Whale Watching

The south-west region of Western Australia enjoys one of the world's longest whale watching seasons.  The annual migration begins when whales leave the chilly Antarctic waters to mate and breed in the warmer waters off the West Australian coast.  Their first port of call is Flingers Bay in Augusta  where you will see Humpback and Southern Right whales from June to August.  This is one of the few places in the world where you will see Southern Right and Humpback whales interacting.  The first whales to arrive are the pregnant females (who mated last season), followed by young male and females, then those who are partner picking, and finally the Southern Right Whales.  Humpbacks are renowned for their acrobatics, particularly during courtship when groups of males gather and engage in breaching, spyhopping, lob-tailing, tail-slapping and more in a bid to impress the female.

At this point the whales pass by Geographe Bay and head directly to the warmer waters up north, where the pregnant females who mated last year have their calves (babies).  Geographe Bay becomes a "nursery" from September to December as whale mothers and their young stop in to feed and strengthen before they continue into the Southern Ocean.  The warm weather and clear, calm seas means Geographe Bay is widely regarded as one of the best places in Australia for whale watching and it is a breathtaking experience to view feeding calves and to hear the 'whale song' for which the Humpbacks are famous.  In addition to Humpback whales, you may be lucky enough to see the rare and endangered Blue whale.  The world’s largest animal, Blue Whales are normally only seen in Antarctica, but have been increasingly sighted in Geographe Bay over the last few years.

You can spot these incredible creatures from many scenic vantage points, including Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Point Piquet, or get up close on a whale watching tour.

If you are out in your boat during whale season, expect to see these gentle giants as they frolic and play in the bays, but please do not approach them.  Boats are to remain 300 meters from whales and should not be manoeuvred in a way that will interfere with their journey.