🐋 Everything you need to know about spotting whales in the Margaret River Region

From May to December, the wild southern coastline of the Margaret River region becomes a front-row seat to one of nature’s most breathtaking migrations. Whale watching in Margaret River is more than just spotting a tail flick in the distance—it’s about connecting with the raw beauty of the ocean, the ancient rhythms of marine life, and the wonder of seeing giants of the deep up close.

🐋 Who’s Who in the Water

Every year, over 35,000 whales cruise past our shores on their annual migration, heading north to breed in warmer waters before returning south with their calves.

You’re most likely to spot:

• Humpback Whales – The show-offs. These acrobatic whales love a good breach, tail slap or pectoral wave. They migrate in massive numbers and are often seen travelling with calves in spring.

• Southern Right Whales – The cruisers. Known for their slow, graceful movements and tendency to come very close to shore. You’ll often spot them rolling on their backs or lazing in the shallows.

• Blue Whales – The unicorns of the sea. Rare but not impossible—these are the largest animals to have ever lived on Earth. Occasionally sighted off the deeper waters of the coast and at Point Piquet for land based sightings.

• Minke Whales & Orcas – Less common, but keep your eyes peeled—there’s always a wildcard!

📅 Best Times to See Whales in Margaret River

• May to August: Best time to see Humpbacks and Southern Rights heading north. Often spotted in the Flinders Bay area near Augusta as early as Mother’s Day.

• August to December: Whales return south with their calves. This is prime time for sightings from Dunsborough to Yallingup, especially during calm mornings and sunny spring days.

September and October are peak viewing months—with young whales active, weather warming, and visibility at its best.

📍 Top Whale Watching Spots (No Boat Required)

If you’d rather stay on solid ground, there are plenty of incredible vantage points where you can catch the action:

🔭 Wilyabrup Cliffs

Towering over the ocean and offering jaw-dropping views, these cliffs are one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the South West. If you’re lucky enough to join us on the Margaret River Discovery Tour, we have special 4WD access to hike this spectacular stretch of the Cape to Cape Track, often spotting whales breaching and occasionally giving birth at Wilyabrup beach.

🌊 Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

One of the easiest and most panoramic viewing platforms, complete with boardwalks, interpretive signs, and fixed binoculars.

🐳 Point Piquet

Laid-back and beautiful, this quiet beachside location often delivers big rewards—epic scenery and whales in one glorious frame. Often manned by local whale spotting volunteers who happily share sightings and information. 

🌅 Surfers Point, Prevelly

A local favourite. Bring a picnic and settle in as the sun sets and the whales roll by in the golden light.

🚤 Best Whale Watching Tours in Margaret River

For the full experience and a chance to get really close, here are the top-rated local cruise operators  ( we do recommend taking a ginger tablet or sea sickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness) :

🐋 Naturaliste Charters – Augusta & Dunsborough

Perfect for families and wildlife buffs, with marine biologists on board and one of the largest and most stable vessels in the region.  Really good for a high vantage point. And less likelihood of sea-sickness!   Tell em Margaret River Discovery Co sent you and they’ll give you 10% discount. 

🐋 Legend Charters – Augusta & Dunsborough

Family-owned and eco-certified, with small group sizes and years of experience. Great commentary and a genuine passion for marine life.

🐋 All Sea Charters – Busselton & Dunsborough

Very intimate, close-to-the-action tours. Their smaller boats mean your closer to the waterline—and closer to the whales when they come in for a look!

💡 Local Whale Watching Tips

• Mornings are best for calm seas and better lighting.

• Pack layers—even sunny days can turn breezy fast.

• Bring binoculars if you’re staying on land.

• Don’t forget your camera—and your patience.

• Respect the whales: Boats and people must keep safe distances, but whales often come close out of curiosity.

🌿 Want to See Whales from the Cape to Cape?

Join us on the Margaret River Discovery Tour, where a stunning section of the Cape to Cape Track often offers front-row views of breaching whales from the cliffs above Wilyabrup. It’s whale watching the way nature intended—no motors, no crowds, just a bit of hiking, a lot of wow, and some high quality binoculars for watching the action up close.

🛶 Add canoeing, vineyard lunch, and exclusive gourmet lunch and wine tastings, and you’ve got a day to remember.
👉 Book now: https://margaretriverdiscoveryco.rezdy.com/

🐳 Whether from the water or the cliffs, whale watching in Margaret River is an unforgettable experience.

The scale. The stillness. The splash. It’s one of those rare travel moments where everything else fades away—and you’re reminded how lucky we are to share this coastline with creatures so extraordinary.