Coastal Whale Watching
Enjoy the thrill of whale watching along our coastline from the air, water or land. Every year from June to November, 40,000 humpback whales migrate between their summer feeding grounds in Antarctica to their winter breeding grounds at the North West Shelf.
You may be lucky enough to spot other whale species, such as orcas, false killer whales, minke whales, bryde whales and blue whales.
With our gorgeous sunny winters relaxing on the beach or along the rocky cliff tops along our rugged coast, watching the whales is a very relaxing yet exhilarating way to pass the time away.
WHERE CAN YOU ENJOY WHALE WATCHING
BY LAND
Humpback whales come close to the shoreline enabling you to see them clearly with the naked eye.
Every year the whales come into the waters between Bernier and Dory Islands and the mainland at Carnarvon on their migration. You will invariably see the whales’ fin and tail slapping, breaching or teaching calves and resting in the calm shallow waters.
Ideal locations to watch whales are:
Point Quobba
Point Quobba and the Blowholes craggy outcrops are an ideal location to scan the horizon and watch for the whales as they come through. You will often see them as close as 50m to 100m from the shoreline, enabling you to take in all the excitement without the need of binoculars or telescopes, you will see them in a lot more detail with them.
Pelican Point
Pelican Point, Carnarvon’s main swimming beach is another location whale watching can be enjoyed. You would benefit from binoculars or a telescope from this location.
On rare occasions whales and dolphins have been known to come into the water of the Fascine.
Quobba Station and Red Bluff
The craggy cliff faces are the perfect viewing spot at Quobba Station and up on the crest of the Bluff will afford you an amazing vista of the waters. The whales will come up close to the reef. Binoculars would be handy, however you may be lucky to see some whales in close enough to view with the naked eye.
Gnaraloo Station, 3 Mile and Tombstones
The cabins at Gnarloo Station are a fair way back from the beach, however they afford a vista to behold. You will need binoculars from your cabin, however when they blow the view will not disappoint.
At 3 Mile and Tombstones you are on the beach and there are several raised view places you can sit back in and keep your eyes peeled for the whales as they pass by. Surrounded by reef you may be fortunate to witness the whales up close to the outer reef. There has been tales of dolphins surfing in the Tombstone waves with the surfers.
Warroora
When you venture to the water’s edge to throw in a line, keep your eyes peeled to the horizon. Binoculars will be needed to be able to see the whales clearly.
Coral Bay
Coral Bay is the whale watching and swimming destination for many visitors and locals. However, it is not unreasonable to expect to see whales or dolphins from Mauds Landing or at Monks Head. However, take the advantage of taking one of the many swim with the whales or whale watching tours from Coral Bay.
Find out more on our Marine Watching page.
BY AIR
Coral Coast Helicopters offer scenic flights from Carnarvon. During the migration period is not uncommon to come across the whales as they make their way north or back south to their feeding and breeding grounds. Coral Coast Helicopters do have whale watching flights in the migration season. The pilots will take you in for a closer look from the air, but not too close as to scare them. Ask at the Carnarvon Visitors Centre for details.
BY SEA
In Coral Bay there are a number of boat charters and tours in which you can view these incredible giants of the sea and so many other amazing marine creatures. You have a choice of swimming with the whales or staying onboard for a whale watching tour. All tour operators have extensive knowledge and experience and will ensue you have a spectacular time onboard.
Check out what is available on our Marine Watching Tours page.
This is a remote destination, and you may be required to travel on unsealed roads. Weather events may impact road conditions.
Please check the road safety reports and ensure your vehicle is adequately equipped prior to commencing your journey.
We have provided the following links for your convenience.