The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in Busselton
Whale watching is something else. It’s surreal, inspiring and mesmerising all in one.
There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you pull into Busselton. For me, it’s the relaxing seaside vibe, the natural wonders around the area and of course, the impossibly long jetty stretching out into the ocean!
We’re a beach family. Give us a nice location, and we can swim, play and sit on the sand all day. But when you spot a whale in the distance, you just have to stay longer!
Busselton and surrounds isn’t just for us travellers from September to November, it becomes a crucial stop for multiple different types of Whale species.
This isn’t just another list of tour companies. This is our guide, from our experience with Whale Watching from Busselton.
Our fav Bussleton resources
– Book your whale tour departing Busselton (with a marine biologist guide)
-Rather a bigger boat, departing from Dunsborough? Book here
– Need accommodation? We use Booking.com
A bit of Whale information!
Ever wondered why the whales choose Busselton for their annual pit stop? It all comes down to the gorgeous Geographe Bay. Its calm, sheltered waters are the perfect nursery and resting spot for migrating whales and their newborn calves.
After a long journey north to breed, these gentle giants head south again towards the feeding grounds of Antarctica. The bay is like a peaceful haven for them to rest, play, and teach their young the ways of the ocean before they tackle the final, demanding leg of their journey.
And this migration happens every year around September to November, give or take a few days. It has been estimated that over 100,000 whales travel up the western side of Australia annually.
Fun fact: Stop by the Whale Museam in Albany if you get the change, it’s very interesting, eye opening, and explains lots of history. If you have young kids like ours, be selectful of the displays that you go to. While informative, we by-passed some of more graphic displays. The kids loved what we did show them, though.
How to Choose the Best Whale Watching Tour in Busselton
There are several fantastic, family-run tour operators in Busselton. My advice is to look for one with a deep respect for the animals.
The best tours are the ones with an expert on board, maybe a marine biologist, who can share fascinating insights into the whales’ behaviour. They know how to approach the whales without disturbing them, which often leads to the most natural and memorable encounters.
The Dunsborough Whale Watching Eco Tour runs with its purpose-built boat, with inside seating and a spacious deck area.
A smaller vessel can sometimes feel more intimate, but the larger boats are often more stable if you’re worried about seasickness.
Take a guided tour with an onboard marine biologist with Whale Watching Busselton.
The Whales You Can See in Busselton
There are many different types of Whales that you might be able to see while in Busselton. Before we get into the tours you can see, let’s dive over a bit of whale knowledge. Here are a few:
Humpback Whales
These are just awesome to watch! Humpbacks are famous for their breathtaking acrobatic displays. Seeing a 40-tonne animal launch its entire body out of the water (known as breaching) is something you will never, ever forget.
They’ll slap their giant pectoral fins and powerful tails, and even poke their heads out of the water to have a look around.
Fun fact: the unique black-and-white pattern on the underside of a Humpback’s tail fluke is like a human fingerprint – no two are the same!
Southern Right Whales
These beautiful, slow-moving whales bring a different kind of magic. You can spot them by their lack of a dorsal fin and the distinctive white patches (callosities) on their heads.
They are often curious and will sometimes swim right up to the boats to get a better look at us!
Blue Whale
The blue whale occasionally drops by Busselton, but as they’re endangered animals, there’re not as many to see compared with the other types of whales.
Minke Whale
These whales are even less common around Busselton, but keep an eye out because you never know what you may be able to see!
Insider Tips for Your Busselton Whale Watching Adventure
When to Go
The season runs from early September to early December. But remember, nature doesn’t run on a schedule. Tour companies will let you know the likelihood of finding a whale, but if you’re on the extremes of the season, just be patient.
- September/October: You’ll see lots of mothers with their newborn calves. The calves are often playful while the mums try to rest (sounds just like at home!)
- November/December: This is often when you’ll see the big finale – large pods gathering and spectacular breaching as the whales say their goodbyes to the bay.
What to Pack
You’ll need a warm, windproof jacket, sunscreen, and a hat. But here are a few extras I always throw in my bag:
- Polarized Sunglasses: They cut the glare on the water, making it so much easier to spot the whales.
- Binoculars: While the whales often come close, a good pair of binoculars helps you see the details from further away.
- Camera with a good zoom: You’ll want to capture the memories, but remember to put it down and just be in the moment, too!
Land-Based Whale Watching Don’t fancy a boat trip? No worries! You can still see plenty of action from the shore. My favourite spots are:
- The Busselton Jetty: Walk or take the train to the end for a fantastic vantage point.
- Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: The views from the cliffs here are stunning, giving you a panoramic view of the ocean.
- Point Piquet: A beautiful, rugged spot that’s known for whale sightings close to the coast.
Beyond the Whales: More Busselton Adventures
Once you’ve had your fill of whale magic, there’s plenty more to explore:
- The Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory: It’s like diving without getting wet! Descend 8 metres to the ocean floor and see the incredible marine life that calls the jetty piles home.
- Ludlow Tuart Forest: Take a drive or a walk through this majestic forest. It’s the largest remaining pure tuart forest in the world, and it feels like stepping back in time.
For more ideas around the Busselton Area, check out this blog:
We’ve also put together a full list of our 22 favourite things to do in Busselton, if you want more ideas for your trip.
Where to Stay
Top Rated
Hilton Garden Inn Busselton. This conveniently located hotel is a short walk from the famous jetty, has a swimming pool, restaurants and more.
Budget but Great
Paradise Motel Busselton. This lovely, neat motel is a 10 minute walk to the beach, around the corner from Queen Street with shops, cafes and restaurants. It even has a pool, open seasonally (which may not coincide with whale watching time!)
Boutique Hotels
Busselton Holiday Home If you’re looking for a holiday home with bedrooms, a kitchen, and space, then check this out. Located a 15-minute walk from the beach and 2km from the jetty.
Your Whale Watching Busselton Questions Answered (FAQ)
Where can you see whales in Busselton? The heart of the action is in Geographe Bay. If you’re on a tour boat, they’ll take you right out into the bay to find them. For land-based viewing, my top spots are the Busselton Jetty (the further out you go, the better!), the lookouts around Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, and the rocky shores of Point Piquet.
What is the best month to go whale watching? That’s the million-dollar question! It really depends on what you want to see. Go in September or October for the incredible experience of seeing mothers with their newborn calves. If you’re hoping for more dramatic, acrobatic action, November is often fantastic as you’ll see larger pods and more breaching. Any time during the season (September to early December) is amazing.
Is the morning or afternoon better for whale watching? The simple answer is that the whales don’t keep a schedule! They are active 24/7, so you have a great chance of seeing them on either a morning or afternoon tour. It all depends on the mood of the whales in the bay on the day. My personal tip is to choose based on the weather forecast – pick the time of day with the calmest winds and clearest skies for the most comfortable experience.
Our Thoughts
Going whale watching in South West Australia is something that you must do. If you get a chance, head to Busselton and jump on a boat to explore the oceans with the amazing whales.
We know that you’ll love it here in Busselton.
