Western Australia's extraordinary six month whale watching season is just around the corner, with whale watching charters set to commence from the brand new $36.4 million Augusta Boat Harbour, in the Margaret River Region, at the end of this month.

Western Australia's whale watching season is one of the longest in the world. From the end of May, up to 35,000 Humpback and Southern Right Whales, and even the occasional rare Blue Whale, travel through the waters of the Margaret River Region on their migration from feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the warm waters of the Kimberley.

For the first ever time, tour boats will be operating from the new Augusta Boat Harbour, which caters for the growing commercial and recreational fleet in the area. It is expected that there will be increased numbers of whale watchers this year as a result of the new harbour, which allows passengers direct access to ships and an all-round enhanced experience.

Naturaliste Charters and Legend Charters will both be offering two hour whale watching tours, with multiple daily departures from the new Augusta Boat Harbour from the end of May to August. Travelling on fully equipped vessels, passengers can admire whales breaching, tail-slapping and frolicking in front of their eyes, as they listen to commentary from the expert crew. Tours cost from £41 ($80) per person. For further information, visit www.whales-australia.com.au / www.legendcharters.net.au

There will also be a Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony at the new Augusta Boat Harbour on Sunday 31st May 2015, to celebrate the launch of the season.

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

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Notes to editors

Naturalist Charters' trips will depart Augusta Boat Harbour at 10am and 2pm daily

Legend Charters' trips will depart Augusta Boat Harbour at 8am, 10.30pm and 1.30pm daily

For media or image requests, please contact:

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