Whale Watching Season Spots in Australia: Hervey Bay, Sydney & Gold Coast

Whale watching season is finally here! Gather up the family and start searching for the best spots to go whale watching. 

Don’t worry; we saved you some time. Check out our list of rime whale watching locations around the country. 

From Sydney to Hervey Bay, we got you covered! Here’s our list of the best spots to go to during this whale watching season with our top cruise picks! 

Be on the lookout for huge whales travelling along “Humpback Highway” when you go whale watching on the Gold Coast! Having one of the longest whale watching seasons, the best time to go whale watching on the Gold Coast is a ust!

Sea World Whale Watching Cruise

Thrilled to meet the ocean’s gentle giants? Hop aboard the Spirit of Migaloo II and join in on a 2.5-hour cruise along Gold Coast! Ever heard a whale song live? On this cruise, you’ll surely experience listening to unique whale songs with their underwater microphone!

Also, take advantage of the vessel’s three viewing platforms and get panoramic views of the terrific Surfers Paradise skyline! Make sure you have your camera in hand in case some of the whales start to put on a show for you.

When you go whale watching on the Gold Coast, make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to witness rare whales aboard this whale-watching cruise that departs from Surfers Paradise!

Depart from Surfers Paradise aboard a luxury vessel and have 3.5 fun-filled hours with whales and dolphins. Be guided by their expert crew and learn more about the whale watching season with a smaller group for a less crowded whale watching experience. You may also avail of a scenic waterways canal cruise valued at $33 along with this whale-watching cruise on the Gold Coast!

Heading to the Gold Coast during whale watching season? Here are other spots you can visit:

Whale watching in Brisbane is a terrific idea—why? Because it’s at the edge of the Humpback Highway! Get the chance to see mums and calves at several spots near Brisbane such as The North Gorge, Cape Moreton, and Cape Byron Lighthouse!

Whale Watching Day Trip from Brisbane

Planning to go to Surfers Paradise this whale watching season? Enjoy this stress-free round-trip transfer from Brisbane city going to the terminal at Surfers Paradise!

From there, embark on a 3.5-hour whale watching cruise along the Humpback Highway, and expect to see a few of these jolly giants putting on a lob and dive shows in the waters! Expect a limited number of people on board during this cruise, perfect for those who prefer smaller crowds and those who really want to get up close with the whales. This tour includes live commentary, so you get to learn as you go and enjoy complimentary tea, snacks, and light lunch.

Queenslanders do have a lot of options during whale watching season! One of which is Platypus Bay located on the western side of Fraser Island. Greet humpback whales who are resting and taking care of their calves when you visit the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island during whale watching season.

Half-Day Whale Watching Cruise in Fraser Island

Go to Kingfisher Bay and climb aboard this whale-watching cruise to meet high-spirited whales and dolphins resting along the waters of the sand island! During whale-watching season, around 1,000 whales take a rest from their migration off the coast of Fraser Island.  

See the whales in action as they breach the water and socialise with other whales. Plus, get more viewing options with the onboard underwater viewing camera that beams images onto screens around the boat!

Probably the best place to go whale watching is in Hervey Bay. Unlike most destinations, whales actually stay for days at the coast of Hervey Bay along with Fraser Island so they could recharge and nourish their yearlings before heading back to Antarctica. The best time for whale watching in Hervey Bay is during the months of August and September.

In Hervey Bay, there are different whale watching tours you can join. Some last for 3 to 4 hours, while some last for up to 6 hours. If you want to get closer, you can also swim with whales for an unforgettable whale watching season! Sit back and relax on board a fast and luxurious catamaran you travel out to the whale watching grounds on this Hervey Bay Half-Day Whale Watching Cruise!

We also suggest you visit during the annual Hervey Bay Whale Festival and celebrate whale watching season with the unique line-up of events such as whale parades and seafood festivals! The festival was started to recognise and promote conservation of the marine environment that surrounds Hervey Bay.

Whether you’re going with friends or family, whale watching in Sydney provides you with plenty of convenient options. Take your pick from different tour options during whale watching season in Sydney.

Embark on this 4-hour whale-watching cruise in the heart of Sydney, and enjoy either a breakfast or a lunch buffet as you go sightseeing! 

 Choose from either the breakfast cruise that starts at 8:15 am, or the lunch cruise that departs at 12:30 pm, and go on your journey to glimpse upon the ocean’s gentle giants during whale watching season. Hear about whale migration patterns from the informative live commentary from the captain, and enjoy the seascape that unfolds beneath your eyes!

Did you know that around 30,000 whales pass by Sydney every year during whale watching season? Don’t miss out on this once-a-year phenomenon by going on this whale-watching cruise by Captain Cook!

Go on a 3-hour morning or afternoon whale-watching cruise aboard a luxury catamaran with two viewing decks, providing you uninterrupted views when the whales greet you. Morning cruise opens at 10 am while afternoon cruises start at 1:15 pm. Worried you won’t get to see any whales during the tour? Whale sightings are guaranteed as spotters on land will assist certified whale watchers on board with you.

Upgrade your whale watching experience, and enjoy this small-group whale-watching cruise in Sydney!

