Giant puppet and naval tours highlight 200-year celebration

Albany’s storied connection to giants of the sea, international trade evolution and the military will be front and centre when Southern Ports marks 200 years of the Port of Albany at PortFest.

The Whale by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, a large-scale and graceful interactive marionette, will form the centrepiece of one of PortFest’s six zones on Saturday 11 April.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said PortFest was about celebrating the port, the region and the community alongside each another.

“The Port itself is always going to be a main attraction at any port open day, but PortFest is bigger than any usual open day,” Mr Wilks said.

“Seeing The Whale at the Port is going to be an extraordinary experience that ties in so well with our roles as guardians of a vast aquatic playground and to Albany’s own connection with these magnificent creatures.”

Crowds will have the chance to control the 10-metre-long whale marionette during performances in PortFest’s Adventure Zone throughout the day.

Sand sculptures and block art will also take shape during the event, in addition to face painting, bouncy castles and plenty more for explorers young and old to discover.

There will also be a one-off chance to tour a Royal Australian Navy HMAS Warramunga vessel which is visiting Albany exclusively for PortFest. 

“It’s really exciting that an ANZAC-class frigate will be alongside PortFest, and even more so that the navy is welcoming visitors aboard during the event,” Mr Wilks said.

“Appreciating the scale of these vessels from up close on the berth is one thing, it’s a whole other thing to have the opportunity to go on board.”

The Harbour Zone will also offer the chance to learn more about Southern Ports’ operations, including how cargo vessels safely navigate the harbour.

Elsewhere the past will be brought back to life through performances by Theatre 180 in the History Zone, which will also shine a light on some of the Port’s own archives.

Over in the Recharge Zone there’ll be live music throughout the day and plenty of food options to choose from before exploring the Port further on the Discovery Trail or through a bus tour.

“We’re packing a lot into PortFest to celebrate the Port of Albany’s lasting impact on the growth of our state in a fitting manner, which is with our community,” Mr Wilks said.

“There really is going to be something for everyone, and no matter how many times you see cargo vessels up close, they are still awe-inspiring every time.

“Because we are so connected globally it can be easy to forget how important the maritime industry has been and continues to be to Australia as an island-nation, PortFest will shine a light on that.”

PortFest will be held at the Port of Albany from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 11 April, and while it’s a free event, tickets are essential and can be secured through the Southern Ports website.

Reserve your spot on the HMAS Warramunga tour or one of the bus tours of the port at the time of booking.