WHALE WATCHING IN AUSTRALIA: BEST SPOTS, SEASON AND TIPS

Where to see whales in Australia: quick facts 

• Whale watching season in Australia runs from May to November.  
• More than 60,000 humpback whales migrate along Australia's east coastlines from NSW to QLD, and along the West Australian coast. 
• Southern right whales can be seen along the southern coastlines of South Australia and Victoria, as well as around Tasmania.
• Whales can be spotted from headlands, beaches and boats with no specialist equipment or experience needed. 

Whales in Australian waters 

A spout of mist on the horizon. A tail rising above the waves. Then, without warning, an enormous whale launches clear of the water in a spectacular breach. Few wildlife encounters compare to watching whales along Australia’s coastline. 

Australian waters are home to 45 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), which makes it a hot spot for whale watching. And these majestic creatures are more than just a spectacle. Whales are among the largest animals to have ever lived on Earth, and every one of them plays a vital role in keeping our oceans – and our planet – healthy. 

Whale migration: how and where whales travel 

Over 60,000 humpbacks migrate along Australia’s coasts each year. This is a remarkable recovery story, given the species was pushed to the brink of extinction by commercial whaling less than 60 years ago. 

Humpbacks spend the southern summers feeding in the rich, icy waters of Antarctica, building up their fat reserves for the journey ahead. As winter approaches, they head north to mate and give birth in warmer waters. Several months later, they begin the journey south again, many females with newborn calves swimming alongside them for the very first time.  

This 16,000 kilometre round trip is one of the longest migrations of any animal on Earth. And because Australia's coastlines sit directly along these well-established migration routes, often called blue corridors, whales can often be spotted surprisingly close to shore.  

The southern right whale migration route is much shorter. After feeding in Antarctica during the summer months, they seek out the shallow, sheltered bays and inlets of Australia's southern coastline to breed, calve and nurture their young. 

You can explore the vast migration routes whales follow across the globe using this interactive Blue Corridors map. 

When is whale watching season in Australia? 

Understanding the migratory pattern of Australia's whales is the best way to maximise your chances of seeing them. 

The humpback migration unfolds gradually along Australia’s coastline, so peak whale watching periods vary between regions. Humpback whales tend to travel north between June and August, and head south between September and November. This means whale watching in northern areas peaks around July and August, while southern coastlines see the highest activity at the start and end of the season. 

The northbound migration leads into the breeding season, with more visible male activity and increasing competition as whales approach the breeding grounds. They are often seen chasing each other, breaching or slapping the water with their pectoral fins and tails.  

The southbound journey brings females travelling with their newborn calves, which can be a joy to watch. These pairs tend to move more slowly and stay closer to shore. Calves are curious and playful and sometimes mimic their mothers’ breaching and fin slapping. You may even see a mother and calf gently brushing fins. 

The best whale watching spots in Australia 

During whale watching season, whales can be spotted from headlands, beaches and boats along much of Australia’s east, west and southern coastlines. Here’s our selection of the most reliable and rewarding experiences and when to go. 

Queensland 

Hervey Bay – humpback whales and calves 

Often called Australia’s whale watching capital, Hervey Bay is one of the world's first certified Whale Heritage Sites. Protected by K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), the bay's calm, sheltered waters are one of a handful of places on the southern migration route where humpback females and their calves stop to rest, play and socialise. Whales can spend up to a week in the area before continuing south.  

Best time to visit: mid-July to October with peak in August and September. 

Great Barrier Reef – swimming with dwarf minke whales 

Our Great Barrier Reef isn’t just one of the world’s natural wonders – it's also one of the only places on Earth where you can snorkel or dive with dwarf minke whales. Between June and July, these naturally curious whales reliably pass through the remote Ribbon Reefs, often approaching swimmers and lingering nearby. Only a few operators run these experiences, and they are carefully managed so that the whales can choose how much to interact.

Best time to visit: June and July 

New South Wales 

Cape Solander, Sydney – land-based whale watching

Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park is one of New South Wales’ most accessible land-based locations for whale spotting. The high sandstone headland provides a bird's eye view of whales travelling along their migration route, which can bring them within 200 metres of the cliff edge.  

Best time to visit: June and July, October to November. 

Byron Bay – land-based whale watching 

Cape Byron Headland, Australia's easternmost point, juts into the ocean directly on the migration route. As humpbacks follow the coastline, they can be seen close to shore here, making the lighthouse walk one of the most reliable land-based whale watching vantage points in the country. The calm waters around the bay also attract mothers and calves who linger to rest and nurse as they head south.  

Best time to visit: June to October, with the peak from June to September. 

Eden, Sapphire Coast – feeding humpback whales 

Eden on the Sapphire Coast is one of the few places in the world where humpbacks stop to feed during their southbound migration. The deep waters of Twofold Bay attract huge concentrations of krill and pilchard, and lucky visitors may occasionally witness the extraordinary spectacle of humpbacks bubble net feeding close to shore.  

Best time to visit: May to July, or September to November to see southbound feeding. 

Jervis Bay – humpback mothers and calves 

Jervis Bay sits at the halfway point of the humpback migration route, making it a natural resting place for whales travelling both north and south. The protected waters of Jervis Bay Marine Park attract female whales with their newborns, while the dramatic cliffs at Cape St George Lighthouse in Booderee National Park provide an excellent land-based vantage point.  

Best time to visit: June to July for energetic northbound activity; September to October for mothers and calves. 

