Albany’s Historic Whaling Station

4.5 (2770 Google reviews)

Albany’s Historic Whaling Station

81 Whaling Station Rd, Frenchman Bay WA 6330, Australia

Monday - Sunday: 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM

Phone

email

Send email

Speak to a local expert Visit Website

Spend a day exploring the world’s only complete whaling station tourism attraction and experience a fascinating insight into Albany’s colourful past. Follow informative trails to learn the stories of the men and women whose livelihood depended on Australia’s whaling industry of yesteryear.

Visit the only complete whaling station tourism attraction in the world!

Albany’s Historic Whaling Station was the last operating station in Australia and provides a fascinating insight into Albany’s colourful past. Recognised as a heritage site, the whaling station is an engaging and educational tourism attraction for all ages to enjoy.

Find yourself immersed in the sights and sounds of the whaling industry;
Enjoy short films within the converted whale oil tanks;
Climb aboard the Cheynes IV, the world’s only preserved Whalechaser ship;
See the giant blue whale skeleton;
Enjoy the world-renowned marine animal art collection and view the precious scrimshaw art.

Visit the museum exhibits filled with authentic, whaling artefacts and memorabilia or relax in the café overlooking one of Albany’s most picturesque bays.

Albany's unique, biodiverse location is also home to over a 100,000 species of native plants which are now displayed in the Historic Whaling Station's Regional Wildflower Garden. Families can enjoy free BBQ’s in the gardens and learn about the friendly collection of native animals at the Australian Wildlife Park.

Visit Albany's Historic Whaling Station for a memorable day on The Amazing South Coast.

Amenities

Location

Albany’s Historic Whaling Station

81 Whaling Station Rd, Frenchman Bay WA 6330, Australia

Reviews

4.5 (2770 Google reviews)

Wayne Star 08 June 2026

Before coming to Australia, I only knew that Japan had a long history of whaling. But I never thought I would find a historic whaling station in Western Australia. Looking at Australia today, it's hard to imagine that whaling was once such an important industry. Over the years, whales were hauled ashore and processed into whale oil and other valuable products. At the time, it was an important source of income and fed countless people. Like many industries throughout history, it exists because there is demand, and where there is demand, there is a market. The ruins are so well preserved that visitors feel as if they have traveled back in time to understand the industrial operations at that time. Architecture, machinery, photographs and museum exhibits come together to tell the story of the times that shaped this part of Australia. The site is surrounded by a vast and magnificent seascape, which complements the surrounding natural beauty and human history, forming a fascinating picture. Among all the exhibits, the ones that impressed me most were the old photos. In the picture, the ocean is dyed red with whale blood, fishing boats are returning with full loads, and rows of whale carcasses are waiting to be disposed of. I understand the purpose of this industry. People work to survive, grow their careers, and support their communities. It's easy to look at history through modern eyes, but truly understanding what the past really was is often more complex. Standing in front of those photos, I have an indescribable feeling in my heart. Just think that through these histories, we can reflect on how our relationship with nature has changed over time. History isn’t always pleasant, but perhaps that’s why it’s so important to understand. It helps us understand where we came from, how our values evolved, and the choices we make for the future.

Deon Quinn 28 May 2026

Visited the Whaling station 5 odd years ago and the revisit was just as good the second time around. Well worth the visit but nake sure you give yourself a few hours. There is also a nice cafe that has a reasonable menu. Our lunch was fish and chips that was very tasty.

Jaclyn henderson 06 March 2026

The visit to the Historic Whaling Station was such an interesting and worthwhile experience. The site is incredibly well preserved and gives you a real insight into an important part of Australia’s history. Walking through the old buildings, seeing the whaling ship, and learning about how the industry operated was both fascinating and eye-opening. The museum displays are informative and well presented, making it easy for both adults and kids to understand the history. The views over the ocean are absolutely stunning as well, which makes exploring the area even more enjoyable. It’s a great stop if you’re visiting Albany and definitely something I’d recommend to anyone interested in history, culture, or unique Australian experiences. A really memorable place to visit. 🐋🌊

Tom Butcher 26 January 2026

The Albany Historic Whaling Station is a fascinating and sobering experience. Set in a real, repurposed whaling station, it gives an honest look at the history of whaling in the region. Some displays are quite graphic, but they effectively show the reality of the process. There are real artefacts throughout, and the dry-docked whaling ship is a highlight — you can freely explore the crew quarters, engine room, and see the original harpoons still in place. There’s a café on site, plenty of parking, and your ticket also includes access to a botanical garden and a nature area with Australian wildlife. Tickets are a bit pricey, but you do get access to multiple areas. Allow 2–3 hours if you want to see everything properly, or about 1.5 hours for a quicker visit. Well worth doing while in Albany.

Advice from a Local

Our team of local experts are here to help plan and book your stay in the Margaret River Region.

Speak to a local expert

Why travel with us?

Local Knowledge

Local Knowledge

Explore accommodation, dining, experiences & events curated by local experts with insider advice and tips along every step of your holiday planning journey.

Free Concierge Support

Free Concierge Support

Available 7 days a week, 9 - 5. Our local experts can provide a full consultation and booking service free of charge.

Book Direct

Book Direct

We're a not-for-profit local tourism association that helps you book direct with local businesses.