Australia has approximately 36,000 kilometres of coastline and a large number of whale species, including Humpback, Southern right, Minke and Blue whales. These impressive marine mammals can be seen all around the country during their migration periods, during two seasons: April to mid-December and mid-December to March. From May to November, you can watch whales from many breathtaking spots, here are our top locations to take in this wild natural experience. Hurry the season is almost gone!
New South Wales
Period: May to November
Each winter the humpback whales are often seen making their way up the East Coast and breaching through the air in Sydney’s coastline, an incredible must-see backdrop.
You can find whale watching cruises that vary from adventure tours, luxury sailing to half day family cruises in many points of the city almost every day.
Manly Whale Watching provides a great experience in the Northern Beaches area, get in contact with us at info@puravidastudy.com.au and we are happy to arrange everything for you.
The South Coast of NSW is another great area to experience the Australian wild nature and a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
Take a 3 hours road trip to Jervis Bay and the Shoalhaven region, where you are almost guaranteed to spot whales feeding and migrating in the clear waters. Batemans Bay provides plenty of walk trails to choose from with great whale watching lookouts, especially at Murramarang and Meroo National Parks.
Heading further south to Merimbula and Eden region, between September and November you can see new whale mums and calves close to the shore. The Green Cape Lighthouse in Ben Boyd National Park has a fantastic view and is ideal for whale watching.
The North Coast of NSW, the humpback whales continue their annual return between September and November, crossing Port Stephens and Byron Bay, with the Cape Byron Lighthouse offering another excellent vantage point.
Queensland
Period: May to November
Whales arrive in Hervey Bay from July, where they remain until November before heading south again. It is a hot spot as the whales stop to breed and nurse their calves… Occasionally, they venture close to the boats giving a delightful experience for any passenger.
Western Australia
Period: May to December
Humpback, Southern Right and Blue Whales make their way along WA’s coast during this period, often coming close to shore, so you can watch them from coastal vantage points.
The city of Albany is home of the Whale World, an interactive museum which was previously a historic whaling station. Southern Right Whales take shelter in Albany’s southern bays to mate and give birth before returning south.
You can see Humpback Whales travelling north to Broome between June and November.
Victoria & South Australia
Period: May to October
Approximately 12 hours drive from Adelaide in South Australia, the Great Australian Bight not only offers great viewpoints of the whales but it is the breeding ground for the majority of the Australian Coastal Southern Right whales. Between May to October, you can see them mating, calving, and nursing very close to the shore. It’s worth the trip.
The Southern Right Whales can be seen at the Logan’s Beach platform in Warrnambool, Victoria, between June and October. It is nursing time, so they usually stay there for several weeks before heading back to the Antarctic waters. Lady Bay is another fantastic option, where the mothers come close enough to spray you with breakwater.
Tasmania
Period: September to December
From September to November, Humpback and Southern Right Whales can be spotted at Great Oyster Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula, East Coast of Tasmania. It is an area renowned for its pink granite cliffs and secret white sand beaches.
Both whale species also travel past Bruny Island every year, taking shelter in Adventure Bay. If you are lucky, other whale species like Minke, Pygmy, Right and Orca can be seen passing over the island.
Watching whales in their natural habitat is really magic and unforgettable.
We absolutely recommend this fantastic lifetime experience, contact us for more details at info@puravidastudy.com.au.
Georgia Carajeleascov
A nature lover and curious at heart always looking for the next trip and cultures to see. A marketing specialist with digital and strategy skills, helping brands to develop their soul and presence.