Albany's Historic Whaling Station
Albany's Historic Whaling Station
Albany's Historic Whaling Station
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Spend a day exploring the world’s only complete whaling station tourism attraction and gain fascinating insight into Albany’s colorful past. Follow informative trails to learn the stories of the men and women whose livelihood depended on Australia’s whaling industry. There are a variety of activities to experience and see such as short films within the converted whale oil tanks, a giant blue whale skeleton display, precious scrimshaw art, and a world-renowned marine animal art collection. You may even climb aboard the Cheynes IV, the world’s only preserved Whalechaser ship. Afterwards, relax in a cafe overlooking one of Albany’s most picturesque bays and enjoy free BBQ facilities in a beautiful Regional Wildflower Garden.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- The Claisse FWinchester, United Kingdom9 contributionsEye OpeningEye opening. This station only closed in the 1980s. A fascinating explanation of whaling and the gory process. A business that supported many families in Albany. The story is told factually and with understanding of both points of view in relation to the industry. In my humble opinion this is a fascinating place to visit and helped me to understand why people were involved and why it had to end.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 21 January 2023
- Christine JBargara, Australia397 contributionsRecent whaling historyIt's amazing to think that the whaling from here only ceased in 1978. This is a fascinating insight into the industry at the time, the people who worked in it, the difficulties faced, and an appreciation for how far we've come since whaling stopped. You can explore one of the whaling boats used at the time, stories of individuals, the whaling process, see scrimshaw and whale skeletons. When you've finished going through the exhibition you can stop at the cafe for a drink or a bite to eat overlooking the picturesque bay.Visited May 2023Written 30 May 2023
- GandR18316 contributionsInteresting, but OK!With much to offer, and providing an insight to our ‘whaling past’ this museum and wildlife park is definitely interesting, but overpriced! Whilst informative, the information provided at the whaling station certainly needs a refurb/ refresh/ update. The cafe on site was handy, and we enjoyed a cuppa and delicious scone before moving on to view the spectacular natural attractions that Albany has to offer. Albany is awesome, we didn’t stay here long enough!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,196 reviews
Excellent
651
Very good
371
Average
106
Poor
40
Terrible
28
Tayporttony
Newton Stewart, UK16 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Fantastic day out, with way more to see than we expected. The whaling museum includes the last whaling ship in Australia, there were three cinemas including a 3D movie and then there was a wildlife park and botanical garden. We could have spent even longer there if we had time. The staff were incredibly pleasant and helpful and the whole day was ridiculously good value for money. We’ll be back whenever we get chance to come to Australia again.
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Typical-60plus
Calgary, Canada109 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
The museum was extremely well done and we spent more time than we thought. There was a good combination of self-guided, video and tours. I would highly recommend it.
It was a 30 minute drive from Albany so good to have some snacks or lunch with you. We had lunch at the restaurant which was very good but the restaurant could get backed up on a busy day.
It was a 30 minute drive from Albany so good to have some snacks or lunch with you. We had lunch at the restaurant which was very good but the restaurant could get backed up on a busy day.
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrc49
Le Plessis-Robinson, France58 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Solo
This is the only complete land whaling station that is left on the planet. A monument to the ignorance and cruelty of mankind. There have always been whalers , probably as long as there have been boats but until the 18C whaling was not an industry. It is hard to believe with the last 50 years research results and social media reports and photos that these beautiful, intelligent and peaceful giants were just seen as products.
There is a whaling chaser that can be visited as well as a museum. A must visit if you are in the Albany area.
There is a whaling chaser that can be visited as well as a museum. A must visit if you are in the Albany area.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teacake_Taster
Chesterfield, UK1,053 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
“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.”
Spent most of the day at the Whaling Historic Centre which is in a great position, especially the cafe. It’s a fascinating but challenging experience and well worth the visit. There’s an Australian Wildlife Centre there as well and we saw a couple of wombats as well as other animals and birds.
Spent most of the day at the Whaling Historic Centre which is in a great position, especially the cafe. It’s a fascinating but challenging experience and well worth the visit. There’s an Australian Wildlife Centre there as well and we saw a couple of wombats as well as other animals and birds.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GandR183
Mornington16 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
With much to offer, and providing an insight to our ‘whaling past’ this museum and wildlife park is definitely interesting, but overpriced!
Whilst informative, the information provided at the whaling station certainly needs a refurb/ refresh/ update.
The cafe on site was handy, and we enjoyed a cuppa and delicious scone before moving on to view the spectacular natural attractions that Albany has to offer.
Albany is awesome, we didn’t stay here long enough!
Whilst informative, the information provided at the whaling station certainly needs a refurb/ refresh/ update.
The cafe on site was handy, and we enjoyed a cuppa and delicious scone before moving on to view the spectacular natural attractions that Albany has to offer.
