Riders from across Australia have been taking part in the seventh National Veteran Motorcycle Rally throughout the Great Southern.

About 80 bikes have been travelling throughout the region every day in a unique event that presents a rare opportunity for the public viewing of many turn-of-the-century motorcycles.

Some manufactured in Australia before 1920 were brought to Albany by a group of Tasmanian motorcycle enthusiasts.

Every two years, pre-1919 motorcycles and their riders join together for a week-long event in various parts of Australia for the rally.

Two years ago the Butler family from Albany placed a bid for the next event during the sixth rally in Ulverstone, Tasmania.

They were successful in gaining a majority of the votes, edging out the Hunter Valley in NSW.

“This is a great opportunity for the young and old alike to learn something about very early motorcycling development,” Suzanne Butler said.

“As with previous events, riders will visit schools in the district to allow students to ask questions about the machines and how they operate them.”

Past rallies have attracted about 100 riders, with Albany expecting the same number.

“In Albany we will have a working museum of motorcycling history,” Suzanne said.

“Nowhere else in the world will one have the chance to see such bikes in working order - the forefathers of our modern motorcycles.”

They will take part in various activities during the Albany Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Weekend.

Motorcycles will parade up York Street after leaving the Old Gaol at 4pm on Friday.

On Saturday, the traditional meeting of riders and display of bikes on Stirlring Terrace will be followed by a Poker Run throughout the region.

Entries for this close at 11.45am with the run getting under way at 12.30pm after a rider’s briefing outside Dylans.

The main event is Sunday’s hillclimb on Mt Clarence, which starts at 10am and continues until about 3pm.

There is a maximum of 100 entrants, with bikes manufactured prior to 1980.