Albany

“Jandakot Tower, BAZ ready”....“BAZ cleared for takeoff”. With that the Comanche throttle was edged forward, propeller going to full rpm, airspeed increasing, the magic of flight. Once again the Bazflyers were in the air continuing their journey south following the coastline to where the Continent of Australia meets the Great Southern Ocean. Destination, the town of Albany.

West Australia’s southern coastline and the Great Southern Ocean.

The isolation and sheer force of the Southern Ocean was unexpected. The unrestrained and relentless ocean sculpturing a raw coastline – think cliff faces carved out by crashing waves, natural rock formations in the shape of giant bridges, and remote, white sandy inlets with turquoise-coloured water lapping at the shore.

Albany was revealed as a very old settlement strategically situated at the head of King George Sound. A town that has significant ties to World War I, being the departure point for the majority of Anzac troops going to Europe during the war. The first convoy departed 1 November 1914. It comprised 38 ships carrying 29,000 men and women with more than 7,000 horses.

Looking out over King George Sound where ships carrying New Zealand and Australian troops assembled prior to embarking for what was to be World War One. Thousands of them were never to return home.

National ANZAC Centre at Albany, an incredibly moving memorial to all the men and women who were ANZACs.