REVIEW · BUSSELTON
Whale Watching from Augusta in Western Australia
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Humpbacks show up fast out here. This whale-watching cruise from Augusta runs across Flinders Bay aboard the Tradewind 3, with a real chance to see humpbacks resting in the bay before heading north. On top of the wildlife search, you get practical extras like a picture CD and a discount you can use soon after.
I like the boat setup a lot: you can move between the flybridge, the bow/front deck, and an interior cabin for spotting. I also like the built-in comfort help, including anti-sea-sickness wristbands and the included coffee and/or tea during the ride.
One thing to keep in mind: it’s weather-dependent and lasts about two hours, so you’re going out with the goal of seeing whales, but you’re also signing up for the sea and the schedule. Bring warm layers and wear shoes you can climb in without thinking twice.
In This Review
- Key things I’d bookmark before you go
- Flinders Bay whale watching: why this stretch is worth your time
- Tradewind 3 boat layout: where you’ll want to stand (and sit)
- Your 2-hour rhythm: how the cruise day plays out
- What you’re actually looking for: humpbacks and occasional southern right whales
- Comfort and value add-ons: lunch discount, photo CD, and tea
- Price and logistics: what $68.14 buys you
- What to pack: warm layers, camera, and shoes that work on decks
- Who this Augusta whale watch fits best
- Should you book it?
- FAQ
- Where does the whale-watching tour start?
- How long is the cruise?
- What time does it run?
- What whales might you see?
- What’s included with the ticket?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key things I’d bookmark before you go
- Tradewind 3 has multiple viewing zones: flybridge for open-air scanning, plus interior space for comfort.
- Humpbacks are the target, and southern right whales can happen sometimes.
- Sea-sickness support exists with anti-nausea wristbands available onboard.
- You get a photo CD as a souvenir, not just your own phone shots.
- 10% off at The Colour Patch can turn the tour into an easy meal plan after.
Flinders Bay whale watching: why this stretch is worth your time
If you’ve ever watched whales from shore, you know the frustrating part: they’re there… somewhere out there… and the distance does the rest. This cruise changes the math by taking you across Flinders Bay to look for whales in their natural resting area before they head north.
The big target is humpback whales. You’re not just hearing a lecture and hoping for the best—you’re going out specifically timed for where these whales can be seen resting. Southern right whales are listed as a possible extra, which matters because it raises your odds of a standout sighting even when humpbacks are being shy.
The tour also has a strong track record. It’s rated 5 out of 5 with 124 reviews, and 100% of ratings recommend it. That doesn’t guarantee whales show up on the day, but it does suggest the crew runs a smooth, focused operation and people feel the experience is worth the price.
Duration is about two hours, which is a smart length for a lot of schedules. You get enough time to actually search, without turning your day into a full-day commitment.
Tradewind 3 boat layout: where you’ll want to stand (and sit)
The boat is the Tradewind 3, designed with whale watching in mind. What I like most is that you’re not stuck in one single spot the whole time. You can shift positions depending on weather and where you spot activity.
Here’s how the space works:
- Flybridge: more open-air viewing and usually the best feel for scanning the horizon.
- Bow/front deck: great for natural spotting angles when conditions are calm enough.
- Rear deck: a good backup spot for views from another angle.
- Interior cabin: a comfort option when it’s chilly or when you want to avoid wind.
There’s also a practical limit noted for the flybridge—up to 15 people—so expect people to rotate. That’s part of the fun: you’ll feel the group energy when someone spots movement.
One important detail: they advise no high heels. This is not about etiquette; it’s about safety. You’ll likely climb onto the flybridge and front deck, so wear comfortable, grippy shoes. If your footwear feels like it belongs indoors, swap it.
Your 2-hour rhythm: how the cruise day plays out
The cruise starts at 10:15 am at Augusta Boat Harbour. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you don’t need to plan a complicated second leg to get home.
You’re on a focused timeline. In roughly two hours, the crew’s job is to find whale activity in Flinders Bay and position the boat so you can watch comfortably. That short window is why location and boat design matter here—if you were going out with a long, slow route, you’d burn time before spotting anything.
You’ll also have the “pause and look” moments that make whale watching work. Even when you don’t see spouts right away, the search is active: scanning, adjusting angle, and waiting for that unmistakable sign that whales are surfacing.
And yes, it’s still a boat ride. That’s why they include sea-sickness support and why warm clothing is emphasized. On the water, the weather can feel different than the town.
What you’re actually looking for: humpbacks and occasional southern right whales
Humpback whales are the star of this outing. The tour is set up around how humpbacks may behave in the bay—resting before moving north. Practically, that means you’re more likely to see slower moments rather than nonstop breaching gymnastics.
You might notice:
- whales surfacing and then dropping back down
- time between sightings where you watch for the next exhale or movement
- the way they hold position relative to the boat’s path
Southern right whales are listed as a possible sighting. That’s a nice bonus because it means your day isn’t all-or-nothing around one species. Even if humpbacks are the only reliable target, the chance of another whale species adds excitement without changing how you prepare.
