Albany, ALLbany, Derby, DArby

Haze and I have just returned from an overnighter in Western Australia's oldest town, Albany. With ANZAC day fast looming, it's poignant to note Albany was the marshalling point for the Australian ANZACs, and the last place many of the poor buggers set foot on Australian soil.

Movie buffs may recall Albany as the port from which a fresh-faced Mel Gibson set sail for international fame and fortune via Gallipoli.

A former Southern Ocean whaling town, Albany has much in common, scenery and whaling wise with the Tasmanian capital of Hobart. It also reminds me of Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia, but now I just sound like a travel wanker.

It also has lots of granite - some of which once tethered the Australian mainland to Antarctica. As this was way back in the days of Gondwanaland, only the very oldest ANZACS could remember it.

The Albanians honour their granite almost as much as their ANZACs. So here's a picture of Albany's Dog Rock for you.