In the early 1800s the south and west coasts of Western Australia were visited by the whaling ships from many nations, U.S.A, Norway, France, Sweden and others. Albany was colonised in 1826 and many unsuccessful attempts were made to establish a shore based whaling industry. However, it was not until 1952 that a fully operational whaling station went into production at Frenchmans Bay.

After the war it was estimated that the humpback whale population for the region was 17,000, by 1962 the estimated population had fallen to below 500. In the years 1962-1973 few humpbacks were being sighted. In 1978, due to public demand and pressure from conservation groups, the Albany Whaling Station was closed. Since that time the population has made a spectacular recovery; present day estimates are 3,000 animals that now inhabit the region.

The old whaling station has since been converted into a whaling museum and attracts many tourists from around the world. It is my view that it stands as a monument to the conservationists whose vision was to leave something for our grandchildren. It is ironic that we are now able to synthetically manufacture all the products that formerly came from the whale.

Please click below to see pictures of these magnificent creatures.