Albany offers several other incredible dive sites, including the Cheynes III wreck, scuttled in 1982, and vibrant underwater landscapes around Michaelmas Island and Seal Cove. The local dive operators provide various experiences for divers of all levels, allowing you to explore the area's diverse marine ecosystems, from colorful sponges and corals to playful seals and elusive sea dragons. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, Albany's underwater beauty promises an unforgettable adventure.
A replica sits in the museum.
