Princess Royal Fortress

In 1791 Captain George Vancouver claimed the southern part of Western Australia for the British Crown. As he explored along the coast, he discovered one of the world's finest natural harbours and named it the Princess Royal Harbour and King George III Sound.

During the 19th century, the loss of this strategic port to an enemy naval squadron was recognised as a potential threat to the security of Australia. Consequently, as the first federal act - before federation - all the Australian states agreed to proportionally pay for the construction of a fort with the Imperial British Government supplying the guns. The Fort was opened in 1893 as the first federal defence of Australia, and today is called the Princess Royal Fortress.

From 1893 to 1956 the guns of King George Sound maintained their role as a deterrent, though never firing a shot in anger. It was neither age nor enemy that silenced the guns of the Sound but rather the advent of the missile era.

In 1956, throughout the Commonwealth, coastal defences like the Princess Royal Fortress were decommissioned.

The Princess Royal Fortress boasts restored shore batteries, armouries, barracks, the 10th Light Horse display, trails and a collection of naval guns and torpedoes. The fortress is also home to the SE Asia Memorial, US Submariners Memorial and Merchant Navy Memorial.

The site now receives more than 25,000 visitors per year.

Come have a look yourself at the Princess Royal Fortress - Forts Road, Mt Adelaide Albany.

For any further enquiries including any grounds bookings or tour bookings please contact E-mail or 08 9841 9333.

Opening times

           9am - 5pm, Seven days a week

           Anzac Day 12noon-5pm

           Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day

Entry fees

          Adults per visit $12

          Children (aged 9-16) per visit $4.50

          Pensioners per visit $7.50

          Family per visit $28 (up to two adults plus any number of children)

          Annual pass (single adult) per year $31

          Mini bus (up to 12 seats) per visit $70**

          Bus (up to 30 seats) per visit $105**

          Coaches (over 30 seats) per visit $130**

          School/Education Program per visit (per coach) $90 

          Professional photography fee per visit $40

          Wedding Fee $50

          Guide Fee per person (min. of six people) $3.50 each ***

          Curatorial Tour Fee per person (min. of six people) $9.50 each ***

          **Mini buses, buses and coaches can elect to pay fare per passenger

          ***Bookings essential, contact City of Albany (08) 9841 9333

Barbecue area

          Up to 50 people pay standard entry fee

          More than 50 people pay half standard entry fee

          Additional staff member for event - first two hours $62

          Additional staff member for event - subsequent hours $32.50 p/h

Forts kiosk

          Entry to kiosk only is free

Forts merchandise and mementos

Various military replica medals and replacement ribbons, merchandise, mementos and posters are available. All items are charged at recommended retail price.