Whale Watching in Margaret River
One of the southern hemisphere’s great whale migrations rolls past the capes from June to December — humpbacks, southern rights and, offshore, blue whales.
Whale Watching in Margaret River
Each year, one of the southern hemisphere’s great whale migrations rolls past this coast. From around June to December, humpback and southern right whales — and, offshore, mighty blue whales — travel the capes, calving and resting in sheltered bays. Watch from a clifftop lookout or head out on a cruise. Here’s when and where to see them.
Watching the Whales
Augusta / Flinders Bay
Southern rights and humpbacks early in the season at the southern cape.
Geographe Bay
Humpbacks resting off Dunsborough and Busselton later in the season.
Whale Cruises
Seasonal cruises from Augusta and Dunsborough/Busselton.
From the Capes
Land-based viewing from Cape Leeuwin, Cape Naturaliste and lookouts.
Whale-Watching Tips
- Season runs roughly June to December — earlier at Augusta, later at Geographe Bay
- Sightings are wild — likely in season, but never guaranteed
- Bring binoculars for land-based viewing from the capes
- Book cruises ahead and check current operators and times
- Pair it with Cape Leeuwin or a coast walk
Whale Watching — FAQ
When can you see whales in Margaret River?
Roughly June to December. Southern right and humpback whales migrate along the coast; Flinders Bay at Augusta is excellent early in the season (around June to August), while Geographe Bay near Dunsborough is good later (around September to December). Blue whales also pass offshore.
Where is the best place to watch whales?
Augusta’s Flinders Bay for the early season, and Geographe Bay (Dunsborough/Busselton) later on. You can watch from clifftops and lookouts, or get closer on a whale-watching cruise.
What whales will you see?
Mainly humpback and southern right whales, with the chance of blue whales offshore — among the largest gatherings of migrating whales in the southern hemisphere pass this coast.
Can you take a whale-watching cruise?
Yes — seasonal cruises operate from Augusta and Dunsborough/Busselton. Sightings are wild and never guaranteed, but the season is long and reliable. Book ahead and check current operators.
Can you see whales from land?
Absolutely — Cape Leeuwin, Cape Naturaliste and various clifftop lookouts offer free land-based viewing in season. Bring binoculars and patience.
Margaret River, Planned Around You
World-class cellar doors and surf, ancient caves, karri forests and the wild Cape-to-Cape coast — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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