Albany's Historic Whaling Station – Frenchman Bay, Australia - Atlas Obscura
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Albany's Historic Whaling Station

Frenchman Bay, Australia

Home to the last shore-based whaling station in Australia. 

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Albany's Historic Whaling Station Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
Albany's Historic Whaling Station Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
Albany's Historic Whaling Station Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
Albany's Historic Whaling Station Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
Albany's Historic Whaling Station Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
Albany's Historic Whaling Station Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
Albany's Historic Whaling Station Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
Albany's Historic Whaling Station Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
Albany's Historic Whaling Station Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
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This fascinating complex allows visitors to gain an insight into the practice of whaling in Australia. Records suggest that whales were caught from this part of the Western Australian coastline as far back as the 1840s, and it was in 1920 that commercial fishing began in the area by the Westerman family.  

The Cheynes Beach Whaling Company closed in 1978 and left most of the structures and equipment at the site. Many of the buildings and relics of the industry have been restored making for an authentic experience.

Highlights of the museum include the skeleton of the last sperm whale to be harpooned in Albany, whale oil tanks that have been transformed into theatres showing short films, and the Cheynes IV ship—a whale-chasing vessel that visitors can walk around 

Know Before You Go

There is a car park at the site with free parking. The entry ticket to Albany's Historic Whaling Station also includes entry to the Australian Wildlife Park and Regional Wildflower Garden, both of which are on the same site. 

whales museums and collections history & culture
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Published
April 25, 2023
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