By PGTravelTips Reporter.
Humpback whales have arrived early in Western Australia this year with sightings from Esperance in the south to Broome in the north of the state.
Whale watching tours even spotted a rare white-tailed humpback whale off the coast of Broome last week.
Victoria Casey from Three Islands Whale Shark Dive said plenty of humpback whales had been sighted near Exmouth on the mid north coast during their annual migration north along Ningaloo Reef’s humpback highway on their way to the Kimberley.
“Humpback whale numbers are increasing daily and our passengers also saw a huge pod of spinner dolphins recently,” Ms Casey said.
Minke whales and orcas have also been spotted off the coral coast in the last few weeks. A rare white-tailed humpback whale was also spotted at Cable Beach last week.
Whale tail whale at Ningaloo Marine Park.
Glen Chidlow, CEO of Australia’s North West tourist board, said the pristine waters of the Kimberley coast are used as a breeding and calving ground for whales between July and mid October each year.
“Whale watching cruises operating from Broome allow people to see the amazing sight of whales and their newborn calves in the calm, safe waters of Cable Beach,” Mr Chidlow said.
WA has one of the longest whale-watching seasons in the world, running from June to early December each year and covering the length of the State’s coastline.
Humpback whales first make an appearance in the south of the State during their annual migration north to warmer waters in the Kimberley in June and July. They are then visible on tours out of Perth and Geographe Bay from September to mid December as the whales stop for a rest on their way back to Antarctica.
The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse offers an excellent vantage point for land based whale watching. Whale watchers can climb to the top of mainland Australia’s tallest lighthouse or look out to sea where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean through the decking binoculars.
With uninterrupted views across King George Sound, Albany’s Whale World is another great place to spot whales and to learn about the diverse history of this former whaling station.
The seaside resort town of Dunsborough in Geographe Bay is considered one of the best places to join a whale watching charter because the whales come in close to shore. The north facing bay also offers calm conditions for a comfortable aquatic outing.
The largest animal in existence, the rare blue whales also occasionally make an appearance in Dunsborough during November and December.
Orion Expeditions is offering seven whale-watching cruises along the Kimberley coast in August and September, prime time to view the migrating pods.
Prices start from £5,325 per person cruise-only based on twin share, including ten nights’ accommodation, all meals, entertainment, educational programmes, Zodiac excursions, a free scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles and one night’s accommodation in Broome, pre or post-cruise.
www.orionexpeditions.com
PGTT
