Albany’s Historic Whaling Station receives double gold at WA Tourism Awards

Cheynes IV, one of Australia’s last whale chasers, on display and publicly accessible at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station. Image courtesy Albany’s Historic Whaling Station.

AMMC member organisation Albany’s Historic Whaling Station was presented with a double award at the 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards, receiving gold in the Cultural Tourism and Tourist Attraction categories.

This annual event is presented by Tourism Council WA and recognises the innovation, excellence, and dedication of tourism operators across the state.

Jen Bane is CEO of Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, and a member of the Australian Maritime Museums Council Board. She highlighted this award as an honour for her team as well as the Great Southern community:

“There are so many incredible destinations across Western Australia, so to be named the State’s top Tourist Attraction and Cultural Tourism winner is such an honour…There was a real buzz from WA’s tourism leaders, many excited to include our region in their 2026 plans and into the future. It was fantastic to feel that energy and see Albany shining in the spotlight.

 “These awards represent the highest level of recognition in our industry, and to achieve double Gold is something we’re incredibly proud of. For a not-for-profit that’s been operating for 45 years, every success goes straight back into preserving and growing the precinct for generations to come.”

Albany’s Historic Whaling Station is a key maritime heritage institution in Western Australia, inviting visitors to explore the history and significance of Australia’s last operating whaling station. It is custodian of Cheynes IV, one of the world’s only accessible whale chaser ships and the focus of a successful grant in the 2025 round of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s MMAPSS program. Cheynes IV is also recognised on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels for its significance to our shared maritime history.

Information and text for this news item provided courtesy of Albany’s Historic Whaling Station. Read the full media release here.