Western Australia’s annual humpback whale migration is underway, bringing one of the world’s largest marine wildlife spectacles back to the country’s Coral Coast. Between July and November, an estimated 45,000 humpback whales travel along the Western Australian coastline, offering visitors exceptional whale-watching and swimming experiences.
The season has officially begun with Coral Bay Eco Tours celebrating its first humpback whale swim of the year, while Ningaloo Discovery has reported the first humpback whale sighting off Exmouth, signalling the arrival of the migration at Ningaloo.
Ningaloo Reef is the only destination in Western Australia where visitors can join guided humpback whale swim experiences, allowing them to encounter these gentle giants in the crystal-clear waters of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. Swim tours commenced in Coral Bay on July 1, while operators in Exmouth will begin their season in August.
Commenting on the experience, Ellie Farquhar, photographer for Coral Bay Eco Tours, said, “Every humpback whale swim is unique, and in my opinion can be one of the most mutualistic interactions you can have in the water. They are such intelligent mammals, so every successful swim indicates their willingness to interact with us. This makes humpback whale swims feel like such a privilege.”
The migration also coincides with the final weeks of Ningaloo’s whale shark season, giving travellers the rare opportunity to encounter two of the region’s largest marine species during a single visit. The region is also home to the celebrated Ningaloo Big 5, whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, turtles and dugongs, making it one of the few places in the world where visitors can experience such remarkable marine biodiversity in one destination.
Kelly Leonard, Marketing & Tourism Development Manager at Australia’s Coral Coast, said, “Few wildlife experiences compare to the moment you encounter a humpback whale in the wild. It’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after you’ve left the water. The overlap of humpback whale season with whale shark season makes this one of the most incredible times to experience Ningaloo and its iconic Big 5.”
For those who prefer to stay above the water, whale-watching cruises operate throughout the season from Exmouth, Coral Bay, Kalbarri and Geraldton, offering front-row views of breaching whales, tail slaps and playful calves. With strong visitor demand expected throughout winter and spring, travellers are encouraged to book tours and accommodation well in advance.
