Whale Rib Bone

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Overview

Partial whale rib bone found on a Busselton beach

Historical information

Whaling was one of the first industries established in WA. The Castle Rock Whaling Company based itself at Castle Bay between 1845 to 1872, as it provided shelter, water, firewood and a high point from which to spot whales. Running a whaling station at such a remote spot had its problems like drunkenness, absconding workers and in 1849 all boats and sheds were destroyed by fire.

The two main species of whales targeted by whalers at Castle Bay were the Humpback Whale and the Southern Right Whale which migrate north-south along the Western Australian coastline stopping in Geographe Bay to feed and strengthen their calves before continuing to the Southern Ocean.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-124-2024.131

Item type

Animal Specimens

Themes

Environment

Material

Bone

Width

7 cm

Height or length

150 cm

Depth

8 cm

Contextual information

The Castle Bay Whaling Company was located at Castle Bay, near Dunsborough in the South West region of Western Australia, operating between 1845 and 1872. Established by Lionel Samson and later managed by others, the station was specifically situated at Little Meelup Beach to process humpback and southern right whales. The station was destroyed by fire in 1849 but continued operations until 1872.

Keywords

whale

Deceased Whale

Whale Bones

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Scientific or research significance

Last modified

Thursday, 19 February, 2026

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