Images and Video
Albany's Whale Story
Highlights
- Explore Albany's whaling history at the Historic Whaling Station, the only one of its kind in the world.
- Journey through Torndirrup National Park, soaking in breathtaking coastal views and natural beauty.
- Witness intricate Scrimshaw art on a 4-metre Sperm Whale jawbone, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship.
- Reflect on the significance of whale hunting and the modern value of whale watching in Albany.
Understand Albany’s whaling history and contemporary whale watching.
The tour begins at the Albany Visitor Centre with a journey around Princess Royal Harbour, King George Sound, the Southern Ocean and beyond. Albany’s role as the last station in operation in Australia’s whaling story comes to life at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station – the only experience like it in the world!
Highlights include a scenic drive through the Torndirrup National Park, a guided tour through Albany’s Historic Whaling Station The tour provides a reflection on the significance of whale hunting in the past and recognition of the value of whale watching today.
We’re a member of the elite group of tourism operators in Western Australia, part of the Dream Collective. Guests say:
“An excellent tour. We were given a lot of information on the drive out to the Whaling station. I went mainly to see the excellent Scrimshaw work done by Gray Tonkin engraved on the 4 metre Sperm Whale jawbone plus on teeth from a Sperm whale. This whaling station has a grim history with so many whales slaughtered – interesting history. They also had the skeleton of a Humpback whale showing its baleen.” 5 stars Fay November 2024.
Itinerary highlights
Albany's Historic Whaling Station
Albany’s Historic Whaling Station is the only whaling stationopen to the public in the world. An chacne to see in to the past and appreciate whale today.
Explore an intact whale processing factory and whale chasing ship – fully restored and ready for you to discover.
The Cheynes Beach Whaling Company was the last whaling company to cease operations in Australia, closing in 1978. Opening in 1980 (known then as Whale World), it is now home to an interactive museum on whales and whaling.
Join a tour of the whaling factory with our passionate guide to gain an informative overview of the stations operations, and then discover the many additional exhibits at your own pace.
Excellent views over King George Sound from Frenchman Bay
Take in the vista of King George Sound as you sit and relax with tea/coffee and cake after exploring the static and interactive exhibits which include access to the botanical gardens and the wildlife park.
Tour details
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Available from 17 October 2017 to 31 March 2026
Features
Service facilities
Sevice Activity
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
- Offers a range of contact methods for receiving complaints.
- Asks all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met.
- Advise tour guides of the access needs of guests at the time of booking (includes pick up and drop off requirements)
- Assistance with booking arrangements (includes providing clear itineraries with written instructions on what to do at various destinations)
Communication
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
Physical – Mobility
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
Physical – High support needs
Caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person.
Allergies and intolerances
Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.
Operation information
Albany Tours
Albany Tours is the premier, land-based tour provider on the south coast of Western Australia in the Great Southern sub-region of Australia’s South West. They deliver quality small-group tour experiences in Albany, Denmark, and Mount Barker.
They offer a variety of day-and half-day tours around Albany and to Denmark, and Mount Barker. Tours depart daily and take you to the ‘must see’ locations and include the natural, historic and food and wine icons of the region.
Be exhilarated by the pounding ocean at the Gap and Natural Bridge in the Torndirrup National Park or view the southern horizon at the Granite Skywalk in the Porongurup National Park. Visit the historic storehouses of the National ANZAC Centre and Albany’s Historic Whaling Station. Taste the delights of food and wine in the unique cool climate zones of Denmark and Mount Barker in the Great Southern Wine Appellation. Walk Albany in the main street and get an ‘insider’s perspective’ on a 90-minute walking tour.
With local expertise, energy and integrity, the friendly, courteous and passionate team strive to ensure every guest is well looked after and has an Instagrammable and review-worthy experience.
Activities
Tags
Accreditations
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Quality Tourism Accreditation
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Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
- Tourism Emission Reduction Commitment
Memberships
- Australian Tourism Export Council
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Visitor Information Centre
- WA – Australia's South West
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