We are coming to the end of term 1 of ‘road school’ which has obviously had its ups and downs. Some days are full of motivation… others not so much! However, one of the clear benefits of learning whilst travelling is the opportunity for some fun excursions to bring your classroom lesson to life.

Over the last term, Finlay has been learning about the First Fleet and it turns out that Albany was the first European settlement in the west. In November 1826, the Brig Amity set sail from Sydney with 63 passengers (mix of convicts and officers) 2 cows, sheep, chickens and a bull! Six weeks later they were forced ashore at King George Sound due to rough seas (and the need to hunt for kangaroo meat) and the settlement of Albany was created. A replica of the Brig Amity is now located on the foreshore in Albany and made for a perfect place to explore and learn about the history of the area.

It turns out that Albany is a great place for ‘field trips’ with the opportunity to learn about the old whaling station which was the main industry for the area (and now had an awesome cafe with the best lunch ever!). Also a chance to visit the ANZAC memorial on the foreshore in recognition of Albany’s position as the final departure point for troops leaving Australian shores in 1914.

School lessons aside, Albany is also the first ‘city’ we have ventured into since leaving Sydney so clearly some shopping time to be had. We found a super cool fishing/ camping shop called Trailblazers which sold everything you could ever need (and more) for camping. I think it’s my new favourite shop! Kids also managed to talk us into buying a new guitar for Fin and a Ukulele for Kiera… fun times ahead! We even took the kids tenpin bowling just for a change of activity … lots of fun had by all!

Torndirrup National Park is a short drive from Albany and home to the ‘Gap’ and Natures Bridge. Pretty spectacular scenery and a different view of the dramatic coastline we are following.

From family surf time at Middleton Beach, fishing at Emu Point and exploring the Torndirrup National Park, Albany has been a great location to explore.