The Top Places to Spot Whales in the South West This Spring
Breaching Humpback Whale in Geographe Bay
The Top Places to Spot Whales in the South West This Season
From late July to November, the South West transforms into a display of colour and life. Wildflowers bloom across the coast, native animals emerge from winter slumbers and perhaps most special is the migrating Humpback, Southern Right and Blue whales making their annual return to the sheltered bays of Dunsborough.
If you're heading to the South West this spring, here are the top spots to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants:
1. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
With panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, this iconic lookout offers one of the best land-based vantage points for spotting whales as they cruise close to the coast. With several paths on the Cape-to-Cape track that start from this point, take a hike on the coastline and look for whales as you go.
2. Point Picquet
A local secret between Meelup and Eagle Bay, Point Picquet is known for whales cruising incredibly close to shore, a great option for a choosing a quiet spot to sit and enjoying a morning of whale watching.
3. Sugarloaf Rock
An ideal spot for casual explorers or families with only a short walk from the carpark up to the fabulous viewing platform. Here you can see the iconic granite formation (hence the name Sugarloaf Rock) rising from the Indian Ocean, and wide spread ocean perfect for spotting breaching whales in deeper waters.
4. Naturaliste Charters (Boat Tours)
If your bucket list item is to get up close and personal with the gentle giants of the ocean, book a tour with Naturaliste Charters! With two tours departing daily from Quindalup boat ramp, expert crew are ready to share all the coolest whale facts whilst you cruise in comfort on the spacious ‘Alison Marie’ Charter boat. Geographe Bay is a calm, protected bay that it used as a nursery for humpback and southern right whales, often seen up close on local boat tours.
This season has already shown to be one of the best yet for whale sightings, so from now until November is the perfect time to visit Dunsborough and witness one of nature’s greatest migrations!
