Spring
WHALE
WATCHING
SPOTS AROUND AUSTRALIA
Head to the East Coast to see whales breaching and spy hopping during their annual migration this spring
Opening Image: A whale breaching off the Gold Coast © Tourism and Events Queensland
Every year, thousands of whales migrate north from Antarctica to breed and give birth in the warmer waters off Australia’s coast. Humpback whales can travel as far as Queensland, while southern right whales can be sighted around the Great Australian Bight and up towards Cape Byron on the east coast. Here are some of the best places for a whaley cool encounter this season.
Head to the East Coast to see whales breaching and spy hopping during their annual migration this spring
Opening Image: A whale breaching off the Gold Coast © Tourism and Events Queensland
Every year, thousands of whales migrate north from Antarctica to breed and give birth in the warmer waters off Australia’s coast. Humpback whales can travel as far as Queensland, while southern right whales can be sighted around the Great Australian Bight and up towards Cape Byron on the east coast. Here are some of the best places for a whaley cool encounter this season.
KIAMA, NSW
When: May to November
Most families head to this South Coast town for the famed Kiama Blowhole, but they should really time it to coincide with their visit with the annual humpback migration from May to November.
If you’re visiting Kiama you can head out on the water with local company Dolphin Watch Cruises. However, Kiama is also one of the top places to see whales from dry land. Set up a picnic at one of the vantage points on the Kiama Coast Walk, like Blowhole Point, Bombo Headland, Marsden Headland, the Minnamurra Whale-Watching Platform and Black Head Reserve. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled!
Image : A humpback whale breaching off Kiama © Lachlan Hall
WHERE TO STAY
BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park in Kiama offers a variety of beachfront cabins and villas perfect for families. Watch for migrating whales from the balcony of a Beach Retreat or Seabreeze Villa, then stretch out and enjoy the spring sunshine while the kids play in the water park, which boasts slides, a giant tipping bucket and shaded toddler’s area. There’s also two outdoor playgrounds, an on-site cafe and a fabulous kids’ club.
GOLD COAST, QLD
When: May to October
The Humpback Highway is in close proximity to the golden shores of the Gold Coast, so if you book a whale watching cruise it’s only 20 to 30 minutes before you’re watching whales play. Gold Coast whale watching tours depart from a range of locations, including Runaway Bay, Main Beach, The Spit and Surfers Paradise.
Thanks to the longest continuous whale-watching season in the country, sightings are consistent for around five months, from late May to October. Add a whale watching cruise to your theme park trip for the ultimate Gold Coast winter getaway—it’s not uncommon to see mothers with their adorable offspring as early as June!
Image: A whale on the Gold Coast © Sea World Cruises
SYDNEY, NSW
When: May to November
Most Australians are in agreement that the Sydney Harbour backdrop is stunning. Add to that hundreds of playful whales and it becomes mind-blowing. Book a tour and sail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past the Opera House and out through the heads. Then, it’s a matter of waiting patiently for your first encounter.
On a good day, you’ll see humpbacks breaching against the Harbour City’s spectacular sandstone cliffs. You may also see southern right whales, orcas and minke whales, plus dolphins and New Zealand fur seals basking on rocks.
Book your experience: 2.5 hour Sydney whale watching cruise – sightings guaranteed!
Image: Whales migrating past Sydney © Destination NSW
WHERE TO STAY
Heritage-listed Oaks Sydney Goldsborough Suites in Darling Harbour was built in the 1800s and was once used as a wool store. It now offers all the modern mod-cons families need for a self-contained stay, including Wi-Fi, an on-site gym, pool, coffee shop, room service powered by Menulog and TVs with streaming capabilities.
PHILLIP ISLAND, VIC
When: May to October
Victoria’s wildlife island, just two hours’ drive from Melbourne, makes a great whale watching base. Follow the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail to spot the majestic creatures from dedicated viewing points along the coastline. The trail travels from Eagles Nest, between Cape Paterson and Inverloch on the mainland, to Cowes on Phillip Island, and leads to a range of coastal viewing points where interpretive signs give insights into the life of whales and their behaviours.
The major lookouts are The Nobbies, Pyramid Rock and various sections around Cape Woolamai Beach. They can also be seen at the entrance to Western Port from places such as Grossard Point and Cowes Jetty. Sign up to the Wildlife Whales App to receive notifications and learn more about whales visiting the region.
Image: Wildlife Coast Cruises - Whale Watching Phillip Island
WHERE TO STAY
Pet-friendly NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park has a range of campsites and cabins to choose from. It is within walking distance from the town of Cowes and has a wood-fired pizza oven, a seasonal campfire, a recreation room, a playground and games like giant Jenga and snakes and ladders on the lawn.
VICTOR HARBOR, SA
When: Late May to October
Every winter, Victor Harbor on the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula becomes home to pods of southern right whales. And since jet skis and the like are prohibited inside the Encounter Bay Restriction Zone during whale season, there are only two ways to see the majestic creatures: book a tour with a commercial operator such as The Big Duck Tours or go whale-watching on dry land. The best views can be seen from Encounter Marine Park and there are some truly awesome exhibits inside South Australian Whale Centre.
Image: A southern right whale breaching near Victor Harbor in South Australia © The Big Duck
HERVEY BAY, QLD
When: July to November
Each year thousands of whales hang out in Hervey Bay for up to two weeks at a time. Around two hours’ drive north of Noosa, the calm waters are sheltered by the offshore island of K’gari—the ideal spot for mamas teach their little ones all the skills they need for the long migration south.
The whales here tend to be quite curious, with more prolonged encounters than you may expect in other parts of the country. Seeing a newborn whale calf come right up to your boat, to get a closer look at its first humans, is an experience you are not likely to forget in a hurry. If you’re lucky, that’s the kind of thing that might just happen at Hervey Bay.
Book your experience: Take a whale watching day tour with Blue Dolphin
Image: Whale watching in Hervey Bay © Tourism and Events Queensland
WHERE TO STAY
Oaks Hervey Bay Resort & Spa occupies an enviable location on the waterfront esplanade in the heart of Hervey Bay. The modern, apartment-style, U-shaped hotel is centred around two pools, and many rooms enjoy ocean views. The multi-award-winning Mineral Earth Wellness Spa is a must-visit for weary parents.
WHALE WATCHING TIPS
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