Historic Whaling Station Discovery Bay Overview

Albany's Historic Whaling Station

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

Looking out from the well-worn flensing deck, the view of King George Sound and its islands is breathtaking. The quiet tranquillity is in sharp contrast to the noisy, steamy, and very odorous scene from its past. The whaling station, which operated here from 1952 to 1978, is now a fascinating historic site, in which the stories of the teams of men who worked on the whaling ships and in processing the catch, bring the place to life. The Historic Whaling Station Collection includes a large photographic collection. Some of this rich visual material can be seen in the Colin Green Heritage Gallery, named after the community-minded businessman who first proposed that the Green Family donate its asset of the abandoned whaling station to the Jaycees Community Foundation to preserve this important industrial heritage. The site, and its fascinating displays, is now one of Albany’s most popular tourist attractions.

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View Collection at Collections WA

Address:

81 Whaling Station Road
Torndirrup WA 6330
Australia

Tel:

(08) 9844 4021

Email:

reception@discoverybay.com.au

Opening Hours

7 days 9am - 5pm

Flensing Knife and Boots

Wearing rubber boots with metal cleats on them, the flenser would walk up over the whale’s body, using the sharp knife blade to cut into the meat. As one of the flensers said, ‘It’s a dangerous sport...

Model of a Whale Chaser

This intricate model of the Cheynes IV vessel, was made by local model boat enthusiast Ian Lunt. The Cheynes IV was one of six whale chasers owned by the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company over its 27...

Sperm Whale Skeleton

This skeleton is of one of the last whales to be caught in Australian waters in 1978. It would have taken two hours for the whale chaser to tow its harpooned catch from the deep waters of the...

Betty Brown Historical Centre

The first museum in Darkan highlights the significant role of women in the development of agricultural communities.

Be captivated by the stories of women like Betty Brown, who made a considerable contribution to farming in the Shire of West Arthur. Betty’s family moved to the region in 1867 to establish a farm...

Museum of the Great Southern

Located on the shores of Princess Royal Harbour, the Museum’s engaging program of exhibits and events is spread throughout the site. Stroll around the expansive grounds to learn about the arrival of...

Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre

An old school building in the centre of Bunbury houses a fascinating overview of the history of this important regional centre. Stepping into this historic building from Arthur Street, you are...

Strawberry Hill at Barmup

Walking along the path towards the historic house, enjoy the lush gardens around you. As well as being beautiful, they illustrate why this location was an important place for both the Menang people...