Albany 2026: Parade Street recognised as WA’s oldest street with new signage marking 200 year colonial history

A significant piece of WA’s history is being recognised with new signage marking Albany’s Parade Street as the State’s oldest street.

Three signs have been installed where Parade Street meets Stirling Terrace, Duke Street and Vancouver Street, highlighting the streets connection to the establishment of the British military outpost in Kinjarling-Albany almost 200 years ago.

The new signage forms part of Albany’s bicentenary recognising the people, places and events that occurred during this time.

Parade Street sits within the site of the military outpost established under Major Edmund Lockyer, whose party arrived aboard the Amity in December of 1826 to establish a British presence at King George Sound.

The settlement, originally known as Frederick Town was established several years before the Swan River Colony and marked the beginning of permanent British settlement in WA.

A barracks and parade ground were built at the site in early 1827, with Parade Street later taking its name from the military activities that took place there.

A plaque is embedded in the bitumen of Parade Street where Major Lockyer officially erected the first flag in WA.

Today, the street runs through one of Albany’s most significant heritage precincts, close to the Albany Convict Gaol and the historic buildings of Stirling Terrace and Duke Street.

Mayor of Albany Greg Stocks said the signs provided a simple but important way to recognise the significance of the street and encourages people to learn more about the area.

“Parade Street provides a direct physical connection to the earliest period of colonial settlement in Albany and WA,” he said.

“These signs give Parade Street greater recognition within this important heritage precinct and encourage residents and visitors to explore the surrounding landmarks and learn more about Albany’s history.

“For many people, it may be surprising to learn that a street they regularly walk or drive along has been part of the fabric of Albany for almost two centuries.

“Albany’s history is layered and complex and markers such as these can prompt people to better understand the events, people and perspectives that have shaped our city and WA.”