Western Australia (WA) offers some of the world's most incredible wildlife experiences, with seasonal events that vary throughout the year. Whether you want to witness a red crab migration, swim with whale sharks, or marvel at humpback whales, WA has something extraordinary for every wildlife enthusiast. Here’s a guide to help you plan your visit based on the animals you’d like to see.
When planning your trip, consider the best time to visit based on the wildlife you want to see but keep in mind that the exact timing of events may vary slightly depending on environmental factors, but this guide provides a reliable starting point.
As displayed above, you will see Kangaroos everywhere you travel in WA, even on the beaches.
January
Kick off the year with the fascinating Red Crab Migration on Christmas Island. This natural phenomenon is a must-see as millions of crabs make their way to the sea for spawning.
Meanwhile, sea turtles nest in Ningaloo, offering visitors the chance to see these majestic creatures lay eggs.
The Quokka's on Rottnest Island will smile at you all year around, but in the warmer months you need to look for them in shady places early in the morning and early evening.
Image Credit: Tourism WA
February
The wildlife action continues in February:
Migratory shorebirds gather in large numbers at Roebuck Bay.
The Penguin Island season opens in Rockingham, providing a perfect opportunity to spot adorable little penguins in their natural habitat.
Turtle nesting continues in Ningaloo, and orca sightings peak in Bremer Bay.
A lot of the female Quokka's are pregnant at this time of year so might be a little moody, give them space. They have a 28 day gestation period.
Little Penguin, Penguin Island, Shoalwater Marine Park, Rockingham. Credit- PenguinIsland.com.au
March
March is a spectacular time to visit WA, especially for:
Watching migratory shorebirds as they prepare for their northward journey.
Snorkeling or diving to witness the incredible coral spawning in Ningaloo.
Swimming alongside whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, one of the best wildlife experiences in Australia.
Those pregnant Quokka's are becoming mummies but like other marsupials the babies remain in the pouch, they will be there for 5 - 6 months.
April
Nature lovers can still watch shorebirds flying north at Roebuck Bay during April. Coral spawning continues in Ningaloo, and orca sightings remain popular in Bremer Bay. April is also a great time to enjoy the start of whale season.
May
May brings diverse wildlife sightings:
The Penguin Island season remains open.
Manta rays begin to appear in Exmouth.
Humpback whales make their way to Augusta, offering fantastic whale-watching opportunities.
Blue whales start to appear in Perth, and Ningaloo continues to be a hotspot for whale sharks.
June
June is prime time for:
Spotting humpback and southern right whales in Augusta and humpback whales in Kalbarri.
Swimming with manta rays in Exmouth.
Ningaloo remains a hub for whale shark interactions.
July
As winter sets in, July is a fantastic time to encounter marine life:
Manta rays are commonly spotted in Exmouth.
Humpback whales migrate through Broome and Kalbarri, while both humpback and southern right whales can be seen in Augusta and Albany.
Whale shark season continues in Ningaloo, making it a prime destination for snorkelers and divers.
Southern Right Whales can be viewed on tours run by Whale Watch Western Australia book early.
August
Wildlife activity peaks in August, making it one of the best months to visit Western Australia:
Manta rays remain active in Exmouth.
Humpback and southern right whales are visible across various locations, including Broome, Kalbarri, Augusta, and Albany.
Whale shark encounters continue in Ningaloo, ensuring unforgettable underwater adventures.
Quokka Joey's (babies) will be starting to pop their cute little heads out to look at the world around them. Don't try and touch them, its a very large fine.
September
Spring ushers in unique wildlife experiences in September:
The highlight of the season is spotting new quokka joeys on Rottnest Island, they will be out of the pouch and hopping around, offering a rare glimpse of these adorable marsupials. Whale watching remains popular, with humpback and southern right whales visible in Dunsborough, Busselton, and Perth.
Other areas, like Albany and Kalbarri, also provide excellent whale-watching opportunities.
October
As the weather warms, October offers diverse wildlife encounters:
Migratory shorebirds return to Roebuck Bay, creating a spectacle for bird enthusiasts.
Manta rays can still be spotted in Exmouth.
Humpback and southern right whales continue to delight visitors in multiple locations, including Kalbarri, Dunsborough, Busselton, and Albany.
November
November brings a variety of wildlife spectacles:
The Red Crab Migration resumes on Christmas Island, a must-see natural event.
The Penguin Island season remains open, allowing visitors to see these charming birds up close.
Sea turtles begin nesting in Ningaloo, signaling the start of a new life cycle.
Humpback and southern right whales remain active in Kalbarri, Exmouth, and Albany, providing excellent whale-watching opportunities.
Red crabs amassing on rocks - credit Parks Australia
December
December marks the height of summer, with plenty of exciting wildlife experiences:
Sea turtle nesting continues in Ningaloo, offering visitors the chance to witness this natural wonder.
While the Penguin Island season is still open, it’s a fantastic time to explore the waters and see penguins in their natural habitat.
Manta rays in Exmouth remain a highlight for those seeking marine life encounters.
Wrapping Up - Plan ahead
Western Australia offers wildlife lovers an unparalleled array of experiences year-round. Whether you're drawn to the wonders of the ocean, the charm of quokkas, or the marvels of bird migrations, there's always something unique to explore. Plan your visit based on the events that resonate most with you, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this incredible region.
One of the most popular ways to experience WA is by Motorhome or Campervan, not only can you make your holiday more economical but you can move to chase the wildlife you seek at a moments notice. Check out what size and type suits you with our handy search engine. Plan early and you will make even more savings.
As always, travel lightly in these fragile environments, take only photos and leave only foot prints. And don't forget to pay your respects to the traditional custodians of the land on which you travel.
Related Blogs: Beginners Guide to Kalbarri Region of WA
Tips for picking the right motorhome or campervan for Australia