Humpback whale in Western Australia
Forty thousand humpbacks migrate along both coasts each winter, heard on every dive and swum with at Ningaloo and Hervey Bay.
Megaptera novaeangliae
Australia's humpback populations have recovered to more than 40,000 animals, and from June to November they migrate north up both coasts to breed and back south with calves. Divers hear them singing on almost every dive in winter, and boats on the way to sites in Sydney, the Gold Coast, Exmouth and Hervey Bay routinely stop for breaching whales. Licensed swim-with programs operate at Ningaloo (August–October) and Hervey Bay (July–October), where whales rest in the bay on the southern migration.
Season heat map
When humpback whale sites are in season
Share of the 12 humpback whale sites in Western Australia with a stated best season that includes each month.
Stated season: June–November.
Humpback whale sites in Western Australia16 sites
Ordered by how regularly the site is dived and how well it is documented. The species is listed in each site's recorded marine life; sightings are never guaranteed.
All other sites recording humpback whale
- Beverly Hills · Max 24 m · Ningaloo – Exmouth
- Middleton Beach & Ellen Cove · Max 5 m · Albany & Great Southern
- Hole in the Wall (Ningaloo) · Max 20 m · Ningaloo – Exmouth
- Samson Wrecks · Max 25 m · Pilbara & Dampier
- Montebello Islands Lagoons · Max 20 m · Pilbara & Dampier
- Tantabiddi North Reef Break · Max 15 m · Ningaloo – Exmouth
- West End Reefs · Max 30 m · Rottnest Island
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see humpback whale in Australia?
Ningaloo and Hervey Bay for swims; heard and seen from boats along the whole east and west coasts.
When is the best time to see humpback whale?
June–November.
How should I approach humpback whale?
Swims are snorkel only and closely regulated. Underwater, stop and listen: the song carries for kilometres.