Cruise along Sydney Harbour for 4 hours, and keep your eyes peeled for whales breaching the water surface. This cruise includes a delectable buffet BBQ lunch complete with an open bar of alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments. Take your experience to the next level by booking a private charter for your family or friends and having the vessel to yourselves.

If you’re going with family, we suggest you check our curated list of more Sydney whale watching spots!

See more whales when you go whale watching in Jervis Bay! We suggest you visit the area during mid October to late November when you can go sheltered whale watching!

Jervis Bay Whale Watching Cruise

Tour around Jervis Bay aboard a 2-hour eco cruise during this whale watching season! Grab this chance to learn more about the whale migration patterns and Australia’s East Coast with the expert guide on board. Plus, be mesmerised by the stunning views of the bay’s towering sea cliffs and rocky headlands, as well as the sights of iconic landmarks such as Honeymoon Bay and Port Perpendicular Lighthouse. Enjoy a fun-filled family day as tours start at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm!

Spend whale watching season in Perth and watch out for the playful whales who will absolutely put on a show for you when you pass by! There are two peaks of whale watching season in Perth—one during the March to May and the other between the months of September and October.

Whale Watching Experience from Perth

Start your whale watching journey in Perth with an exciting 2-hour marine expedition aboard a luxury vessel!

Catch sight of humpback whales and the rare southern right whales and blue whales as well as other marine wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles along Fremantle. Enjoy world-class, five-star service on this luxurious tour, matched with breathtaking views of the Perth city skyline.

With this cruise option from All Sea Charters, you have the freedom to choose from three different destinations to go whale watching—Augusta, Busselton, or Dunsborough. Each of these gives you a unique experience you’ll surely enjoy during this whale watching season!

If you choose the scenic town of Augusta, meet the majestic humpback and Southern Right whales. Find playful whale species resting on the pristine waters of Busselton, and in Dunsborough, you get all of these plus a view of the stunning Geographe Bay! All these are inclusive of a free picture CD and anti-nausea wristbands to help ease seasickness.

Feel the thrill aboard a jet boat as you get up close with the ocean’s gentle giants during whale watching season!

Book your personal jet boat with up to 11 of your friends and family, and go whale watching in the company of each other. With a professional guide, tour around the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay for 2.5 hours, and glimpse upon other marine species like dolphins and New Zealand fur seals! This tour is available from August to September, with tours leaving at 10 am and 1 pm.

Get the chance to witness the fantastic humpback whale breaching off the coasts of Newcastle and Port Stephens! Around 20,000 humpback whales head to Newcastle’s warm waters to give birth, so you’ll probably see a lot of yearlings along the way! Go whale watching in Port Stephens and Newcastle this year!

Newcastle Whale Watching Cruise

Travel comfortably with family and friends aboard a custom-built vessel in this 2-hour whale watching experience along the serene waters of Newcastle!

 Get front row seats to “shows” by playful humpback whales during this whale watching season and witness as they splash their tails, lob, and show off their calves. If you’re lucky, you might also spot friendly dolphins along the way too! This cruise is inclusive of high-quality digital images, so you could take something home to share with friends.

Start your day right during whale watching season in Newcastle when hopping aboard a 2.5-hour morning whale cruise!

Sit back on a comfortable vessel and be on the lookout for friendly humpbacks and dolphins who travel to the warmer waters of Newcastle and Port Stephens during whale watching season. Enjoy live informative commentary and sip on complimentary morning tea - a perfect way to spend whale watching season with family and friends.

Thousands of whales gather at Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth during whale watching season. The best time to come to Exmouth is from August to November to see humpback whales and March to August for whale shark sightings.

Gigantic whales “park” at Ningaloo’s calm and warm waters to rest during their migration. To see these humpback whales up close, you can choose from a 2-hour sunset whale watching experience or a full day swimming experience with whales. If you want to learn more about these tours, visit Exmouth Diving.

Embark on a 4 hour Phillip Island coastal cruise and search for Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route. Not only is there an expected 80% chance of seeing whales, also find thousands of seals at Seal Rocks as the cruise circumnavigates Phillip Island (weather conditions allowing)!

Enjoy delicious freshly made sandwiches for lunch and complimentary tea/coffee + cake during your winter whale adventure discovering Phillip Island’s picturesque coastline. There is a licensed bar on board for that afternoon beer, wine or mixed drink too!

Set sail on a dolphin & whale watching adventure along Phillip Island’s attractive southern coastline! Witness the sheer granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai and learn about the interesting history of the area with commentary from the captain on this cruise.

There is an 80% expected chance of seeing dolphins and whales, with regular seal and seabird sightings as well, so keep your eyes peeled!

Search for Humpback and Southern Right Whales during their southerly migration as you cruise along the spectacular Wilsons Promontory coastline. Enjoy sights of diverse marine wildlife and seabirds, with 90% chance of spotting Shy Albatrosses, Australian Fur Seals, Common Dolphins and Humpback/Southern Right Whales!

See amazing coastal formations and remote beaches, including Rabbit Island, Sealers Cove and Refuge Cove. Pst, there is also a licensed bar on board!