9 best spots to see whales this season

The first point of call for our cetacean mates is down in Flinders Bay, on the region’s Southern Coast in the town of Augusta. This is one of few places in the world where you can witness southern right whales and humpbacks interact as they gather in great numbers to court, mate, and even give birth to their young. As the whales begin to migrate north around Cape Leeuwin, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse serves as one of the best land-based vantage points to witness their majesty (and maybe their acrobatics, if you’re lucky).

Situated on the southwestern most tip of Western Australia, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia and looks out over Flinders Bay to the east, and the point when the Southern and Indian Oceans meet to the west. A visit to the lighthouse also offers insight into the region’s maritime history, as well as its present-day purpose as a vital working lighthouse for vessels navigating the treacherous cape. Don’t forget a pair of binoculars to use on the beautiful viewing deck and you’re all set for whale spotting.

Best time to see whales in Augusta: May – August

Deep within the Boranup Karri Forest you’ll find the Boranup Lookout, which offers picturesque views over the entire forest and, more importantly for whale watchers, the stunning waters of Hamelin Bay. You will need binoculars to spot whales this far from the coast, but it’s one of the more unique spots in the region where you can experience both forest and sea simultaneously.

Surrounded by towering karri trees – some of which reach up to 60 metres tall – you can catch the whales on their way up to northern waters while plotting the day’s bushwalk. Or, head right down to Hamelin Bay Beach and set off on one of the spectacular coastal cliff walks to get yourself to a better whale-watching vantage point.

The region’s flagship coastal hiking trail, walking part of the 125km-long Cape to Cape Track is the perfect way to guarantee a glimpse or two of the whales. The track runs along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge, bookended by the Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste lighthouses and offering unparalleled ocean views.

Setting off from Gracetown (which itself offers great lookout points at both South Point and North Point) and heading north on foot toward Yallingup is a great section if spotting whales is your main game. This section of the track is dotted by cliff-top bench seats which are basically purpose-built for whale-watching walkers. Plus, it takes you up to the immense Wilyabrup Cliffs, which make a stunning backdrop to any whale action you’re witnessing from above.

Grab your water, sensible shoes, and of course, binoculars. If you’re new to hiking, reach out to Cape to Cape Explorer Tours and they’ll put together an unforgettable whale-watching walking tour for you.

Best time to see whales along the Cape to Cape Track: September – December

Canal Rocks isn’t just one of the most stunning natural attractions in the Margaret River Region, it’s also one of the best places along the coast to spot whales. Standing out on the wooden crossing bridge, watch as the swell rolls in, crashes onto the rocks and rushes beneath your feet. It’s a totally immersive experience and one that’s made all the more surreal when the whales are passing through.

Find yourself a good vantage point among the rocks and settle in to watch out for these gigantic animals – look out for spouts and blows and flipping tail flukes. Remember, whales will typically surface, dive down (to varying depths, but sometimes lasting ten minutes or longer), and then come up for air in a different place – so remain vigilant if you really want to see some action.

Best time to see whales: September – December

If you’re visiting toward the warmer end of whale season, the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse should be your first point of call to get a load of these majestic animals. It’s easier than most lighthouses to climb, so you can reach the top and start spotting whales without the muscle power required to climb its southern counterpart. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, Cape Naturaliste, the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and Geographe Bay, where you can often see mother whales nursing their young before they return south.

If you want to hang around longer and have a bit more space to yourself, head out onto the spectacular viewing deck, which offers uninterrupted views of the big blue – and the whales!

Best time to see whales: September – December

What better way to soak up the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay and get out close to the whale action than by journeying out to the end of the Busselton Jetty? Whether you’re happy tackling the 1.8km on foot or jumping on the Jetty Train to enjoy a leisurely ride out to sea, you’ll be in prime position to spot whales frolicking in the bay.

While you’re there, get to know the other animals that call the ocean home by heading down into the Underwater Observatory – a spiral staircase that descends 8 metres to the ocean floor, offering views of an incredible artificial reef based around the Jetty’s pylons that’s home to more than 300 species of coral, sponges, fish and invertebrates. You can hang out on the jetty for as long as you like with one of their day passes, making for a pretty awesome afternoon with the whales.

Best time to see whales: October – December

Point Piquet has become one of the locals’ favourite whale-watching spots, for a good reason. During whale season, you’re almost guaranteed some spectacular whale sightings with no special equipment required, as the whales can get very close to the shore. On top of that, there is some great interpretive signage around whale migration to study while waiting for a whale to come past, as well as seating and toilet facilities. Pack a picnic, stay a while and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Best time to see whales: September – December

After a day of whale watching, trade your binoculars for a wine glass (at least for a little while!) – but keep the view. Around Cape Naturaliste, three standout spots combine great food, local wine, and sweeping ocean vistas. Here, even a meal or a drink can turn into a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

At Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, the sun-drenched terrace looks out over the turquoise waters of Bunker Bay – perfect for a relaxed breakfast, long lunch, or sunset drink while whales cruise by just offshore.

Just a stone’s throw away, ilma Beach House offers front-row seats to the action, complete with binoculars at every table and staff ready to share whale facts and local tips. Whether you’re sipping a coffee or settling in for lunch, the calm waters in front often come alive with breaching humpback and southern rights.

A little further up on the ridge, Wise Winery pairs award-winning wines with one of the best whale-watching (and coastal) vantage points around. This is the only winery in the region with ocean views – so just sit back, sip, and scan the horizon for the next whale sprout.