Albany might be Western Australia’s oldest settlement, but there ‘s nothing said about the township. We have to make sure we pronounce it correctly …. residents say Al-bany (as in Al Pacino) not Aw-bany.
We have nothing planned for our day here. The port officials offer a complimentary shuttle service, taking guests into Albany and back, however for those folks up to it they may walk from the pier into town which is a 20 minute walk each way.
On past HAL cruises we have had very few young folks on board. What a contrast for the Sydney to Perth segment – Richard,, our Canadian table mate was able to cajole the Front Office in to giving a break down by age group:
As Follows: Age Range 3-7 – two, 8-12 – eight, 13-17 – thirteen, 18-21 – three, 22-35 – twenty, 36-50 – sixty-four, 51-65 – two hundred forty-six, 66-74 – four hundred fifty-one, > 75 – three hundred fifty-one, for a total of 1,158 guests/passengers.
Just after 9 AM we lined up for the free shuttle busses – the sun was out, and beautiful fluffy white clouds dotted the wind swept sky’s. As we boarded the bus for the short ride into the heart of the city, once again we were impressed at the almost park-like setting. It appeared as though an army of sweepers/cleaners had spruced up the streets and buildings for our arrival. One more reason to LOVE Australia.
At the information center/city library was the city square that had been redesigned to honor the past history of the indigenous Nyoongara Culture . The building above is the town hall. The foundation stone was laid on the Ninth Day of December 1886.
The stone walkways surrounding the square were done in such a way that it almost appeared as though someone had scattered broken potato chips on the surface.
On the wooden benches in the square were engravings honoring the lifestyle of the Noyoongar Culture, such as;
Note the beautiful hardwood.
As we strolled the main busy thoroughfare the strains of a “piper”‘ caught the air, as we were welcomed.
As we have travelled along the southern coast of Australia and visited the isolated cities, I noticed a popular mode of transportation for traveling on unimproved roads and fording solemn streams;
Take note of the heavy overbuilt bumper (for Kangaroo crossings), two very bright led driving lights (to spot Kangaroos in their night crossings), The extended black “Engine air breather – left of the windshield, (for dusty roads and water crossings), and finally the awning package just above the right side of the windshield (for camping and picnics in the ‘bush’) and of course the heavy duty radio antenna (for communications in the bush, where cell phones don’t work) and there you have the perfect Aussie outback cruiser!! And that is dirt on the hood.
Next: A Visit to Bunbury, Western Australia – A ships tour to the Margaret River Region
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Jack and Barbara Cummings
Retired US Navy, Retired Network Technician
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Cummings Family Adventures 
Nicely outfitted Toyota you found there Dad. “That’s a bumper “.
Pretty interesting stats on the passenger age break downs.
Yes, that rigged-out car is interesting, tells its own story. Folks must live out in the bush. Would love to see where the people actually live, a snap-shot of the houses in the towns. Thank you Jack. Another good narrative. I look forward to your stories every morning with my coffee.
Lavon
Thanks, Jack. I thoroughly enjoy reading your journal each day.
I absolutely love all the architecture in these towns that your visiting. Almost seems European in some ways. I am not sure what I thought Australia would look like, but the pictures are amazing. I am also slightly surprised by the bag pipes and kilt. Pretty cool!