Anzac precinct ready for visitors

Almost $19 million has been spent to make Albany’s heritage precinct into a world-class site.

Encompassing the natural and historical elements of Mt Adelaide and Mt Clarence, the Albany Heritage Park is set to attract pilgrimages far beyond the centenary commemoration period.

Albany’s Anzac connection and places of historical significance have been largely unknown until now.Australia’s national identity, which began to be forged with the gathering of the Australian and New Zealand convoys in King George Sound 100 years ago, is now represented by a trove of historical artefacts complemented by the highly recognisable vista.

Albany’s objective to be the most significant Anzac commemorative site in Australia is reflected in the historical attractions across the precinct, which has been compared to Kings Park.

Standing as the centrepiece of the Heritage Park and referred to as the “jewel in the crown” by Albany Heritage Park manager Dean Lee, is the $10 million National Anzac Centre inside Princess Royal Fortress.

“The National Anzac Centre becomes a cornerstone, if you like, of Albany’s identity as a destination for visitors and as a community,” Mr Lee said.

“The National Anzac Centre is well supported by a range of significant attractions, including the Desert Mounted Corp memorial, Memorial Drive, the Avenue of Honour and the statue of (Mustafa) Kemal Ataturk down at the Ataturk Channel.

“Obviously, the walking trails and cycling trails allow people to engage with that environment.”Not only was Albany the State’s first settlement, it was also the site of the first Anzac dawn service, led by local army chaplain Padre Arthur White in 1930.

Mt Clarence has undergone $6 million in upgrades, including the expanded Desert Mounted Corps Memorial and Padre White Lookout, which will cater for the expected crowds this weekend and on Anzac Day next year.

The Convoy Walk and Convoy Lookout are also among the attractions within the park, with the walk containing 21 markers with information on the ships in the first and second convoys and the lookout provides a vista over where the troops gathered before departing for World War I.

While the significant upgrades and entry statements to the precinct have enhanced engagement with the Anzac story, the hills of Mt Adelaide and Mt Clarence — one of the last sights of home for the 41,265 troops that sailed from Albany — are a statement in themselves.

At a State Heritage Council seminar in March, Mr Lee said heritage tourism presented a significant opportunity for Albany, with 30 per cent of WA’s international visitors undertaking a heritage tourism activity. He believed the National Anzac Centre would drive this initiative.

“Once this commemorative weekend is behind us and the National Anzac Centre is established as a viable operation, we’ll be spreading our focus across the park to introduce a range of new programs,” Mr Lee said.

Click here to go mobile with iNFOGO - local everywhere