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Western Australia
Albany
Frenchman Bay
Things to Do in Frenchman Bay
Albany's Historic Whaling Station
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Albany's Historic Whaling Station

See all things to do
See all things to do
Albany's Historic Whaling Station
4.5
#1 of 1 things to do in Frenchman Bay
Speciality MuseumsHistory Museums
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
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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.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • The Claisse F
    Winchester, United Kingdom9 contributions
    Eye Opening
    Eye 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 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written January 21, 2023
  • Christine J
    Bargara, Australia397 contributions
    Recent whaling history
    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.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 30, 2023
  • GandR183
    16 contributions
    Interesting, 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 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 11, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,196 reviews
Excellent
651
Very good
371
Average
106
Poor
40
Terrible
28
KiamaP
Kiama, Australia22 contributions
Historic and Sad
Jan 2020 • Couples
It’s easy, but also very disturbing, to imagine this place as an active whaling station in the 1970’s -many of the areas still have the original equipment in place. There are movies to watch, skeletons of the different whales and dolphins, and an actual whaling ship to explore. I recommend getting a guide, who are knowledgeable and helpful, to take you around and explain the historic aspects.
In a picturesque setting with a great cafe and shop full of beautiful souvenirs.
Written February 14, 2020
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.
DiscoveryBayAU
Hello Kiama Thank you for your review. We have worked very hard over the past 40 years to keep the original factory site as authentic as possible for our visitors. This is what makes it easy for visitors to imagine it still operating and can add to the sadness felt by some in a visit. We are very pleased to read that you enjoyed a great tour with one of our guides as well as friendly service in the cafe and gift shop to round out your visit.
Written February 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Calin P
Devonport, Tasmania, Australia316 contributions
Do not go on a hot day
Mar 2021 • Couples
Certainly worth a visit but DO NOT GO ON A HOT DAY. There is no air conditioning anywhere and on a hot day it is impossible to visit at least half the site. The audio experience is outside in full sun and the temperature inside the tank cinemas rises to unbearable levels. At the time when we visited it was 30 degrees outside and NOBODY in our group of over 20 was capable of watching more than a couple of minutes of the documentaries before having to walk out. One teenage girl almost fainted about half way through the tour.
Even the cafe had no AC.
Great to visit but pick a cool day.
Written March 21, 2021
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.
DiscoveryBayAU
Hi Calin Thank you for your feedback. I personally remember last weekend as being very warm for three days straight (which is incredibly unusual for Albany even in summer) and appreciate your comments about the theatres. Unfortunately due to the sheer size and shape of the tanks it is not practical to install air-conditioning, and as a not-for-profit organisation this simply is not in our budget. Thankfully, the films are all quite short and we find most visitors manage ok. The audio at the factory runs for 10 minutes and shady spots can be found that still allow visitors to listen and enjoy this, so I am surprised to read that this was also uncomfortable, particularly as the factory is situated right on the ocean's edge? It does still appear that you enjoyed the exhibits, and we do hope the heat wasn't too unbearable for the majority of your visit...it is not a comment we hear often living down south here in Albany, where our weather is better known for being too cold!
Written March 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Spanner007
Perth, Australia25 contributions
Second time for a visit.
Jan 2020
I enjoyed this the first time around and brought a family member here to see the only ex-whaling station/museum in the world. Very thought provoking place and maybe one day we will visit ex-slaughterhouses and feel the same sense of shame for killing magnificent farm animals. The skeletons really helped put the size in proportions! Loved the little cinemas in the old oil vats.
Written January 9, 2020
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.
DiscoveryBayAU
Hello Thank you for paying us a return visit and bringing a guest to share your experience, it definitely is a unique museum being the only complete whaling station open to the public 12 months of the year and it can be quite thought provoking to many. There is something about being under the skeletons, and then going into the whale oil tanks to really make us feel tiny! We appreciate you sending through your review, thank you!
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah Tassie
St. John's, Canada62 contributions
Very Interesting
Jan 2020 • Solo
I was surprised by how much time I spent here, but was so absorbed by all the information. My father and I began the day by exploring the boat, which provided lots of information not only on the mechanical workings of the boat, but also life on it. Then we went on the guided tour, which was so informative and engaging. We then watched the movies in the tanks. The museum is interactive and information presented in such a clear way. There is plenty there for both kids and adults.
Written January 4, 2020
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.
DiscoveryBayAU
Hello Sarah Thank you for your detailed review, you are certainly not alone in being surprised at how quickly time goes while exploring our displays! It happens to lots of our visitors...so much to see and be involved in with our interactive displays. We are so pleased you found it as interesting and engaging as you did.
Written January 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hello80
Perth, Australia2 contributions
Interesting visit
Oct 2021 • Couples
Interesting place with lots to see.
I’m really confused by the people who say it wasn’t worth the money and that they saw everything in a short period of time.
