Augusta Whale Watching
The best place in winter to be watching whales is Flinders Bay, Augusta
The picturesque town of Augusta in Western Australia is a sanctuary and meeting place for two of the greatest whale species found in Australian waters, the Humpback and Southern Right Whales. The arrival of winter signals the beginning of an epic migration as the largest population of Humpbacks in the world leave Antarctica and begin their long migration to warmer, northern waters to reach important calving grounds.
Whale Watching Season in Augusta
The whale watching season in Augusta begins from late May every year and is available until the end of August. The season changes slightly with different activity levels and as the Humpback migration passes through Flinders Bay while the pregnant Southern Right Whales stay and use Augusta as their nursery ground for newborn calves.
Late May – Mid July
The epic northern Humpback migration reaches a peak during this time as the boisterous male Humpback Whales arrive in Flinders Bay on their journey north for the opportunity to meet female Humpbacks. During this time of year we can sight much activity amongst the Humpbacks including intense competition pods as up to twenty male compete for the right to court a female on her migration north.
July – August
The arrival of the endangered Southern Right Whales is anticipated every year and we often find the very first heavily pregnant females arriving in July. The peak of the Southern Right Whale season is in August as the bay enjoys the arrival of dozens of mother and newborn calves enjoying the sheltered waters of Flinders Bay. Humpback Whales will also be regularly sighted during the month of August but not in the same intense numbers earlier on in the season. This time of year provides the perfect opportunity to see both species in one day if we are fortunate.
Whale Species in Augusta
Flinders Bay in Augusta is one of very few places in Australia where we have the opportunity to see both Humpback Whales and Southern Right Whales visiting during the same season and sharing the same bay. We find that both whale species get on very well with no aggression between each other and they will mostly stick to their own areas of the bay. We have sighted on rare occasions interactions between these two baleen whale species with much curiosity throughout tower interaction.
Humpback Whales
The big, boisterous and graceful Humpback Whales are a favourite amongst whale watchers of the world due to their energetic and acrobatic displays as they communicate the Language of the Whales. During the winter months they are migrating towards the top of Western Australia where they will reach their nursery grounds for their newborn calves. We sight much competitive behaviour in Flinders Bay as all age groups, both male and female, congregate for a quick rest and to socialise before they continue their journey north.
Southern Right Whales
The emerging nursery ground located in Flinders Bay for the still endangered Southern Right Whale is a vital part of this beautiful species recovery from near extinction. Every season we see numbers slowly increasing as more females arrive to give birth to the next generation of Australian Southern Rights in the protected and sheltered waters found in Augusta. Meeting one of these magnificent whales is a privilege and very special encounters can be had in Flinders Bay as curious juveniles and calves approach our vessel to interact with everyone onboard.
Augusta Boat Harbour
The Augusta Boat Harbour is located halfway between the township and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. There is plenty of free parking and restrooms located at this state of the art facility. Completed in 2014, the harbour is a safe and comfortable place to depart from to enjoy your whale watch experience with easy boarding. There are also bbq facilities and parking available for trailers, caravans or buses if you are travelling through the region.
Getting to Augusta
The town of Augusta is located 3.5 hours drive south from the city of Perth, Western Australia. This is where 2 oceans meet, the Southern & Indian oceans. The best way to travel to Augusta is by car with beautiful scenery and comfortable roads throughout the journey. There are also personal bus transfer options available should you not wish to drive yourself. The TransWA bus also departs from Perth to Augusta regularly throughout the week should public transport be a suitable option for your travel plans.
Weather in Augusta
The peak whale watching season in Augusta is during the Australian winter months with an average temperature of 14°C (57°F) and moderate rainfall. We advise dressing warmly and a rain coat or poncho is recommended on days that are expecting rainfall. Our vessel is large, luxurious and has warm inside lounge saloons with blankets also onboard for your comfort. Weather conditions during winter can be very pleasant with sunny days and clear, crisp conditions perfect for whale watching. We do recommend if possible allowing flexibility in your itinerary so you have the option of transferring your tour should there be better weather conditions during your time in the region.
What to do in Augusta
After joining your whale watch experience and seeing the beautiful Flinders Bay it is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Augusta. The tallest lighthouse on Australian mainland is located only a few minutes drive from the Augusta Boat Harbour and a lovely place to enjoy a view of the most south westerly point of the Australian mainland. Local cafes and eateries throughout the town provide refreshments while the local butcher and fish monger have the freshest produce to enjoy should you be camping or staying in a home with cooking facilities. The Blackwood River is a peaceful place to enjoy lunch or a quick stroll with birdlife including Australian Pelicans, Black Swans and Pacific Gulls frequenting the shoreline with the occasional sighting of Bottlenose Dolphins feeding in the river.
