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Whale Watching on The South West Edge

Did you know the whale watching season along the South West Edge is one of the longest in the world, spanning from May to early December?

As you traverse this amazing coastline, you’ll be following the same route that about 35,000 humpbacks, southern right (and sometimes blue) whales take as they migrate past the south west corner of WA. Whether you want to take a boat trip and get out onto the water to see the whales, or enjoy spotting them from the coast, we’ve rounded up the best whale watching spots along The Edge.

1. Rottnest Island and Fremantle

The fact you can go whale watching right off the coast of Perth City demonstrates just how diverse this part of the world is. From September to December you can take a whale watching tour from Fremantle or Hillarys Boat Harbour exploring the whale feeding grounds and spotting these gentle giants. If you’re on Rottnest Island, jump aboard the Rottnest Express Adventure Boat Tour for a 90-minute circumnavigation of the rugged coastline of the beautiful island. If you’re doing The Edge between March and May, Whale Watch Western Australia also offer blue whale tours – the only guaranteed blue whale tour in Australia.

2. Dunsborough and Busselton

Dunsborough and Busselton are the starting point for numerous whale watching tours, so you can head out into Geographe Bay to see the migrating whales. The sheltered waters of Geographe Bay are a favourite spot for resting whales and their calves, so the whole coastline is a potential whale watching location! Whales have even been seen swimming underneath the Busselton Jetty on occasion! Make sure you take your binoculars on your coastal walks and keep an eye out for those blowholes blowing between September and November.

An aerial image of a mother and calf southern right whales in turquoise blue ocean to show wildlife experiences on The South West Edge road trip in south western australia
Southern Right Whales, Margaret River Region

About 35,000 humpbacks, southern right (and sometimes blue) whales that swim past the south west corner of WA each year from May to early December, making it one of the longest whale watching seasons in the world.

3. Augusta

Cape Leeuwin and Flinders Bay, near Augusta are popular whale watching spots, and for good reason. There are numerous vantage points along Leeuwin Road, however for fantastic views you can’t beat the top of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Many whale watching tours run from Augusta between June and August, so if you want to get out on the water, this is a great place to do it.

4. Albany

Western Australia’s oldest town is well known as a whale watching destination, with many bays and sheltered areas for whales to rest and play between May and October. King George Sound is a natural harbour creating a resting area for the southern migration of the humpback whale and the calving grounds of the southern right whale. You can take one of the many whale watching tours, or head to Torndirrup National Park, which is a spectacular lookout for spotting whales.

5. Bremer Bay

This small and beautiful town is home to the largest known congregation of orca in the southern hemisphere and is the only place in Australia you can be guaranteed to meet these apex predators! More than 150 orcas visit the Bremer Canyon to feed on an abundance of prey from January to April every year. From July to October you can also see the southern right whales and the occasional humpback in the sheltered waters of the many bays around Bremer. You can take a tour with Whale Watch Western Australia or Naturaliste Charters to see the orca in summer.

6. Fitzgerald River National Park

Point Ann is a purpose-built whale-watching platform in the National Park with a picnic area, BBQs, large covered areas and seating on platforms to gaze out to the open ocean – so you can really settle in! From June to October, Southern right whales can be seen cavorting in the bay on most days during the whale season. The dramatic peaks of the Barrens Range form a spectacular backdrop to the view over the bay.

7. Esperance

The many secluded bays of Esperance are perfect places for mothers and calves to relax, feed and practice their swimming! The region mainly gets southern right whales, as well as a smattering of humpback whales, which are known for their curious and playful nature. You can spot them from the shore, or from the boat if you’re taking a cruise with Woody Island Eco Cruises or a scenic wildlife cruise with Esperance Island Cruises from June to October.

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An image of deep blue ocean with a killer whale charging through it shows the prolific wildlife experiences that can be had on the perth to esperance road trip in south western australia
Orca, Bremer Bay

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