The Big Whale Shark
Height
Unknown
Year Built
2002
Address
Exmouth, WA 6707
The Lowdown
The Big Whale Shark in Exmouth celebrates the gentle giants that make Ningaloo Reef one of the world's premier wildlife destinations. Built in 2002, this sculpture pays tribute to the whale sharks that aggregate at Ningaloo each year between March and August, creating one of the few places on Earth where you can reliably swim with the world's largest fish. Whale sharks can grow up to 18 metres long, yet they feed only on plankton and small fish, making them safe for humans to swim alongside. The Big Whale Shark marks Exmouth as the whale shark capital of Australia.
Did you know?
"Exmouth's whale shark tourism is strictly regulated for conservation"
History
The Big Whale Shark was installed in Exmouth in 2002 to celebrate the town's emergence as one of the world's premier whale shark swimming destinations. Ningaloo Reef's whale shark aggregation was discovered by local fishermen in the 1980s, and by the 1990s, tourism operators had developed swimming experiences that allow people to encounter these magnificent creatures in the wild. The industry is carefully managed to protect the sharks, with strict approach distances and interaction times. The Big Whale Shark celebrates this sustainable tourism success story.
More Fun Facts
- •Whale sharks are the world's largest fish, growing up to 18 metres
- •Despite their size, they feed only on plankton and small fish
- •Ningaloo Reef whale shark season runs from March to August
- •Exmouth's whale shark tourism is strictly regulated for conservation
- •Whale sharks have unique spot patterns, like human fingerprints
Visiting Tips
- 💡Book a whale shark swim tour during season
- 💡Ningaloo Reef is also home to manta rays and turtles
- 💡The coral spawning in March attracts whale sharks
- 💡The Big Prawn is also in Exmouth for a Big Things double
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
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