The Old Whaling Station

The Old Whaling Station

Xplorio Headquarters

In 1912 Mr Frank Cook decided to build a whaling station at Stony Point. At the time there was a big demand for whale oil and the natural harbour at Stony Point combined with the annual visits of Southern Right Whales made it a good location for a whaling station. Mr Cook was from the Southern Cross Whaling Company and decided to lease 60 acres of land that was owned by Mr Walsh.

To begin, Cook needed permission to build the station and that was granted by the Cape Town Department of Lands. He hired a small group of Norwegians, who were the whaling experts at the time, to build the station and manage the factories.
The station consisted of a Boiler shed, a blubber house, oil storage tanks, meat house, guano factory, pump house and the employee's quarters. Some of the structures reached as high as three stories.

The whales, once caught, were brought in by two steamboats. Southern Right Whales were the easiest catch for whalers because of their innate curiosity that brought them closer to the boats, their tendency to swim close to the shoreline and the fact that they float once dead.
The whaling station in Betty's Bay began operations in 1913 and the first year's catch totalled 179 whales. Over the years the station caught a high of 300 whales in season. In 1917 Irvin & Johnson Ltd. took over the whaling station which continued to operate until 1930 when the station was closed due to a decline in demand.

At its peak the whaling station employed 220 men that were housed in quarters at the station. At that point the road from Gordon's Bay had not yet been built so they had to be incredibly resourceful for provisions. They grew some of their own vegetables and kept a few pigs and water was pumped form a reservoir in the mountains. Provisions where shipped in, but unfortunately ships had to anchor offshore and employees had to make the hazardous trip across turbulent seas by boat and the guidance of a rope strung between the ship and shore. Other provisions were brought on land by wagon, which was a tricky endeavour as the road wasn't yet constructed.

All that remains today are some of the foundations and original images that can be viewed at the Whaling Station Restaurant in Betty's Bay. Since the whaling station closed a colony of African Penguins has made Stony Point their home and the number of Southern Right Whales has increased, which is a great attraction for locals and tourists alike.
The Old Whaling Station

Xplorio

Xplorio is a marketing company that has created a digital platform to help local communities in the Overberg accurately represent themselves online. The user-friendly Xplorio platform allows towns and businesses to create an online presence that is accurate and true to life. This representation help...

View Profile

Recent Posts

Enter the Overberg Crossword Challenge for a Chance to Win R500!

Enter the Overberg Crossword Challenge for a ...

Explore the wonders of Overberg while having fun with Xplorio’s crossword puzzle, and stand a chance to win R500!

Things to Do This Winter in the Overberg

Things to Do This Winter in the Overberg

The Overberg offers a perfect getaway for those wanting adventure and relaxation in winter.

'Kelders van Geheime': Local Actor in New ETV Sitcom!

'Kelders van Geheime': Local Actor in New ETV...

Gansbaai is abuzz with excitement! One of its own, Geon Nel stars in Kelders van Geheime, eTV's first Afrikaans sitcom. 

Have You Heard? Overberg Community News!

Have You Heard? Overberg Community News!

Every day, awesome people who call the Overberg home, share their uplifting stories, business news, municipal announcements and stunning town-friendly photos.

Great Money-Saving Specials in the Overberg!

Great Money-Saving Specials in the Overberg!

By making the most of Xplorio’s special pages you save money and support local businesses in the Overberg!

Herberg Children’s Home: 120 Jerseys and Beanies Donated!

Herberg Children’s Home: 120 Jerseys and Be...

Gansbaai locals, Francette Cilliers-Malan and Tessa Jordaan are two friends who got together to knit, and crochet, 120 jerseys and beanies.