Whales

The pristine waters of Australia's South West are the perfect place to observe whales on their annual migration. Both humpback and southern right whales can be sighted in the region’s coastal waters between June and early December.

In June the humpbacks and southern right whales are spotted along the south coast, having departed Antarctic waters to breed and mate in the warmer Southern Ocean. September sees the whales start to head south again, many with calves in tow, and during this time they are commonly seen off the region’s western coast.

Whale watching is an exhilarating experience and can be enjoyed either from land-based vantage points or on a cruise. Three towns well known for their whale activity are Albany, Augusta and Dunsborough, and whale watching cruises operate from each at different times throughout the season.

Point Ann, Fitzgerald River National Park

For a truly incredible encounter with nature, journey to the calming waters of Point Ann and Trigelow Beach, where southern right whales arrive each year to calve around July to early November.

This whale nursery is 65 kilometres east of Bremer Bay and comes complete with a purpose-built whale watching platform. From this vantage point it is not unusual to see up to 40 whales at a time, quite close to the shore.

Humpback and Southern Right Whales

Humpback and southern right whales can be spotted from June to September along the southern coastline, from Fitzgerald River National Park to Augusta. And from September to December, you’ll see them near Dunsborough and along the western coastline.