Albany is awesome, we didn’t stay here long enough!
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cam And Ky
20 contributions
Jun. 2023
So much to see and do here- we should have allowed half a day as less than 2 hours was nowhere near enough time- great 3D movie on these amazing creatures, whaling ship to explore, scrimshaw art- a must see!
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara D
2 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Another wonderfully informative museum and display. The displays were well arranged and the mix of digital and still displays was good.
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beetrootears
Balmoral Ridge, Australia473 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Solo
A little bit wary due to the subject of whaling but so glad I went. It was a blustery day with rain squalls -so glad of my rain jacket and beanie. So much information about the impact of the whaling business on the town of Albany and the families who relied on this income. I was fascinated by photos of school kids at the station during its hey day. I love whales and am glad we no longer hunt them but this was truth telling history unsanitised.
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly F
Melbourne, Australia43 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Family
We learnt so much from our visit here today. Very interesting to see how the old whaling station was run . We all loved seeing the whale bones and watching the movies about whales and sharks. We had lunch at the cafe - it was ok. Definitely the highlight was the station! Thanks Albany for sharing your history with us.
Written 17 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine J
Bargara, Australia397 contributions
May 2023
It's amazing to think that the whaling from here only ceased in 1978. This is a fascinating insight into the industry at the time, the people who worked in it, the difficulties faced, and an appreciation for how far we've come since whaling stopped. You can explore one of the whaling boats used at the time, stories of individuals, the whaling process, see scrimshaw and whale skeletons. When you've finished going through the exhibition you can stop at the cafe for a drink or a bite to eat overlooking the picturesque bay.
Written 31 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ozzie2
Australia19 contributions
Can I get to the Whaling Station by public transport or a taxi?
DiscoveryBayAU
Albany, Australia
Hi Ozzie,
Yes, the local taxi companies can transport you to the Historic Whaling Station. There are no public transport options. Local tour operator Busy Blue Bus have an Albany Whale tour which includes transport and entry into the Whaling Station.
Liam M
Perth, Australia1 contribution
Are pets allowed?
Dan L
Bunbury, Australia7,271 contributions
I have never seen pets inside the complex. I'm not sure if they are not allowed or that people simply do not bring them. Personally, I would not consider the area as suitable for pets. You can phone the Whaling Station direct for an accurate answer.
Regards
chc137
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Any entrance fee?
DiscoveryBayAU
Albany, Australia
Hi chc137, yes there is an entrance fee to explore our site, please visit our website for full list of entry pricing. Most guests spend 2 - 3 hours exploring the Historic Whaling Station, plus another 45 minutes to 1 hour in our Australian Wildlife Park and Regional Wildflower Garden. We have free picnic and BBQ facilities, so bring along a picnic lunch or enjoy a delicious meal in our seaside cafe. As we are a not-for-profit organisation all ticket sales go directly into maintaining this heritage listed site and preserving Albany's unique history.
Lucy Lloyd Cahalin
1 contribution
How long do you need to visit please?
DiscoveryBayAU
Albany, Australia
Most guests spend 2 - 3 hours exploring the Historic Whaling Station. We run guided tours on the hour from 10am to 3pm each day and run for 40 minutes. The majority of the site is self-guided with four movie theatres, many galleries and displays, and the Cheynes IV Whalechasing ship to climb aboard. Plus, we have an Australian Wildlife Park and Wildflower Garden to explore, all of which is included with your entry ticket. If you would like any additional information, please give us a call on 08 9844 4021.
greywolfSydney
sydney37 contributions
Is the experience substantially wheelchair accessible?
DiscoveryBayAU
Albany, Australia
Hi greywolfSydney, yes our site is almost completely wheelchair and pram accessible. The only part of the site which is not is inside the Cheynes IV Whalechaser, which has stairs and ladders for access as it is an original whaling ship.
Please give us a call on (08) 9844 4021 if you need any additional information. We hope to see you visit soon.:)
Just wondering if the whaling history/films/tours would be a bit scary for 5 and 3 year olds? (My 5 year old listens very attentively so he's not likely to zone out!) I feel like they would enjoy it otherwise. Thanks
DiscoveryBayAU
Albany, Australia
Hello, we have plenty of families bring children these ages through and they don't get scared at all. It is always surprising how well they handle the history of the site and how it was used. You are welcome to start a tour and then 'wander off' if you notice the kids aren't engaged - the whole site is open so you are free to explore the factory without our guide. I'm sure they will enjoy the chance to go onto the whaling ship and have a look!
Jacklyn D
Albany, NY
If you stay in Building 2, do you still have access to the rooftop pool in Building 1?
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Claim your listingAlbany's Historic Whaling Station: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Albany's Historic Whaling Station
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