There’s something truly humbling about watching a creature the size of a bus breach from the sea. For Whale sighting Perth watchers, the splash, the grace, the sheer spectacle of it, Whale watching in WA offers exactly that. Western Australia’s coastline plays host to one of the world’s great wildlife migrations each year, where pods of whales make their way along our shores.From March through November, you can witness these ocean giants up close. From land-based lookouts, eco-boat tours, or even while sipping a glass of wine by the sea. Whether you’re a first-timer or an avid marine spotter, these are the whale watching wonders of WA and exactly where (and when) to go.
When is whale watching season in WA?
Whale season in WA varies slightly along the coast as different whale species migrate at different times:
- Humpback whales: June to November
- Southern right whales: July to October
- Blue whales: March to May (Ningaloo region)
Generally, June to November is prime time, with the South West peaking mid-winter, and the Coral Coast offering late winter and spring viewing.
Albany
Best for: Dramatic scenery and land-based viewing.
Albany’s deep waters and rugged coastline provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to the annual whale migration in WA. July to October is prime season here, with both humpbacks and southern rights making regular appearances.Take a cruise from Albany harbour (try Albany Whale Tours) or head to The Gap and Natural Bridge for land-based viewing.
Augusta
Best for: Early season action.
As one of the first stops on the whales’ northern migration, Augusta kicks off WA’s whale watching season as early as June. Humpback and southern right whales can often be seen frolicking close to shore in Flinders Bay.The whales come in remarkably close here, and calm bay waters make it ideal for families or first-timers. Join some whale watching tours with Naturaliste Charters or Legend Charters, or watch from Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Bremer Bay
Best for: Orca encounters.
A slight curveball but worth knowing: while most of WA’s whale watching focuses on humpbacks and southern rights, Bremer Bay is one of the world’s best places to see orca (killer whales) between February and April. And while Orcas aren’t actually whales, they are still worth going to see.Day-long expeditions with Naturaliste Charters depart from Bremer Bay.
Dunsborough & Busselton
Best for: Late season watching combined with wine tasting weekends.
As the whales return south, Dunsborough and Busselton become whale-watching hotspots from September to November. The calm waters of Geographe Bay often allow for spectacular breaching and tail-slapping displays.Take a cruise from Dunsborough or Busselton Jetty with operators like All Sea Charters or Legend Charters.
Ningaloo Reef
Best for: Blue whales, humpbacks, and unique experiences.
WA’s Ningaloo Coast offers something few places in the world do: the chance to swim alongside whale sharks in autumn, and spot humpbacks and even blue whales in winter (August to November).Join a dedicated whale watching cruise from Exmouth or Coral Bay, or take a scenic flight for an aerial view of the migration.
