Humpback Highway Now Open in Western Australia

The "Humpback Highway" along Western Australia's spectacular Coral Coast is officially open for business, heralding the start of the annual humpback whale migration. An estimated 45,000 of these magnificent creatures are making their journey along the coastline between now and November. 

The season has already seen its first remarkable encounters, with Coral Bay Eco Tours reporting their first successful in-water swim with a humpback. "Our guests and crew were thrilled to be in the water with a humpback whale for the first time this season - it's an unforgettable experience," shared Kylie from the tour company. Meanwhile, Ningaloo Discovery has also recorded its first whale sighting of the season near Exmouth. 

Ningaloo Reef holds the unique distinction of being the only place in Western Australia where visitors can swim alongside these gentle giants on a guided tour. Small group tours have already commenced in Coral Bay, offering both whale-watching and immersive in-water interactions. Tours from Exmouth are set to begin in August.

This period offers a special crossover with the end of the whale shark season, presenting a rare chance to encounter two of the ocean's largest inhabitants on a single trip. The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is one of the few destinations globally where you can witness the "Ningaloo Big 5": whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, turtles, and dugongs. 

“Swimming with humpback whales at Ningaloo is a bucket-list experience that continues to grow in popularity each year,” said Kelly Leonard, Marketing & Tourism Development Manager at Australia’s Coral Coast. “It’s one of the few places on earth where you can encounter the Ningaloo Big 5 in one breathtaking marine destination, and the season is already off to an exciting start.”

For those who prefer to keep dry, dedicated whale-watching cruises are available from Coral Bay, Exmouth, Kalbarri, and Geraldton. Given the high demand for these popular tours, travellers are strongly advised to book in advance to secure their spot.