Your best move? Treat every quiet stretch like part of the hunt. Whale watching rewards patience, and the crew’s adjustments usually make the difference between just being on the water and actually seeing wildlife up close.
Comfort and value add-ons: lunch discount, photo CD, and tea
This tour doesn’t just take you out—it gives you small perks that help the whole day feel complete.
Coffee and/or tea are included, which sounds simple, but it makes a boat ride feel less like waiting around in the cold. If you’re the type who gets cranky when you’re hungry, this helps.
Then there’s the photo CD. Instead of relying only on your camera roll, you get a tangible souvenir package from the experience. If you’ve ever tried to film whales and ended up with shaky clips, this is a smart safety net.
One of the most practical perks: 10% off The Colour Patch. You can use it for lunch or dinner at an Augusta restaurant after the cruise. For $68.14, that discount matters because it can shave real money off a meal you were going to buy anyway. It also turns the day into an easy plan—whales first, then food, without hunting for “what’s nearby” after you’re back on land.
They also provide anti-nausea wristbands for those who may suffer sea sickness. The details say wristbands are available onboard, so if you’re sensitive to boat motion, don’t wait until you’re already feeling off.
Price and logistics: what $68.14 buys you
$68.14 per person for about two hours of boat time plus search guidance is not a bargain, but it’s also not out of line for a whale-focused cruise in this region. Where the value improves is in what comes attached to the ticket.
You’re paying for:
- a purpose-built whale-watching boat (Tradewind 3)
- staff/escort support during the outing
- included coffee and/or tea
- sea-sickness wristbands offered onboard
- a photo CD souvenir
- and the 10% discount at The Colour Patch
If you were to compare this to doing “just a boat ride,” the wildlife search and positioning matter. If you were to compare this to a self-planned outing, the crew’s job is to help you find whales instead of wasting time circling and guessing.
One logistics note that affects planning: hotel pickup and drop-off isn’t included. The start point is Augusta Boat Harbour, and you’ll also want to be ready for walking and climbing onto decks. The activity is marked near public transportation, so you may be able to arrive without stressing over a car.
Also: it’s booked around 24 days in advance on average. That usually means it’s not the kind of thing you want to leave to the last second if you have a specific date in mind.
What to pack: warm layers, camera, and shoes that work on decks
This is a “bring it or regret it” kind of tour. The checklist is short, but each item matters.
- Warm clothing: On the water, it can feel colder and wind can hit harder than you expect. Even on mild days, bring layers.
- Camera: The tour is built for magical shots—whales in the water, surfacing moments, and the drama of open sea. Bring a camera you can actually handle with gloves if needed.
- Comfortable shoes only: No high heels. You’ll likely climb onto the flybridge and front deck, so choose footwear with grip and stability.
- Mobile ticket: Have it ready on your phone for the meeting.
If you’re tempted to wear something pretty but not practical, think about one thing: you’ll be moving around the boat. Clothes and shoes that let you move comfortably will make the whale spotting part feel easier.
Who this Augusta whale watch fits best
This cruise fits best if you want a focused wildlife outing without turning it into a full-day trip. Two hours is long enough for a real search, but short enough that you still have time to plan the rest of your day in Augusta.
It also works well if you enjoy practical travel experiences where the crew helps you get set up—sea-sickness support, a clear meeting point, and multiple viewing areas on the boat.
If you’re the type who gets easily frustrated by waiting and scanning, this may test your patience. But if you can handle a “look and wait” rhythm, you’ll enjoy the moment when you see the first surfacing or movement.
Given the high rating (5/5 from 124 reviews) and the focus on comfort and spotting, it’s a good bet for people who want an organized shot at seeing humpbacks without turning their plans into guesswork.
Should you book it?
I’d book this whale watching from Augusta if you want a whale-focused cruise that prioritizes seeing, not just sightseeing. The boat layout gives you options, the ride is timed tightly, and the included extras—tea, wristband support, a photo CD, and the 10% The Colour Patch discount—make the overall day feel like more than the boat itself.
I’d think twice only if you know you’re very sensitive to motion or cold. If you can’t handle wind or water temperatures, you’ll need to bring serious layers and consider the wristbands. Also remember the biggest variable: whales are wild animals, so your success depends on conditions that day.
If you’re flexible with the idea of waiting for the right moments, this is a strong, good-value way to spend your morning on Flinders Bay.
FAQ
Where does the whale-watching tour start?
It starts at Augusta Boat Harbour (Leeuwin Rd, Leeuwin WA). The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
How long is the cruise?
The duration is approximately 2 hours.
What time does it run?
The start time is 10:15 am.
What whales might you see?
The tour is aimed at humpback whales, and southern right whales are possible.
What’s included with the ticket?
Included items are anti-nausea wristbands available onboard, a 10% discount for The Colour Patch, a tour escort/host, coffee and/or tea, and an air-conditioned vehicle. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
What happens if weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
