Red Bluff is a diamond in the rough. It’s one of those amazing spots that are often only found in the most remote places with tough, unforgiving landscape all around. Renowned for its heavy world-class waves, it’s the ideal place for whale watching and experienced surfers.

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Quick Overview Red Bluff

Red Bluff, more affectionately called the Bluff, is located deep within Quobba Station, a working cattle station near the southern edge of the Ningaloo Reef. It’s renowned for its world class surf break and is a must-visit destination for experienced surfers, and whale watching aficionados.

Note! This isn’t the Red Bluff Lookout in Kalbarri National Park – that’s four hours further south.

Read more: Ningaloo Coast Guide

It’s pretty undeveloped and raw, which means that the natural environment is the main attraction. Visit between April and September to avoid the blistering heat of warmer months. And between June and November Red Bluff is a prime seat for for spotting humpback whales on their annual migration along the coast.

Quick Facts Red Bluff

Distance: 160km return from Carnarvon
Closest town: Carnarvon
Activities: Surfing, fishing, snorkelling, whale watching, native wildflowers

 

Remote Surf and Whale Watching at Red Bluff, Western Australia, shot by @jackoscage via Flickr, Kalbarri National Park

This is Kalbarri National Park and Red Bluff Lookout – four hours further south than Red Bluff campsite | Shot by @jackoscage via Flickr | License

About Red Bluff

Despite being only a few hours from the nearest township, Red Bluff gives the feeling that you’ve gone back in time. The magnificent landscape mixed with the disconnect from modern life allows for the ultimate feeling of freedom and exploration – and that’s a big call for Australia!

Red Bluff is the kind of place you go if sitting in a chair with the sea breeze in your hair makes you smile. You can camp right on the water, in the perfect place for both daily surfing and (if you’re there in the primo whale watching months of July to September) observing whale behaviour as they migrate by.

Unlike more easily accessible whale watching and surfing spots, it takes more effort to get to Red Bluff so you’re more likely to have it to yourself.

Red Bluff Top 2 Things To Do

1. Surfing

Red Bluff in Western Australia is renowned for its world class left hander, a long barreling wave of consequence. It’s suitable for experienced surfers only, and it’s remote, so if you get into trouble, help is far away.

The headland also offers a ripper spot to sit back and observe the waves (and surfers) in action.

Read more: Quobba Coast: A Guide to WA’s Best Surfing Destination for Non-Surfers

2. Whale watching

The Bluff camp is as close to the water as you can get, situated on a headland that tapers off quickly to deep ocean. The result being, you can often spot whales and dolphins cruising by, right in front of where you slumber.

Humpback whales are the most commonly sighted whales here, but you can also spot southern right whales closer to shore, minke whales (these tend to be smaller!), and blue whales. Killer whales or orcas are much less common on this section of coastline, thought it’s not impossible.

 

Remote Surf and Whale Watching at Red Bluff, Western Australia, shot by @jackoscage via Flickr, Kalbarri National Park

Humpback whale | Shot by @jackoscage via Flickr | License

How To Get to Red Bluff

Red Bluff is situated on Quobba Station and is 80km northwest of Carnarvon. Carnarvon is 890km north of Perth and is the nearest township so is the best place to stock up before heading in.

Skill Level

Beginner – Intermediate

Essential Gear

  • There is no drinking water, showers or groceries so be prepared and stock up in Carnarvon
  • Tent and sleeping gear
  • Plenty of drinking water
  • Surfboards and fishing rods
  • 4WD – this isn’t strictly necessary but you’ll have a much easier go of it if your car handle dirt roads

What It’s Like to Visit Red Bluff

Driving to Camp

All stocked up on supplies, we slowly made our way into Quobba station, bumping in over the heavily corrugated road.

After losing half our drinking water to the potholes, we were just about ready to call it quits. However, the allure of the waves and isolated camp right on the water kept us going.

As soon as we arrived, all travelling debacles were quickly forgotten. The most epic camp awaited us, as we set up our tents on the edge of the Indian Ocean, while the sun sunk into the west.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

 

Remote Surf & Whale Watching // Red Bluff (WA) Ashlee Kehoe-Sporton camp, rooftop tent coast

Time to Relax

After a big day of exploring, we managed to score some fresh fish off the people camping next to us, who set up here for months at a time to enjoy the simple life of fishing and surfing. Sitting around the fire under the bright stars, we could feel the magic of the place.

All of this and more awaits you at Red Bluff. The place is teeming with wildlife including whales, fish and goats (oddly for a cattle station).

Whether you’re here to surf, fish, spot a whale, explore or just take in the feeling of freedom that only disconnection can provide — Red Bluff is well worth the bumpy road in.

FAQs Whale Watching & Surfing in Red Bluff

Can I see humpback whales from Red Bluff?

Yes! From June to November, Red Bluff’s cliffs offer phenomenal views of whales cruising past on their epic migration. Humpbacks are the most common, but you never know what you might see.

Where can I spot blue whales in Western Australia?

The blue whale is a lot more elusive than the humpbacks are, but you might catch a glimpse in deeper waters along WA’s coast. Exmouth and parts of the Ningaloo Reef are your best bets.

Does Red Bluff have a whale watching tour?

No chance of a tour here — Red Bluff is more DIY. Pack your binoculars, find a good spot on the cliff above the beach, and make up your own educational commentary!

Is early December a good time for whale watching in Red Bluff?

Not really. By December, the migration season has mostly wrapped up, and whale sightings are rare.

Is Red Bluff good for surfing?

Absolutely. Red Bluff is legendary among surfers for its powerful, barreling left-hand break. It’s for experienced riders who can handle the raw energy of the Indian Ocean.

Do I need a 4WD to get to Red Bluff for surfing?

A 4WD isn’t strictly necessary, but it’s highly recommended. The unsealed roads can be rough, so having the right vehicle will make your journey easier. Plus it’s a pretty remote spot for a breakdown – might as well overcompensate and avoid any trouble.

Is Red Bluff Lookout in Kalbarri National Park?

Yep, but this article is about Red Bluff – not Red Bluff Lookout. There’s four hours of distance between Kalbarri National Park and Red Bluff. Both are excellent whale watching spots, with Red Bluff Lookout being particularly good for southern right whales.

More Adventures in Western Australia

 

Table of contents photo by @sophandthesea

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