Australian Whaling

The Australian Whaling database lists the voyages made in the nineteenth century by the whaling vessels that were owned, registered or based in Australian ports. A few British whalers are also included, some due to the fact they were temporarily based in an Australian port and others because they were owned, or part-owned, by Australian residents although registered and based in Britain.

The database draws from published volumes of ship arrivals and departures for Sydney (to 1844) and Hobart (to 1850) compiled by John Cumpston, Ian Nicholson and Graham Broxham. It also draws on contemporary newspapers, surviving logbooks, port records as well as other published and manuscript sources.

You are encouraged to submit additions and corrections through the submission form.

Yet to come: Searching vessels, masters and voyages in the site search and in the voyages data viewer. Abbreviations used in voyage cargo column.