Western Australia’s humpback whale season runs annually from the month of June through to November. Throughout the winter and spring, you have the opportunity to witness these gentle giants up close in their natural habitat. 

Australias Coral Coast, which extends 1,100 kilometres from Cervantes to Exmouth is one of the most ideal places you can view the humpback whales. Multiple towns within the region have whale-watching cruises and in-water interaction tours available so you can get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. 

For those opting for the watching option, dedicated tours run from Shark Bay, Kalbarri, and Geraldton. However, for those wanting to jump in, small group tours run out of Exmouth and Coral Bay, along the Ningaloo Reef. 

The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is the only place to provide people with the incredible opportunity to swim alongside a humpback whale. A good thing to note is that the start of Ningaloo’s humpback whale season coincides with the latter half of the whale shark

season. If you’re lucky and you time it right, you’ll more than likely encounter both of these beautiful beings at the same time. Oh, and if you’re extra lucky, Manta Rays call the area home year-round, so keep an eye out for them as well. 

Ningaloo Reef has recently been named Australia’s newest Hope Spot, one of seven around the country. Hope Spots are global locations that are considered vital to the health of the ocean. The world heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and adjacent Exmouth Gulf were designated as having global significance by international marine science organisation, Mission Blue. We think that’s a pretty cool thing to have in our own backyard! 

Featured image: Live Ningaloo.