Perth is one of the best places along Western Australia’s coastline to hop on a whale watching cruise. The city sits right on the Humpback Highway, the migration route that thousands of whales travel each year. And it’s not just whales you’ll spot. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins, stingrays, sea birds, and more. Nearby towns like Dunsborough, Mandurah, and Augusta also offer fantastic launch points for these cruises. So if you’re keen to feel the sea breeze and get up close to these incredible creatures, a whale watching cruise from Perth is a no-brainer. Want to know where to board? Keep reading to explore your best departure options.
There are several whale watching and sightseeing tours that depart from different boarding points along Western Australia’s coast. If you're based in Perth, the Barrack Street Jetty is the main hub, it’s centrally located and ideal for Swan River cruises or day trips to Fremantle. But if whale watching is your goal, consider heading south to Mandurah, Dunsborough, or Augusta, where cruises take you closer to marine life and the natural drama of WA’s coastline.
If you’re more into cityscapes and cultural stops, consider a Swan River cruise. Departing from Perth, these cruises glide past iconic landmarks and give you the chance to explore Fremantle. You can opt for a one-way trip, a round-trip, or a combo that gives you free time to wander around the port city before cruising back. It’s a relaxed alternative to the open-sea adventures down south.
The Scenic View Dolphin Cruise from Mandurah is the only option which is wheelchair accessible and suitable for guests with limited mobility. Most other cruises involve boarding catamarans via steps, and aren’t designed for wheelchairs or walking aids.
Some cruises come with nice little bonuses. For example, the Mandurah dolphin tours offer exclusive local perks like loyalty points, future booking discounts, and sometimes a buy-one-get-one churros deal. If you’re planning to cruise again or love value-packed experiences, keep an eye out for these extras when choosing your ticket.
Ocean-based tours (like Augusta or Dunsborough) typically use spacious catamarans, which are built for stability and better all-around views. They’re great if you want to move around freely and get uninterrupted whale watching from the deck. On the other hand, the Swan River cruises use more compact sightseeing boats that are great for sitting back with a drink and enjoying the scenery, but not designed for chasing marine giants.
Right in the heart of the city, Barrack Street Jetty is a scenic and well-connected departure point along the Swan River. Skyscrapers on one side, tranquil water on the other. It’s a perfect city-meets-nature setting for a laid-back cruise. Most Swan River scenic tours, including those heading to Fremantle, depart from here.
Who is it for: Ideal for travelers staying in Perth or anyone short on time. Great for casual sightseeing or a relaxed start to a Fremantle day trip.
How to get there: Easily accessible by bus, train (Elizabeth Quay Station is nearby), or on foot from Perth CBD. Taxis and rideshares are also readily available.
Recommended tour:
Set in Perth’s eclectic port city, this departure point is full of energy. Surrounded by markets, historic buildings, and harbor-side eateries, it’s a vibrant place to start your cruise. Though most cruises start in Perth, some return or stop here.
Who is it for: Perfect for those already exploring Fremantle or planning a stopover. Adds a local, cultural twist to your river journey.
How to get there:
Take a train from Perth to Fremantle Station (30 mins), then it’s a short walk or taxi ride to the pier.
Recommended tour:
Tucked into the canals of Mandurah, this jetty is your launchpad for dolphin cruises and scenic inland waterways. With calm estuaries, abundant marine life, and a vibrant foreshore, it’s great for relaxed wildlife encounters.
Who is it for: Great for families, wildlife lovers, and anyone seeking a close-to-Perth nature escape. Also the only tour with wheelchair access.
How to get there: Just under an hour’s drive from Perth via Kwinana Freeway. You can also take a train to Mandurah Station, then a short local bus or taxi to the foreshore.
Recommended tours:
Surrounded by calm waters and rolling hills, this low-key departure point in Geographe Bay feels far removed from the city. Expect a peaceful start to your whale watching cruise with wide decks, light breezes, and nothing but open water ahead.
Who is it for: Best for road-trippers, families, and those heading south along the Whale Trail. Especially popular with travelers doing a South West coastal drive.
How to get there: Dunsborough is around 3 hours from Perth by car via Forrest Highway and Bussell Highway. No direct public transport, so self-driving is best.
Recommended tour:
At the meeting point of two oceans, Augusta’s boat harbour is as dramatic as the scenery. Surrounded by rocky headlands and wide open waters, it’s the most adventurous boarding point and perfect for a close-up encounter with migrating whales in Flinders Bay.
Who is it for: Ideal for serious wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking a raw, unforgettable whale watching experience. Less crowded and more rugged.
How to get there: Roughly 3.5–4 hours from Perth by car. Intercity buses (Transwa) stop at Augusta town, and the harbour is a short taxi ride from there.
Recommended tour:
If you’re after the most immersive whale encounters, Augusta or Dunsborough are your best bets. Both offer close-up sightings and operate in calm, whale-rich waters during peak migration.
We currently don’t have a tour option that departs directly from Perth. However, you can board scenic Swan River cruises from Barrack Street Jetty and connect to Fremantle for coastal excursions.
During peak season (June–August), it’s smart to book at least a few days ahead, especially for Augusta and Dunsborough tours which have limited departures and fill up quickly.
Yes, Perth (Barrack Street Jetty), Fremantle, and Mandurah are all accessible by train and local bus. Dunsborough and Augusta require driving or a bus-and-taxi combo.
Morning departures (around 10am) often offer calmer seas and better lighting for photography, while afternoon cruises can be warmer and slightly more relaxed in pace.
Some Swan River cruises allow one-way travel between Perth and Fremantle. Whale watching cruises, however, typically return to their original departure point.
