Whale Watching Seasons In Western Australia

Whale Watching Seasons In Western Australia

Witnessing the grace and enormity of a whale close-up is an exquisite experience. 

You can encounter these magnificent creatures interacting with each other and their young in considerable numbers from the coastline of Western Australia. 

Whale watching can be experienced any time of the year either from the shore or by joining a whale-watching cruise for memorable close encounters. 

The longest season follows the annual migration of Humpback, rare Blue, and Southern Right whales between May and December from the South West Southern Ocean to the breeding grounds on the warmer north Kimberley coast. 

As these gentle giants of the ocean make their way along the coast, they often come close enough for watchers to see them with their calves from coastal vantage points without binoculars. 

The best time for viewing is at midday when the sun shines directly overhead and the rays catch their glistening hides. 

Taking an expedition to Bremer Bay Canyon (the marine life hotspot of Western Australia) between January and March will get you even closer to the action and bring magical encounters with the largest pods of orcas (killer whales) in the Southern Hemisphere.

Following are some of the best places to spot whales in Western Australia

Margaret River

An estimated 35,000 whales can be seen migrating from the Antarctic along the coastline of Margaret River Region to the warmer waters of Western Australia every year after having recovered from almost being hunted to extinction in the 1970s. 

The Margaret River Region is one of the best places for whale watching during the 6-month season between June and early December when humpback, Blue, Minke, and Southern Right whales can be spotted on their epic journey. 

The first port of call is Flinders Bay in Augusta between the months of June to August when Southern Right and Humpbacks can be seen interacting. 

Watch groups of males act out courtship acrobatics with tail slapping, breaching, and lobtailing. Sometimes Southern Right whales can be seen calving in the bay.

Humpback whales head directly north from there where pregnant females give birth before returning to Geographe Bay near Dunsborough and Busselton to nurse their young and rest. 

The action can be watched from the top of a lighthouse, from the shore, along the Cape to Cape Track, or on a cruise from Augusta to Busselton and Dunsborough.

Whale Watching Cruises

The best way to really gauge the agility and gigantic size of a whale is to encounter it up close from a whale-watching cruiser. 

The captain and crew are highly experienced at reading the behaviour of whales in order to find the best position to watch their antics and witness a small part of their magnificent journey. 

Relax inside on comfortable chairs or take a position on the deck to enjoy the sea breeze and feel the ocean spray. 

Some charters have hydrophones that allow you to listen to the fascinating sounds of whale songs. 

Whale watching cruises depart between June and August from Augusta and between September and December from Busselton and Dunsborough.  

Rottnest Fast Ferries

Between August and mid-November, Rottnest Fast Ferries offer two-hour whale watching tours that include a certified guide from a Western Australian Aquarium to provide you with inside information on everything to do with whales. 

At Hillary’s Boat Harbour playful humpback whales can be viewed from 3 different viewing points.

Perth

Whale Watching Perth offers a range of tours between September and December from private charters to sunset or sunrise cruises and work functions. 

Departure points are from Hillarys Boat Harbour, Fremantle Jetty, Mindarie Marina, and Barrack Street Jetty.

Whale Watch Western Australia

Experience a new perspective with hydrophones to hear the unique sounds that whales make and underwater cameras that allow you to see them from different viewing decks on a 25-metre catamaran. 

Tours leave from Bremer Bay, Augusta, and Fremantle from late May through to December.

Whether you watch from the coast or take a cruise on a purpose-built whale watching vessel, Western Australia is the perfect destination for whale watching.

If you are planning a family holiday to check out some whales, or any other part of our magnificent country, then there is no better way to do this other than with your very own caravan.

For the best new or used off-road caravans for your next holidaying adventure, then look no further than Luxury RVs WA

We have over 40 years of experience in the caravan industry ranging from sales and custom vehicle building through to service and repairs

Please call our super-friendly customer service team today on (08) 9509 6083 or contact us through our website on https://luxuryrvswa.com.au/contact-us/ for all your caravanning requirements.

Top