Humpback whales have arrived off Western Australia's Coral Coast, giving travellers a fresh, timely reason to book a winter escape to Ningaloo.
This week, tour operators recorded the season’s first humpback sightings, with Coral Bay Eco Tours running its first guided swim with whales for 2026 and Ningaloo Discovery logging its first sighting off Exmouth. The migration, which typically runs from July through to November, sees an estimated 45,000 humpback whales travel the length of the WA coastline on their journey north to breed and calve.
Ningaloo is the only place in the state offering guided swims with humpback whales. Adding to the appeal, the arrival overlaps peak whale shark season, giving visitors a rare shot at encountering both of the region’s marine giants on a single trip. Ningaloo is known for being one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks, with the prime season running from March to August. Australia’s Coral Coast has described the crossover as one of the best times of year to experience the destination’s ‘Big 5’ – whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, turtles and dugongs.
What’s new in Ningaloo?
The news that humpback whale season has started off Ningaloo Reef in 2026 lands at a reassuring moment for the region after Cyclone Narelle forced the temporary closure of Exmouth, Coral Bay and Cape Range National Park in March. The region’s recovery is now well advanced: roads are open, flights into Learmonth Airport are running as normal and campgrounds across Cape Range National Park and Nyinggulu Coastal Reserves have reopened.
Australia’s Coral Coast is encouraging travellers to plan a visit to Ningaloo with confidence, with accommodation, tours, experiences and marine activities very much back up and running. Choosing to visit now also means directly supporting the local businesses and communities central to Ningaloo’s recovery.
Those looking to chase the sun in the Australian winter will find Ningaloo brings mild, dry and sunny weather, making it a popular time for a coastal escape. The Gascoyne Food Festival provides another reason to return in September when the wildflowers will be in full bloom.
Enjoy seasonal WA produce
One of the main drawcards for visitors to Western Australia will always be what’s on the plate and in the glass. At Sal Salis in Cape Range National Park, dining is built around bespoke bush-to-beach menus showcasing freshly caught local seafood, seasonal Western Australia produce and native bush flavours. Meals are served al fresco with a glass of something local, say a Margaret River chardonnay, as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Where to stay: barefoot luxury at Sal Salis
Accommodation on Western Australia’s Coral Coast ranges from luxury eco safari tents at Sal Salis to budget-friendly RAC Ningaloo Reef Resort and farm stays at Bullara Station, one of the best farm stays for foodies in Australia.
Those looking for ‘wild luxury’ in Western Australia should stay at Sal Salis, the eco-luxury safari camp tucked into the dunes of Cape Range National Park. It’s the only accommodation located inside the park and is just 50 metres from the reef itself. Fifteen wilderness tents and a single honeymoon tent are dotted along the dunes, each with a private deck, hammock and ensuite bathroom but no Wi-Fi, TV or mobile reception. It’s an intentional trade-off.
Twice-daily guided activities are included in every stay: snorkelling among more than 500 species of fish and 250 types of coral, sea kayaking and paddle boarding, or a guided walk through Mandu Mandu Gorge. With humpbacks now migrating past the coast, guests have the added chance to add a guided whale swim to their stay.
Things to do near Ningaloo
The main attraction in the region is Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s largest fringing reef, which sits just offshore. Snorkellers can also explore well-known sites like Turquoise Bay and Oyster Stacks, while divers and paddlers can head further into the Ningaloo Marine Park.
On land, Yardie Creek and the limestone canyons of Cape Range National Park offer guided hikes through ancient landscapes, home to red kangaroos, rock wallabies and more than 80 reptile species. Ningaloo Stars’ Stargazing Tours, Trek Ningaloo, Sail Ningaloo and Yardie Creek Boat Tours are also worth adding to your itinerary.
Getting there and planning your trip
There are direct flights to Learmonth Airport from Perth and the Coral Coast Highway is open for those planning a road trip. Sal Salis includes return airport transfers as part of its all-inclusive packages, which start from around $1,580 per night and cover meals, drinks and guided activities. With whale season now open and demand expected to build through winter and spring, forward planning and early bookings are strongly encouraged.
Ready to plan your road trip to Ningaloo? Exmouth is the main gateway to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and has plenty of great places to eat and drink such as the Whalebone Brewing Co. and Whalers Restaurant. While you’re adding to your itinerary, don’t miss our guides to Western Australia’s best regional bakeries, Western Australia’s best winery restaurants, Where to shop Western Australia’s best produce and the 100 most delicious food experiences in Western Australia.
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