Did you know South West holds the record for Australia’s longest whale-watching season? Every year as it gets colder in Antarctica, about 30,000 Humpbacks and Southern Right whales swim past the southwest corner of Western Australia. It’s no wonder that the South West region offers the best vantage points to see the migrating whales.
With each location offering a unique perspective, Dunsborough, Busselton, Augusta and Bremer Bay are regarded as the best whale watching spots in the South West. A whale watching cruise is the best way to experience up close the grace and mighty prowess of these magnificent creatures. Wondering which to choose and how to get there? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a guide to the best whale watching places in the South West.
Whale Watching in Dunsborough
Season - September to early December
Located near many of the best wineries in Margaret River, Dunsborough is ideal for whale watching, fine dining and wine tasting. The tranquil waters of Geographe Bay provide the perfect conditions for one to watch the whales. As the Dunsborough whale watching season begins in September, you can spot the Humpback and Southern Right whales who use this region as their breeding ground and playground.
Known for its scenic coastline, you can also spot the whales from the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse, the Dunsborough Bay or the surrounding cliffs. Looking for a family-friendly outing and whale watching in Dunsborough? The region offers the best whale spotting locations, accommodations, dining options and local attractions that can make your visit even more enjoyable.
How to get there?
If you’re travelling by air, your nearest airport will be Busselton. From there, you can either take a car/taxi which is a 30-minute drive. And, if you prefer driving down from Perth, it will take you 3 hours, while a bus journey usually takes 4 hours.
Whale Watching in Busselton
Season - September to Late November
Busselton is famous for its iconic wooden jetty — a must-see attraction in Western Australia. As you walk down the pier, get a chance to see diverse whales during the whale watching season in Busselton. Humpback whales, Southern Right whales and Blue whales can be spotted close to shore during the same season, sharing the same bay.
There’s more to do than just whale watching in Busselton; you also get an opportunity to go diving and snorkelling with marine life. Providing an unforgettable experience, the charming coastal town also offers plenty of activities, beaches, breweries and family activities making it the perfect destination for visitors.
How to get there?
With a regional airport and good road connections, Busselton is easily accessible for anyone looking for a quick trip.
Whale Watching in Augusta
Season - Late May until August
Renowned for being a nursery for Humpback and Southern Right whales, Augusta provides a unique whale watching experience. During the whale watching season in Augusta, you will get an opportunity to see mother whales and their calves close to shore. The beautiful Flinders Bay and the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse also offer a stunning vantage point for whale spotting.
If you’re looking for a calm and tranquil experience, Augusta is the best place to be. An ideal holiday destination, spend your time in this small town getting in touch with nature and learn about the rich maritime history that includes the Blackwood River and Jewel Cave.
How to get there?
You can travel by bus, car or air. If you wish to take the bus, TransWA provides services from Perth to Augusta. And for those travelling by air, your nearest airport will be in Busselton or Margaret River, from which you would need to drive down to Augusta.
Whale Watching in Bremer Bay
Season - Late January to April
A hotspot for biodiversity, Bremer Bay is known for its whale watching encounters across the globe. Get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot Bremer Bay Killer whales and Sperm whales found nowhere else in the country. The Bremer Bay whale watching season begins late January every year, so plan your trip accordingly.
With its rugged and isolated surroundings, Bremer Bay offers an unforgettable experience for those who love adventure. Explore the coastal hamlet of the Southern Region surrounded by pristine beaches, and natural landscapes including the Bremer Canyon.
How to get there?
The easiest and most common way to get to Bremer Bay is to drive down, which would take you approximately 5-6 hours from Perth. Those travelling by air can fly to Albany, and rent a car which would take roughly 2 hours.
So choose your location, plan your visit, book your tickets and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of whale watching in the stunning region of Western Australia.
With each location offering a unique perspective, Dunsborough, Busselton, Augusta and Bremer Bay are regarded as the best whale watching spots in the South West. A whale watching cruise is the best way to experience up close the grace and mighty prowess of these magnificent creatures. Wondering which to choose and how to get there? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a guide to the best whale watching places in the South West.
Whale Watching in Dunsborough
Season - September to early December
Located near many of the best wineries in Margaret River, Dunsborough is ideal for whale watching, fine dining and wine tasting. The tranquil waters of Geographe Bay provide the perfect conditions for one to watch the whales. As the Dunsborough whale watching season begins in September, you can spot the Humpback and Southern Right whales who use this region as their breeding ground and playground.
Known for its scenic coastline, you can also spot the whales from the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse, the Dunsborough Bay or the surrounding cliffs. Looking for a family-friendly outing and whale watching in Dunsborough? The region offers the best whale spotting locations, accommodations, dining options and local attractions that can make your visit even more enjoyable.
How to get there?
If you’re travelling by air, your nearest airport will be Busselton. From there, you can either take a car/taxi which is a 30-minute drive. And, if you prefer driving down from Perth, it will take you 3 hours, while a bus journey usually takes 4 hours.
Whale Watching in Busselton
Season - September to Late November
Busselton is famous for its iconic wooden jetty — a must-see attraction in Western Australia. As you walk down the pier, get a chance to see diverse whales during the whale watching season in Busselton. Humpback whales, Southern Right whales and Blue whales can be spotted close to shore during the same season, sharing the same bay.
There’s more to do than just whale watching in Busselton; you also get an opportunity to go diving and snorkelling with marine life. Providing an unforgettable experience, the charming coastal town also offers plenty of activities, beaches, breweries and family activities making it the perfect destination for visitors.
How to get there?
With a regional airport and good road connections, Busselton is easily accessible for anyone looking for a quick trip.
Whale Watching in Augusta
Season - Late May until August
Renowned for being a nursery for Humpback and Southern Right whales, Augusta provides a unique whale watching experience. During the whale watching season in Augusta, you will get an opportunity to see mother whales and their calves close to shore. The beautiful Flinders Bay and the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse also offer a stunning vantage point for whale spotting.
If you’re looking for a calm and tranquil experience, Augusta is the best place to be. An ideal holiday destination, spend your time in this small town getting in touch with nature and learn about the rich maritime history that includes the Blackwood River and Jewel Cave.
How to get there?
You can travel by bus, car or air. If you wish to take the bus, TransWA provides services from Perth to Augusta. And for those travelling by air, your nearest airport will be in Busselton or Margaret River, from which you would need to drive down to Augusta.
Whale Watching in Bremer Bay
Season - Late January to April
A hotspot for biodiversity, Bremer Bay is known for its whale watching encounters across the globe. Get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot Bremer Bay Killer whales and Sperm whales found nowhere else in the country. The Bremer Bay whale watching season begins late January every year, so plan your trip accordingly.
With its rugged and isolated surroundings, Bremer Bay offers an unforgettable experience for those who love adventure. Explore the coastal hamlet of the Southern Region surrounded by pristine beaches, and natural landscapes including the Bremer Canyon.
How to get there?
The easiest and most common way to get to Bremer Bay is to drive down, which would take you approximately 5-6 hours from Perth. Those travelling by air can fly to Albany, and rent a car which would take roughly 2 hours.
So choose your location, plan your visit, book your tickets and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of whale watching in the stunning region of Western Australia.
