World Whale Day is a great chance to celebrate these majestic marine mammals in the beautiful nature of Western Australia. Here’s how to make the most of this special day in this stunning region.
Bremer Bay: Witness the thrilling orca gathering
Bremer Bay, on Western Australia’s southern coastline, offers an incredible wildlife experience. From January to April, Bremer Canyon becomes the largest known gathering of orcas in the Southern Hemisphere, allowing superb viewing of these apex predators.
Tours with companies like Naturaliste Charters and Whale Watch Western Australia provide close encounters with the orca feeding frenzy and the chance to see other marine wildlife, including sperm whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
The Humpback Highway: A spectacular migration
Around 40,000 humpback whales migrate each year from Antarctica to Kimberley, following a route known as the “Humpback Highway.” From May to December, they pass through Perth, Augusta, Busselton, and Dunsborough, reaching the Coral Coast’s prime viewing spots at Geraldton and Kalbarri.
Their journey ends at Camden Sound Marine Park, the largest humpback whale nursery in the Southern Hemisphere. Join a whale-watching cruise in Broome from July to September to see these gentle giants and the region’s unique snubfin dolphins.
Ningaloo Reef: Swim with the gentle giants
Ningaloo Reef offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks and humpback whales. In Exmouth and Coral Bay, eco-friendly tours allow you to observe these magnificent creatures up close.
For Malaysians, the chance to snorkel with humpback whales is gratifying, boasting an 80% success rate for interactions between August and September. Operators like Coral Bay Eco Tours and Ningaloo Reef Dive and Snorkel provide ethical swimming tours from July to October, prioritizing the well-being of these majestic animals.
Southern Right Whales: A coastal spectacle
Southern right whales are visible along Western Australia’s southern coastline from June to October, often with their calves in the sheltered bays of Esperance, including West Beach and Twilight Beach. Thomas River and Cape Arid are also great viewing spots.
In Albany, you can watch from the Ellen Cove Boardwalk or Ocean Drive lookouts. For a closer experience, join Albany Whale Tours or Esperance Island Cruises for a chance to see these gentle giants on the water.
Perth Canyon: A rare blue whale encounter
The Perth Canyon, 50 km off the coast of Perth, is a marine hotspot where endangered blue whales feed on krill from March to May. Whale Watch Western Australia offers the only tour in Australia to witness these giants in their natural habitat. This full-day expedition includes guided commentary on the world’s largest mammal and the unique marine ecosystem of the canyon.