If you walk around all the exhibits and read the information provided and watch the films, you are looking at a minimum of 2-3 hours.
I particularly enjoyed seeing the boat. The conditions on a stormy day must have been scary.
We all know whaling was not a humane practice and we’re glad it’s over.
However, if you find the films and exhibits confronting, make sure you don’t eat meat and dairy. Far worse practices happen in animal agriculture and on a much greater scale, every day. No point crying over the whales when you grab a burger at the cafe at the end of your visit.
Written October 1, 2021
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.
DiscoveryBayAU
Hello! Thank you for your review, and the supporting comments about how many exhibits we have to view and the time it takes to absorb the information presented. We are very happy to read that you found it interesting, and that the opportunity to explore the Cheynes IV had you imagining the conditions that whaling men worked in. Our aim is to bring their stories to life for visitors, and it sounds like we have achieved this in your case. We hope your review encourages others to also plan a visit to us soon.
Written October 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Oldtable
Brisbane Region, Australia264 contributions
below average really for what is is
May 2021
good intentions but $29 entry really puts one off. it does cover the caged zoo & a shell collection. Not everyone wants to do all three, but priced the same as the National Maratime museum which is way better value

bit more than a glorified picture gallery, ok there is a whale boat & some skelletons
Written May 15, 2021
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.
DiscoveryBayAU
Hello Thank you for your comments, we are disappointed to read that you feel you didn't receive good value for money from a visit to our heritage site. There is over 25 different exhibits within our museum, including the restored whaling ship and full access to the whaling factory spaces (which no other museum in the world offers). Our museum contains five films, on varying topics relevant to our industry which you don't mention so we wonder if you saw these, and we generally receive very positive feedback on our skeleton collection from our guests. To add to this whaling history, we do offer access to the regional wildflower and wetland gardens and a small wildlife park for no additional charge. We find that many visitors enjoy these secondary attractions at no extra charge, but we acknowledge it won't suit everybody. It seems we missed the mark with meeting your expectations and we are sorry that this is the case.
Written May 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue J
Perth, Australia94 contributions
part of our history
Jun 2021 • Couples
Last time I visited here was just after the whaling station closed in 1978. A good display with short films of the day, hands on displays , all parts of the station were accessible- crew quarters, boiler room, flencing decks and the Cheyenne ship. Sad to see what we did back then. There is access to a small animal farm included in the price which is located at the back of the station. Nice little coffee shop on site that sells light lunch. Enjoyable morning out.
Written June 9, 2021
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.
DiscoveryBayAU
Hello Thank you for your review, we are sure you have noticed a dramatic change to our museum displays since your last visit! It can be hard to reconcile a visit today with the history of the industry in the past, but our role as a museum is to present this history without bias and to let visitors draw their own conclusion. We don't manage the cafe, but do enjoy their food and coffee ourselves and will pass your comments on to their team.
Written June 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GandR183
Mornington16 contributions
Interesting, but OK!
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!
Written October 11, 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.
Elyssa H
Serpentine, Australia87 contributions
Very good and informative, but expensive
Jun 2021 • Couples
Loved walking around and learning our countrys history relating to whaling. Was very sad to see what was done but very informative. I do think it is very expensive ($32) per person considering it is a self guided tour of the place. Has a lovely cafe overlooking the water which is lovely and has a small, cute animal inclosure full of animals for you to see. Botanical gardens not that special but would be lovely for some people. Overall enjoyed out day out there but wouldnt need to go back again any time soon. Worth it even though its expensive
Written July 17, 2021
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.
DiscoveryBayAU
Hi Elyssah Thank you for your comments. We know that the history of this site can be difficult for people, but we think it is important that it is shared without bias, as that is the role of a museum. You were here possibly a bit early in the year for a great wildflower display (this is more late September/October) and we are happy that you enjoyed visiting our friendly animals. Your comments about the pricing will be passed on to our management board, however it sounds like you enjoyed value for money and felt it was worth a visit, even if you feel the price is a bit high. Great feedback, thank you.
Written August 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
R A
5 contributions
Definitely worth the visit
Jul 2022 • Couples
Entrance is $37 pp( adult, no con sessions), and personally I think is worth it. Really well-kept, staff is knowledgeable and friendly. You can walk inside a whaling ship. See whale skeletons. Very educational.
Written July 5, 2022
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.
DiscoveryBayAU
Hello Thank you for your review. Can we clarify please, entry is $35 per adult and concession entry is offered at $30. For this, you can expect up to 3 hours of exploring a variety of exhibits including the whaling ship and skeletons as you mention. Entry also includes access to our wildflower garden and wildlife park, so we think it offers great value for money! We are managed as a not-for-profit organisation, and maintain the site with only a small team (including some lovely community volunteers) and we truly appreciate your comments on the presentation of the site, as it is something we pride ourselves on. So pleased that you enjoyed your interactions with our team and learnt about Australian whaling industry through your visit, we hope to see you again!
Written July 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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