Have a 'whale' of a time

Seeing a whale up close is an experience many say they will never forget. Australia’s South West has some of the most spectacular coastline in the world and during winter is the prime place to see our gigantic winter visitors. Hundreds of whales play, feed, breed and travel close to the coast during the months of June to December. Humpbacks and southern right whales are the most commonly sighted species, although enormous blue whales are also regularly spotted. Learn how to identifying a whale.

Where to look

You don’t have to go far out to sea to see these gigantic mammals and you can often see them frolicking close to the shore. See if you can spot some on one of the great walks below.

Cape Leeuwin & Flinders Bay, Augusta
Numerous vantage points are along Leeuwin Road and enjoy fantastic views from the top of the lighthouse.

Point D’Entrecasteaux
South of Northcliffe. This sealed access-friendly walk trail meanders around the headland with several lookout platforms.

Conspicuous Cliffs
15km east of Walpole there is a short walk from Conspicuous Cliffs to a cliff top viewing platform.

Ocean Beach, Denmark
There are two vantage points to choose from, Wilson Head and Lions Lookout.

Whale World
22km from Albany with uninterrupted views over King George Sound.

Sandpatch
15km from Albany enjoy easy walking along a boardwalk to a series of lookouts.

Rotary Lookout
3.5km from Albany an elevated platform above the boardwalk has uninterrupted views of King George Sound.

Tooleburrup Hill, Bremer Bay
The lookout here is the highest point in Bremer Bay, providing the perfect vantage point for locating the whales before taking a closer look from the coast.

Point Ann, Fitzgerald River National Park
65km east of Bremer Bay, this is a famous whale nursery.

Cape Naturaliste Lookout Platform and Lighthouse
13km from Dunsborough take the 1.3km return-walk from the lighthouse car park.

Shelley Cove, part of Bunker Bay
13km from Dunsborough walk from the car park to the viewing platform above the limestone cliffs.

Canal Rocks Rotary Lookout
4km south of Yallingup take the 400m walk from the car park.

Hamelin Bay
18km north of Augusta, south of the boat ramp, follow the boardwalk up to the limestone headland.

Suggested Tours and Attractions:

Tour Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Maritime Museum, and Tearooms reveal the fascinating maritime history of the Northern Cape Region. Located 13kms from Dunsborough panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Cape Naturaliste and stunning Geographe Bay coastline reward visitors to the top balcony.
Tel: (08) 9755 3955
lighthouse@geographebay.com 

Naturaliste Charters

Whale Watching Eco-Adventure Tours
Join award winning Naturaliste Charters for the ultimate whale watching cruise. View the sheer grace of these gentle giants as you cruise aboard the ‘Cetacean Explorer’. Cruises depart daily from Augusta - (June to August) and Dunsborough (September to December).
Tel: (08) 9725 8511
info@whales-australia.com

Albany Dolphin & Whale Cruises / Silver Star Cruises

Albany’s largest, fastest and most stable whale watching vessel, so you spend more time with the whales!! Enjoy ample covered viewing areas. Family friendly with wheelchair/pram access. Complimentary refreshments. Cruises depart from Albany’s new marina. Daily - 9.30am & 1pm. Subject to weather!!
Tel: 0428 429 876
info@whales.com.au

Whale World

Take a guided tour of Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, followed by audio-visual displays, marine skeletons, photo & memorabilia galleries. Allow 2 - 3 hours. More...
Tel: (08) 9844 4021
reception@whaleworld.org