The largest creatures on the planet, whales have intrigued humans for thousands of years. Here in Western Australia we're fortunate to regularly sight these gentle giants every year, as they migrate up and down our coastline.
Image from Wikimedia Commons. By Michael Catanzariti (2005)
The following are a few of the best places to catch a glimpse of them:
Albany
From the coast overlooking King George Sound, whales can regularly be seen playing in the sheltered waters. While whaling flourished around Albany for over a century, these days the whale watching industry is just as successful, and many people enjoy whale watching cruises or watching these magnificent creatures from the shore, just metres from where they use to be slaughtered.
A popular destination for visitors is
Whale World on the southern coast of King George Sound, which once housed Albany's last operating whaling station. Today it's a large museum which tells the story of whaling in Australia's southern oceans.
Great for aspiring whale watchers, the 'Ocean Giants Lookout Kit' which contains general information about whales and a map showing all the best spots, can be acquired from the
Albany Visitors Centre.
AugustaAugusta, on the shores of secluded Flinders Bay is another spot for land-based whale watching. The bay is considered to be very unique as it's one of the few places where Humpback and Southern Right whales can be seen interacting together.
Image from Naturaliste Charters website
A few years ago on a visit there, I marvelled for hours at the antics of a group of whales in the harbour as they repeatedly breached, just metres from the shore. If you'd prefer a whale watching cruise, several companies operate out of Augusta, including
Naturaliste Charters
DunsboroughAt Dunsborough, just three hours south of Perth, you might be lucky enough to spot a whale while strolling or cycling along the coastal pathways. The crystal-clear waters of Geographe Bay have long been favoured by whales during their seasonal migration and they're often seen frolicking in its waters. Just a couple of weeks ago, I saw two humpback whales playing in the bay, about 100 metres off-shore.
Whales can frequently be spotted on Geographe Bay near Dunsborough
You can get more information about whale-watching in Dunsborough at the Dunsborough Visitors Centre on 08 9752 5800.
Perth and Rottnest IslandWhile sharp-eyed observers can sometimes spot whales off Perth's beaches from September until November, you're more likely to see one 'up close and personal' by booking in for one of the whale watching cruises which departs from Fremantle.
Oceanic Cruises is a reputable company which has been escorting visitors out to the 'Humpback Highway' for years.
Image from Oceanic Cruises website
Rottnest Island provides many whale watching opportunities and a good place to do it is from the island's West End. Many visitors enjoy an invigorating bike ride to get there, while others prefer the convenient Bayseeker bus.
Ningaloo Reef
World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef Marine Park is a pristine ocean reserve situated just north of the tropic of Capricorn. One of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world, it's home to an amazing number of exotic corals and tropical fish, as well as the unique and immense whale sharks.
Whales can be seen migrating north every April, while during August they make their return. Although they're often sighted from the coast, you can also see them by taking a cruise from either Exmouth or Coral Bay. For information about whale watching cruises in the area, go to the
Exmouth Visitors Centre website.
Kimberley Coast
The rugged Kimberley coast offers incredible views of whales during their annual sojourn in its warm tropical waters, where they give birth and suckle their young. However, the immense size of the area and its remoteness means that very few people get to see them unless they are extremely lucky or take one of the many cruises which depart from Broome, the Kimberley's whale watching capital.
For further information regarding cruises in the Kimberley, as well as tips about where the best land-based observation spots are, check out the
Broome Visitors Centre website or give them a call on 08 9195 2200.
