Albany: National Anzac Centre Ticket & Fortress Access

Summary

Personal stories and historic echoes at Albany’s Anzac Centre

You’ll step inside Albany’s National Anzac Centre and follow real-life WWI stories from recruitment to homecoming, guided by interactive exhibits and personal artifacts. Explore Princess Royal Fortress with its old bunkers and sweeping harbor views, then wander coastal trails surrounded by wildflowers and sea air. It’s honest history—felt more than told.

What’s the experience like?

Li was the first person I met—she handed me my entry ticket at the National Anzac Centre in Albany and asked if I’d ever been before. I shook my head, a bit embarrassed, because I grew up hearing about the Anzacs but never really pictured where they left from. She just smiled and pointed out the big windows facing the harbor. “That’s where they said goodbye,” she said. It hit me harder than I expected, standing there with that salty wind sneaking in every time someone opened the door.

The centre itself isn’t what I imagined—there’s no dusty glass cabinets or stuffy silence. Instead you pick a card at random (I got Private George) and suddenly you’re following his footsteps through the war. The audio is quiet but steady in your ear; sometimes you hear boots on gravel or snippets of letters home. At one point, I caught myself tracing my finger along a faded photograph, which probably looked odd to anyone passing by. There’s something about seeing their handwriting up close that makes it all feel personal, not just history textbook stuff.

Afterwards, I wandered outside into the Princess Royal Fortress grounds—old bunkers half-swallowed by grass, big guns pointed out to sea like they’re still waiting for ships that won’t come. A couple of local kids were climbing on a cannon (probably not allowed), their parents chatting nearby about wildflowers blooming along the trails this time of year. The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus and seaweed. I took my time walking back through the reserve, thinking about all those departures from Albany. Funny how a place can hold so much memory in its bones—you feel it even if you didn’t expect to.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit National Anzac Centre and Fortress

• Arrive at National Anzac Centre
• Explore interactive exhibits and artifacts
• Follow personal Anzac stories
• Tour Princess Royal Fortress coastal guns and bunkers
• Enjoy nature reserve walking and biking trails
• Experience whale watching and local dining

Top questions

How long should I plan for a visit to the National Anzac Centre?

If you want to see both the National Anzac Centre and Princess Royal Fortress, allow up to 4 hours; for just the centre itself, 2 hours is usually enough.

Is entry to Princess Royal Fortress included with my ticket?

Yes, your general entry ticket includes access to all buildings within Princess Royal Fortress as well as the National Anzac Centre.

Is the National Anzac Centre wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout both sites.

Can infants or small children visit?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during your visit.

Are service animals allowed inside?

Service animals are permitted throughout both the National Anzac Centre and fortress grounds.

Is there parking available at the site?

Yes, there is ample free car parking available at the National Anzac Centre precinct.

How do visitors experience WWI stories inside the centre?

You’ll assume an identity of one of 32 actual service men or women and follow their journey using multimedia exhibits and artifacts.

Are public transport options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the centre for easy access.

What’s included

Your ticket covers general entry to both the National Anzac Centre and all buildings within Princess Royal Fortress. You’ll have full access to interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, outdoor fortifications, nature trails around Mount Adelaide Reserve—and everything is wheelchair accessible for all visitors.