Coastal Highlights & Whaling Station

OVERVIEW

Discover the natural beauty of the Albany coast and get a glimpse into the past by visiting Australia’s last whaling station. Along the way, you will pause for photos at the Gap and the Natural Bridge, two extraordinary rock formations sculpted by the forces of nature. Upon reaching Discovery Bay, you will visit Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, which closed in 1978, making it the last of its kind. After watching an enlightening film about the history of whaling, you will board the Cheynes IV, the world’s only preserved whale chaser ship, an experience that will offer a look into the lives of the whalers and how they processed the behemoths on the open decks. To help you understand how huge these creatures can grow, a skeleton of a blue whale is on display. You can also view a rare collection of scrimshaw, the artwork that whalers carved into whale bones during their leisure time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold two unusual rock formations that natural forces sculpted over time.
• Visit the last whaling station in Australia, which closed in 1978.
• Gain a deep understanding of whaling and why the industry eventually shut down.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.