In a major coup, documentary filmmakers off Western Australia's Kimberley coastline have captured never seen before footage of a large group of male humpback whales attempting to mate with a female. This rare and dramatic footage, which Nat Geo WILD viewers can watch on 6th June 2015 at 6pm, provides an unrivalled and impassioned insight into the secret life of the enigmatic humpback whale.

Western Australia's Kimberley coastline is home to largest population of humpback whales on the planet. The 'great marine migration', which takes place every June to November, sees 35,000 humpback whales make an epic journey from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the warm waters of the Kimberley. It's here, sheltered by the Kimberley's 2,500 plus islands and reefs, that the largest humpback breeding and birthing ground in world can be found. 

This inspiring one-hour Birthplace of the Giants documentary follows intrepid whale researchers Curt and Micheline Jenner, both from Western Australia, as they use the latest aerial camera quadcopters and night vision technology to film the secret life of the enigmatic humpback whale. The documentary follows the team of two as they observe a pregnant female humpback, witness a group of males fighting, capture rare footage of a female tail sailing and watch the comical efforts of a calf trying to emulate its mother's behaviour. In a parallel story, the documentary follows the dangerous work of Wildlife Officer Doug Coughran as he risks his life to save whales from entanglements at sea.

Curt Jenner, researcher and filmmaker who stars in the documentary commented, “Camden Sound, in the Kimberley is the calving ground for the largest population of humpback whales on the planet and now it is protected with a government-recognised and instigated Marine Park, this is fantastic! The exciting aspect when filming with the quad-copters was recording behavioural interactions between the whales. Aspects such as the potential mating sequence were not impossible to capture”.

For those wanting to witness the great marine migration for themselves, there are a wide range of whale watching tours on offer in the Kimberley between July and September. Ahoy Buccaneers is offering brand new all-inclusive six day cruises along the pristine waters of the Buccaneer Archipelago in the Kimberley from just £856 ($1,650) per person. This hands-on adventurous cruise travels through some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the world; passengers will have a chance to admire whales, swim in fresh water rock pools, go mud crabbing and oyster collecting, admire indigenous rock art, go beach walking, bush walking and  relax on board. Cruises include all-inclusive accommodation with a choice between cabins or beach camping in a swag. (www.ahoybuccaneers.com.au)

For those looking for something more luxurious, Kimberley Quests 10 day Adventure Quest is an extensive exploration of the southern Kimberley and allows passengers travelling during whale season to see these magnificent mammals up close. As well as ticking off the Kimberley's iconic highlights - Horizontal Waterfalls, Montgomery Reef and the Kings Cascade waterfall - the cruise passes through the humpback breeding sanctuary of Camden Sound, where passengers can marvel at the antics of infant whales. Starting and ending in Broome, the cruise costs from £5,291 ($10,395) per person, to include all inclusive accommodation, excursions and transfers. (www.kimberleyquest.com.au)

Ideal for those with less time available, Absolute Ocean Charters offer an afternoon whale watching tour out of Broome. The cruise allows passengers the rare opportunity to admire nurturing lessons between mother and calf, and to be entertained by their playful antics as they cruise along the Kimberley coastline. Cruises are accompanied by an on-board Marine Biologist and passengers can listen to whale song through the boats hydrophone. Trips cost from £41 ($80) per person and include transfers, snacks and drinks. (www.absoluteoceancharters.com.au)

For further information on Western Australia, visit www.westernaustralia.com

- Ends -

Notes to editors

Birthplace of Giants will air on Nat Geo WILD on Saturday 6th June, 2015, at 6pm. It will be shown as part of Nat Geo WILDs 'Secrets of the Deep Weekend' (6-7 June 2015).

Images credited to Sea Dog TV International.

For image or interview requests, or to receive an online link to the documentary, please contact:

Louise Adlam, PR and Promotions Manager for Tourism Western Australia: ladlam@twa.australia.com / 0207 438 4606