Rottnest Island, check.
Elite quokka selfie, check.
You’ve posted them all - on both stories and the feed.
But real talk: have you ever locked eyes (respectfully) with the largest animal that exists on this planet? Well, after this post, you gotta make it happen!
Welcome to whale watching in Western Australia, lowkey one of the wildest, most life-changing experiences you can have while you’re here. And we’ve listed two epic ways to do it right here - depending on your vibe, budget, and schedule.
Option 1: Meet the Blue Whale, Perth's Gentle Giants (March–May)
Every year from March to May, Perth Canyon becomes the place to spot the magnificent blue whales. Think of them as the main character off the coast of Perth, measuring up to 31 metres long and weighing over 100 tonnes. They are also critically endangered, with only 12,000 - 20,000 of these incredible creatures left on Earth.
Basically, when you get to spot one, it’s truly an extraordinary, goosebumps-inducing, life-resetting experience.
Photo Credit: Whale Watch Western Australia
Perth is also one of the only places in the world where you can reliably see blue whales in the wild, with peak viewing season usually around the end of April to mid-May. Unfortunately, this fact gets lost in passing as most visitors breeze past while on their way to buy Rottnest Island ferry tickets.
So if you’re ready to make your trip an epic one, Whale Watch Western Australia runs full-day expeditions departing from Fremantle (just a quick 30-min train ride from Hostel G). They are the one and only operator offering this tour in Australia, with a 95% sighting rate, and a 50% discount if you miss out. It’s a visit that teeters on the boujee side, but trust us when we say it’s totally worth every cent.
Option 2: The Mighty Humpbacks of Augusta (May - August)
If you’re only able to make it to Perth from May onwards - or on a tight budget - Augusta is where you wanna be.
Located about 3 hours south of Perth, this chill coastal town sits at the tip of Australia where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet at Cape Leeuwin. Every year from late May through August, Humpback and Southern Right Whales make their way through Flinders Bay on their epic migration north from Antarctica to rest and socialise. But they do so in their own little dramatic way, with fun shows of breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping right in the bay.
Photo Credit: Whale Watch Western Australia
Tours here run around 2 hours and cost from $95 per adult, which hits easier on the wallet compared to a full-day Perth Canyon expedition. Operators like Whale Watch Western Australia, Naturaliste Charters, and All Sea Charters all run daily tours and boast near-100% sighting guarantees, so you're pretty much locked in for a sighting. You may even spot them within minutes of leaving the harbour!
Bonus points? Augusta sits right on the doorstep of the Margaret River region, so you can add in winery visits, vineyard exploring, and scenic coastal drives to your itinerary - making this day trip really one to remember!
TLDR? Here’s an honest breakdown:
It really just comes down to budget and schedule. But both will definitely blow your socks off!
On the other hand, if you get seasick easily or just aren’t into whales (BIG IF for this one) and are just keen to take in the rich, cozy fall vibes in Perth, check out our blog on the best spots to go this Autumn. Happy whale hunting!
