Albany’s Historic Whaling Station has been named WA’s best tourist attraction
The best tourist attraction in WA was named at the 2024 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards – with Albany’s Historic Whaling Station winning the top award.
Located next to Misery Beach (named Australia’s best beach in 2022) within the historic Discovery Bay precinct, the heritage listed site was the last operational whaling station in the country, with Cheynes Beach Whaling Company ceasing operations in November of 1978 before opening as a historical tourism site in 1980.
The educational tourism attraction now features interactive exhibits, short films screened within converted whale oil tanks, rare scrimshaw art (historically created on the bones, teeth and baleen of whales), and a giant blue whale skeleton.
Albany’s Historic Whaling Station is also home to the world’s only preserved whale chaser ship, the Cheynes IV, which visitors can climb aboard and explore.
Subscribe to our free newsletter!
“This award is a fantastic recognition of our hard work and collaboration within our community,” read a statement posted to the Discovery Bay website.
“We are honoured to represent Albany, the Great Southern and Western Australia. It is an incredible privilege to be recognised as a leading tourism attraction.”
“Our award-winning attraction allows visitors to step back in time and explore the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company, Australia’s last operational whaling station, while also offering the rare opportunity to board one of the world’s only accessible whale chaser ships. In addition to its fascinating historical exhibits, the precinct includes a wildlife park and extensive wildflower gardens, enhancing the educational experience with the region’s natural splendour.”
The other finalists in the Tourist Attractions category included Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge winning silver, and the Bell Tower taking out the bronze.
Just a few of the other award categories included Major Tourist Attractions, which was awarded to WA Museum Boola Bardip (Gold) and Rottnest Island Authority (Silver), as well as Major Festivals and Events, which was won by the WWE Elimination Chamber event at Optus Stadium, Festivals and Events which was won by Margaret River Region Open Studios, and Ecotourism, which was won by Busselton Jetty. To check out the full list of winners, head to the Tourism Council of WA website.