Whale watching around Australia: a complete guide
Whale watching in Australia is a prime tourism activity because sixty percent of all whale species call Australian waters home.
This makes Australia one of the best places in the world to spot a whale, including humpback whales, southern right whales and even the majestic blue whales.
Read on to find out where to go and where to stay on your next whale-watching adventure in our ultimate guide to whale watching in Australia. Prepare to witness the magnificence of these gentle giants up close and personal, as they breach, fluke and sing their enchanting songs.
Australia's Whale Watching Season
Beginning in May and lasting until the end of November, southern right, humpback and sperm whales are among the many species that make their annual round-trip from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Australia’s east, west, and southern coastlines.
Check out our state-by-state list of the best whale watching spots around Australia and where you can stay while you’re there.
QLD | WA | SA | NSW | VIC | TAS
WHALE WATCHING IN QUEENSLAND
Where? Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay, Tannum Sands, Great Barrier Reef
Whale watching tours are increasing in popularity.
At the start of May, humpback whales begin to make their way to the Whitsunday Islands near Airlie Beach where they take full advantage of perfect calving conditions for newborn whales.
By July, more of these gentle giants of the ocean start arriving in Hervey Bay, which is widely recognised as one of the world’s best whale watching locations.
READ ALSO: The Whales have arrived in Hervey Bay
60% of all whale species call Australian waters home.
Locals here even celebrate their return during the annual Hervey Bay Whale Festival which runs each July and August.
In fact, Hervey Bay’s reputation as Australia’s whale watching capital was made official in October 2019, when the region was dubbed the world’s first Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance.
STAY WITH US: Discovery Parks - Airlie Beach and Discovery Parks - Fraser St. Hervey Bay
WHALE WATCHING IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Where? Margaret River, Busselton, Broome
Swimming with whales is generally not permitted in Australia.
The beginning of the West Australian whale watching season usually kicks off in Flinders Bay, Augusta near the Margaret River region, where migrating whales come to rest and feed on zooplankton which thrives in the warmer waters.
Further north, humpback whales are regularly seen frolicking in the waters off Kalbarri, Exmouth, Coral Bay and Broome, and we highly recommend signing up for any number of whale watching tours to spot whales beyond Ningaloo Reef.
READ ALSO: Your guide to an awesome week in the Margaret River region
Whale watching requires patience but pays off when you see these wonderful marine creatures.
The Kimberley is another hotspot to see mothers and calves as they rest and recharge in the waters of Camden Sound and Pender Bay.
On the return journey, whales will often take shelter in Albany’s southern bays to mate and calve. If you’re lucky, you can also catch the tail-end of the season in places like Fremantle - not far from our parks in Woodman Point, Busselton and Coogee.
STAY WITH US: Discovery Parks - Busselton, Discovery Parks - Woodman Point, Discovery Parks - Coogee Beach, Discovery Parks - Broome, and Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
WHALE WATCHING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Where? Streaky Bay, Robe, Goolwa
The Great Australian Bight.
Did you know that one-third of all whales are born in the Great Australian Bight?
This makes the Head of the Bight one of the most spectacular whale watching spots on South Australia’s remote west coast, not far from our park at Streaky Bay. Also home to a remarkable selection of marine life, southern right whales can be spotted from jaw-dropping cliff tops here between May and October every year.
Great Australian Bight Marine Park Whale Sanctuary, about 800km from Adelaide, is a protected area
READ ALSO: South Australia's best beaches you might not have heard of
The photo of a lifetime awaits!
Whales are also very common along the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula. Sightings usually begin around Mid-May and whale watchers gather on the cliffs and headlands hoping to spot the first whale of the season.
Further east on the beautiful Limestone Coast near Robe, mother whales and their calves are often spotted in Guichen Bay near the famous Robe Obelisk.
STAY WITH US: Discovery Parks - Goolwa, Discovery Parks - Robe, and Discovery Parks - Streaky Bay Foreshore
WHALE WATCHING IN NEW SOUTH WALES
Where? Eden, Pambula, Coffs Harbour, Emerald Beach, Gerroa, Ballina, Byron Bay, Forster, Harrington Beach
You’ll have a tale to tell if you see a sight like this.
