Time your visit right and your Margaret River tour comes with a spectacular natural bonus: some of the best whale watching in Western Australia, right along the region’s wild coast.
When to See Them
Humpback and southern right whales migrate along the South West coast between roughly June and December, with the calm bays acting as resting and nursery grounds. Winter brings the first arrivals as the whales head north to breed; spring, particularly September through November, often delivers the peak sightings as mothers and calves make their way back south. Blue whales — the largest animals on Earth — also pass through deeper offshore waters.
Where to Look
The coastline offers superb vantage points:
- Geographe Bay near Busselton and Dunsborough — sheltered, calm water where humpbacks rest and play, often close to shore.
- Cape Leeuwin — the elevated, dramatic tip where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet is a prime lookout.
- Flinders Bay at Augusta — a renowned early-season gathering point for southern right whales.
A Magical Moment
There’s nothing quite like pulling over to watch a whale breach against the wild Southern Ocean, spray catching the light as it crashes back down. Even from a clifftop the sheer scale of these animals is humbling — an unforgettable highlight that pairs perfectly with a day of wine and coast. Winter visitors get the best of both; see our guide to Margaret River in winter.
What You Might See
Humpbacks are the great performers, famous for breaching clear of the water, slapping their pectoral fins and lifting their tails as they dive. Southern right whales — named because they were once considered the “right” whale to hunt — tend to linger closer to shore in the calm bays with their calves. Both can grow to the size of a bus, so even a distant sighting is a genuinely awe-inspiring moment.
Tips for Spotting
Look for the “blow” — the misty spout of a whale surfacing — then watch for the dark back and tail that follow. Bring binoculars, scan the horizon patiently rather than expecting a whale to appear right in front of you, and pick a calm, clear day for the best chance. Let your guide point out the prime lookouts along the way, and don’t forget your camera — though the memory tends to outlast the photo.
Experience it yourself on our signature tour. Our small-group 3-day Margaret River wine tour from Perth includes six wineries, cave and wildflower tours, cheese tastings, meals and accommodation — all from just $850 per person. Call 1300 456 788 or enquire online to book today.
