Brig Amity

Exploring the historical past of the city of Albany is unthinkable without a visit to the Brig Amity. This majestic sailing ship is a full-scale and incredibly accurate replica of the vessel that, in 1826, brought the first European settlers to the wild shores where Australia now flourishes.

Brig Amity. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Built in the mid-1970s to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the city's founding, this museum ship has become a true symbol of the colonial era. The creators of the replica put in maximum effort, using authentic materials and construction techniques from the early 19th century to recreate the 148-ton vessel in its original form.

Located just a few hundred meters from the very spot where the historic brig first docked in Princess Royal Harbour, the Brig Amity serves today as a living history lesson. It allows every visitor to feel the scale of courage of those who decided on a long journey across the ocean to found a new home.

For more information about visiting, ticket prices, or special events, you can use the official communication channels. The museum complex strives to keep its information up-to-date for the convenience of all city guests.

Below are the main contact details for communication and navigation:

A true journey through time awaits you on board the vessel. Visitors are free to roam the deck, breathing in the salty sea air, and descend into the inner quarters. Here, in the cramped living compartments, it is easy to imagine how forty-five people, including soldiers and convict tradesmen, shared the space during their long passage from Sydney.

To make the visit as informative as possible, it is recommended to use the informative audio guide. It tells in detail about the life of the crew, the difficulties of navigation in the Great Australian Bight, and the ambitious mission of Major Edmund Lockyer. This is an excellent opportunity to learn not just dry facts, but the personal stories of the people at the origins of the settlement's foundation.

Thanks to its fortunate location near the waterfront and a modern entertainment center, a visit to the Brig Amity can be combined with a walk through the picturesque surroundings of the port, watching as the modern rhythm of life meets the breath of history.

Finding the famous sailing ship is easy, as it is located on one of the city's central waterfronts at Princess Royal Drive. The vessel is in close proximity to the Albany Entertainment Centre, and its tall masts are clearly visible from afar as you stroll along the shores of Princess Royal Harbour.

If you are arriving by car, there is convenient parking available near the museum complex. For those who prefer public transport, buses run through the city center, and it is a pleasant few-minute walk from the stops to the ship. You can also always use a taxi—the ride from anywhere in the center will take only a few minutes.

The history of the original Brig Amity began far from Australian shores—it was launched in 1816 in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada. Built from sturdy black birch and pine, the vessel initially served commercial purposes, sailing between America and Great Britain, until it was purchased by the Sydney government in 1824 for colonial needs.

The most significant chapter in the ship's chronicle began on November 9, 1826. Under the command of Captain Thomas Hansen, the brig set out on a historic voyage, carrying Major Edmund Lockyer, soldiers, convict tradesmen, and their families. This expedition led to the founding of the first European settlement in Western Australia when the ship dropped anchor in Princess Royal Harbour on Christmas Day, 1826.

The fate of the original vessel ended tragically: in 1845, it was wrecked off the coast of northern Tasmania. However, the memory of it proved stronger than time. In the 1970s, thanks to the efforts of historian Les Johnson and talented shipwrights led by Pieter van der Brugge, a full-scale replica was created, serving as an eternal monument to the pioneers.

To leisurely explore the decks, peek into the cabins, and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of 19th-century sea travel, visitors usually need 1 to 2 hours. This is quite enough time to listen to the audio guide and take memorable photos against the backdrop of the vintage rigging.

If you are traveling with children, the time may increase slightly, as little explorers will surely want to investigate every corner of the ship. In any case, the visit easily fits into a stroll along the waterfront, leaving time for relaxation in nearby cafes.

The historic vessel welcomes guests daily, making it easy to include in your travel itinerary any day of the week. The museum doors are open for visitors from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Mon–Sun: 09:30–16:00). It is recommended to arrive no later than an hour before closing to have time to explore all the decks without rushing.

A visit to the historic ship is just the beginning of your introduction to the rich heritage and natural beauty of the region. Many interesting locations are concentrated around the waterfront and within a few minutes' drive, helping you better feel the atmosphere of this land.

Be sure to set aside time to explore the old forts, memorials, and natural viewpoints located nearby: