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Australia is home to some of the world’s most incredible whale watching experiences, with a range of locations around the country offering the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close. Whether you’re a seasoned whale watcher or just looking to tick off a bucket list item, there are plenty of options for whale watching near you. From the rugged coastline of Western Australia to the tranquil waters of Hervey Bay, there is a whale watching adventure waiting for you.
In this blog post, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the top places in Australia to go whale watching, sharing information on the best time to visit, what species of whales you can expect to see, and what makes each location unique. We recommend making a road trip of it, a motorhome hire is a great way to tour the coastline of Australia!
Make sure your binoculars are on hand to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights – the annual migration of whales along Australia’s seaboard.
Queensland
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure on the open seas? Queensland has some of the best whale watching spots in the world, with opportunities to see humpback whales, minke whales, and even blue whales! Here are three top places to go whale watching in Queensland.
Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay is known as the whale watching capital of Australia, and for good reason. Every year, from July to November, thousands of humpback whales migrate through the calm, protected waters of Hervey Bay. You can take a tour from Hervey Bay to experience the majesty of these gentle giants up close. Some tours even offer the chance to swim with the whales (in a safe and respectful way, of course), which is an unforgettable experience. Along with the whales, you might also spot dolphins, dugongs, and turtles on your tour.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast might be known for its stunning beaches and theme parks, but it’s also a fantastic spot for whale watching. From May to November, humpback whales migrate along the coast, and you can take a tour from the Gold Coast to see them. The whales often come close to the boats, so you’ll have a great view of their acrobatic displays. Along with the whales, you might also spot dolphins, turtles, and even sharks on your tour.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful region of Queensland that stretches from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north. It’s also a great place for whale watching, with tours available from Mooloolaba and Hervey Bay. From July to November, humpback whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them breach, tail slap, and blow from the comfort of your boat.
New South Wales
If you’re a fan of whale watching, New South Wales is a fantastic destination. The state has some of the best spots in Australia to see these majestic creatures up close. Here are three top places to go whale watching in New South Wales.
Sydney
Sydney is known for its iconic Opera House, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. But did you know that it’s also a great spot for whale watching? From May to November, humpback whales migrate along the coast of New South Wales, and many of them pass by Sydney Harbour. You can take a whale watching tour from Circular Quay to see the whales breach and tail slap, and enjoy stunning views of the harbour and the city skyline.
Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is a stunning coastal region located south of Sydney, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the town of Huskisson. From June to November, humpback whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot dolphins, seals, and penguins on your trip.
Port Stephens
Port Stephens is a beautiful coastal region located north of Sydney, known for its picturesque beaches, rugged coastline, and abundance of marine life. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the town of Nelson Bay. From May to November, humpback whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot dolphins, turtles, and seals on your trip.
Victoria
If you’re a fan of whale watching, Victoria is a great destination. The state has several spots where you can see these magnificent creatures up close. Here are three top places to go whale watching in Victoria.
Warrnambool
Warrnambool is a charming coastal town located in the southwest of Victoria, known for its stunning beaches, historic sites, and abundant wildlife. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the town centre. From June to October, southern right whales come to the area to breed and give birth, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot humpback whales, dolphins, and seals on your trip.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a popular tourist destination located south of Melbourne, known for its stunning beaches, wildlife reserves, and natural attractions. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the town of Cowes. From June to August, southern right whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins on your trip.
Portland
Portland is a historic coastal town located in the southwest of Victoria, known for its fishing industry, maritime heritage, and scenic beauty. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the town centre. From June to September, southern right whales come to the area to breed and give birth, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot humpback whales, dolphins, and seals on your trip.
Tasmania
If you’re a whale watching enthusiast, Tasmania is a great destination. The state boasts several spots where you can see these magnificent creatures up close. Here are three top places to go whale watching in Tasmania.
Hobart
Hobart is Tasmania’s capital city and a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the city’s harbour. From May to November, humpback and southern right whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot orcas, dolphins, and seals on your trip.
Freycinet Peninsula
The Freycinet Peninsula is a stunning coastal region located on Tasmania’s east coast, known for its pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and scenic beauty. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the town of Coles Bay. From May to November, humpback and southern right whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot dolphins, seals, and seabirds on your trip.
Bruny Island
Bruny Island is a picturesque island located off Tasmania’s southeast coast, known for its stunning landscapes, wildlife reserves, and gourmet food. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the town of Adventure Bay. From May to November, humpback and southern right whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot dolphins, seals, and seabirds on your trip.
South Australia
If you’re a whale watching enthusiast, South Australia is a great destination. The state boasts several spots where you can see these magnificent creatures up close. Here are three top places to go whale watching in South Australia.
Fleurieu Peninsula
The Fleurieu Peninsula is a beautiful coastal region located south of Adelaide, known for its stunning scenery, pristine beaches, and world-class food and wine. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the town of Victor Harbor. From May to October, southern right whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them up close on tour. You might also spot humpback whales, dolphins, and seals on your trip.
Eyre Peninsula
The Eyre Peninsula is a vast coastal region located in the west of South Australia, known for its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and abundant marine life. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the towns of Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay. From May to October, southern right whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins, and seals on your trip.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is a beautiful island located off the coast of South Australia, known for its unique wildlife, pristine landscapes, and stunning coastline. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the towns of Kingscote and Penneshaw. From May to October, southern right whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins, and seals on your trip.
Western Australia
Western Australia is home to some of the best whale watching opportunities in the world, with several locations offering a chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Here are three top places to go whale watching in Western Australia.
Augusta
Augusta is a charming coastal town located in the southwestern corner of Western Australia, known for its beautiful beaches, rugged landscapes, and abundant marine life. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the town’s historic lighthouse. From June to December, southern right whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot humpback whales, dolphins, and seals on your trip.
Albany
Albany is a historic port city located on the southern coast of Western Australia, known for its rich heritage, stunning beaches, and natural beauty. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the town’s waterfront. From June to October, humpback and southern right whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot dolphins, seals, and sea birds on your trip.
Exmouth
Exmouth is a coastal town located in the northwest of Western Australia, known for its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and abundant marine life. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with tours available from the town’s marina. From June to November, humpback whales migrate along the coast, and you can see them up close on a tour. You might also spot dolphins, dugongs, and manta rays on your trip.