Tens of thousands of whales turn the NSW coast into ‘Humpback Highway’ during their northern migration between May and November each year. Humpbacks and southern right whales are the most common, but you may also spot orcas, blue whales, minke and sperm whales.
In the southern coastal waters near Eden, halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, places like Twofold Bay are rich with nutrients, and act as the perfect sanctuary for humpbacks to stop for a feed on their way to or from Antarctica.
READ ALSO: Road trippin' the Sapphire Coast
Make sure you pack binoculars for your whale watching experience.
On the central coast, Port Macquarie is a prime spot to see whales begin their migration south, returning to Antarctic waters with their calves in tow.
Further north, the strip of coast between Byron Bay and Tweed Heads is inundated with pods of humpbacks from May to November.
Cape Byron Lighthouse sits at Australia’s easternmost point, and is a renowned watching spot, as whales move around the landmass on their southern march.
STAY WITH US: Browse parks in NSW
WHALE WATCHING IN VICTORIA
Where? Warrnambool, Geelong
Whale watching occurs in both inhabited and isolated stretches of coastline. Image Credit: SATC; Adam Bruzzone
From June to September, southern right whales begin arriving in Warrnambool to give birth in sheltered bays.
Logan’s Beach in Warrnambool has long been a nursery of southern right whales, while further east in Portland, you can also spot southern right whales as well as blue whales over summer, feasting on krill from November to May.
READ ALSO: Rediscover Victoria with these quick escapes
You’ll have a whale of a time.
From May to August, humpback and southern right whales can be seen frolicking in the waters off Phillip Island.
Key vantage points include Cape Woolamai, Pyramid Rock, and the Nobbies area, while cruises and helicopter rides provide plenty of thrills.
STAY WITH US: Discovery Parks - Warrnambool, and Discovery Parks - Geelong
WHALE WATCHING IN TASMANIA
Where? Bruny Island, Great Oyster Bay
Tour operators will help you identify different species of whales.
The east coast of Tasmania is one of the first places whales pass as they depart Antarctic waters on their round trip towards South Australia, Queensland, and NSW.
Adventure Bay on Bruny Island is where humpback and southern right whales pass the shoreline at various periods from May until December.
READ ALSO: A Foodie's Guide to Tasmania: Food and Wine on the Apple Isle
This is the photo that every whale watcher hopes to capture.
Great Oyster Bay is a reliable vantage point and a cruise from Coles Bay might be the perfect way to see these incredible animals up close.
STAY WITH US: Discovery Parks - Hobart and Discovery Parks - Mornington Hobart
HOW CAN I MAXIMISE MY CHANCES OF SEE A WHALE?
Here are some tips to make the most of your whale watching adventure in Australia:
Choose the Right Season: Different whale species can be spotted at different times of the year, so it's important to plan your trip accordingly. Research the migration patterns of the whales you hope to see and visit during the peak season for the best chances of sightings.
Consider a Whale Watching Tour: While you can spot whales from the shore, booking a whale watching tour will greatly increase your chances of getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures. Experienced guides and skippers know the best spots and can provide valuable insights into whale behaviour.
Bring Binoculars and Cameras: Binoculars are essential for spotting whales in the distance, while a good camera will allow you to capture those magical moments forever. Whales can be unpredictable, and their behavior can change in an instant. Shooting in burst mode will allow you to capture a series of images in quick succession, increasing your chances of getting that perfect shot.
Dress Appropriately: The ocean can be unpredictable, so it's important to dress in layers and wear warm, waterproof clothing. Don't forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Be Patient and Observant: Whale watching requires patience and a keen eye. Keep an eye on the horizon for any signs of whale activity, such as blows or splashes. Be prepared to wait and watch, as whales can surface unexpectedly and disappear just as quickly.
RESPONSIBLE WHALE WATCHING
If you are on a tour, the guides will explain the laws surrounding whale watching and conservation.
However, if you are out on the waters in a private boat, you must not disturb whales. You are forbidden from getting within 300 metres of these marvelous creatures and if you inadvertently find yourself closer than that, you must slow down and not try to interact.
We are sharing their environment, so please be respectful.
PLAN YOUR TRIP NOW
As you can see, it’s no wonder that Australia is renowned for being one of the best whale watching destinations in the world.