South Australia 

Great Australian Bight – southern right whale calving 

The Great Australian Bight is home to around 95% of Australia's southern right whale population during winter and is globally recognised as one of the most important calving and nursery grounds for the species. From viewing platforms along the towering Bunda Cliffs, visitors may be able to see up to 100 whales at once, resting or interacting in the sheltered waters.  

Best time to visit: June to October, with the peak in July and August. 

Victor Harbor – southern right whale 

Just an hour from Adelaide, Victor Harbor offers a more accessible alternative to the remote Great Australian Bight for watching southern right whales. These whales return to Encounter Bay each winter to mate, give birth and nurse their young. Grown calves often return to the same bay as adults – an extraordinary cultural tradition passed down through generations. The area’s coastal lookouts and walking trails provide excellent land-based viewing.  

Best time to visit: Between May and October, peaking in July and August. 

Western Australia 

Albany – humpback and southern right whales 

Albany’s King George Sound is one of the few places where you can see humpback and southern right whales together, with rare sightings of blue whales. Humpbacks stop here to rest and frolic before heading north, and southern right whales calve in the sheltered waters. Watch for acrobatic breaching and tail slapping from the humpbacks and if you’re lucky, a southern right whale ‘sailing’, that is, raising its tail above the surface to catch the wind.  

Best time to visit: June to August for humpbacks; August to October for southern right whales. 

Bremer Bay – orcas (killer whales) 

The Bremer Canyon Sub-Basin is a series of deep-sea canyons, and hosts between 200 and 300 orcas during their migration. Take a boat from Bremer Bay out to the canyons to see these apex predators in action – they eat Beaked Whales and giant squid! Orcas are technically dolphins, but that doesn’t make them any less exciting to watch. 

Best time to visit: January to April 

Ningaloo Coast – swimming with humpback whales 

During the migration season, the Ningaloo Coast has the highest density of humpback whales in the southern hemisphere. It is also one of only a few places where you can swim with whales – a bucket-list experience for many visitors. Whale watching in this region is primarily by boat from Exmouth or Coral Bay. For land-based viewing, Bundegi Beach, Sunrise Beach and Town Beach are all accessible. 

Best time to visit: June to October, with the peak in July and August. 

Tasmania 

East Coast Whale Trail – land-based whale watching walks 

Stretching from the Bay of Fires in the north to Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania's East Coast Whale Trail includes 14 dedicated whale watching spots, each with information signs about whales and sweeping ocean views. Southern right whales and humpbacks are most often seen, with occasional sightings of orcas and blue whales.  

Best time to visit: May to July and September to November for humpbacks; June to September for southern right whales. 

Lesser-known whale watching spots 

Narooma and Montague Island, NSW – boat-based whale watching 

The waters around Montague Island Nature Reserve can be reached by boat from Narooma. The area has a number of reliable tour operators who know where to find pods of whales. Southbound humpback whales are common as they stop here to feed on krill for up to four weeks, with southern right whales, orcas and other species occasionally sighted.  

Best time to visit: September to November, when humpbacks stop to feed. 

Point Ann, Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia – southern right whales 

Point Ann in Fitzgerald River National Park regularly sees southern right whales come to calve or nurse in the shallow, protected bays. Whale-watching platforms offer a reliable vantage point, and the more remote setting keeps visitor numbers low.  

Best time to visit: June to October, peaking from July to September. 

Logan’s Beach, Warrnambool, Victoria – southern right whales 

Logan's Beach in Warrnambool is one of the few places in Victoria where female southern right whales birth their calves near the shore. Expect to see whales up close here, often within 100 metres of the sand. The dedicated viewing platform is open 24 hours.  

Best time to visit: June to September, with the peak in July and August. 

How to watch whales responsibly 

Whale watching along Australia's coastline is an extraordinary experience, and it comes with a responsibility to minimise disturbance. A few simple steps can help ensure whales continue their migration safely. 

• Give whales space: Licensed boat operators must give whales adequate space. Australian law requires vessels to stay at least 100 metres from whales, with a 300-metre caution zone and no approach zone for mothers with calves. Jet skis must stay more than 300 metres from whales at all times. These rules exist for good reason. Underwater noise pollution from boats can interrupt whales’ feeding, nursing and resting. 
• Choose responsible operators: Look for licensed tour guides who take their wildlife responsibility seriously. They should prioritise whale welfare over getting a good view, follow all regulations, minimise environmental impact, provide an ethical experience and use knowledgeable crew. In short, they should give precedence to whales’ well-being over profit. 
• Slow down: Vessel strikes are a growing issue for whales. Even small boats can accidentally hit a whale and cause mortal injury. Boats should keep under 10 knots during the migration season and follow local guidelines if a whale is within 300 metres. (This often means staying under 5 knots with no wake). 
• If a whale approaches your boat: If a whale comes to you, keep engine noise low and let it pass on its own terms. These moments of curiosity are extraordinary, and the kindest thing you can do is stay still and watch quietly. 

Why whales matter to ocean health and the planet 

While spotting a whale can be an unforgettable experience, we should remember that these ocean giants play a critical role in the health of our oceans and our planet.  

By feeding at depth and releasing nutrient-rich waste near the surface, whales support phytoplankton, the algae that absorb 40% of our carbon dioxide and generate over half of our oxygen. When whales travel vast distances, they help to transport and redistribute these nutrients across the oceans, linking different ecosystems and supporting productivity. Even in death, whales continue to support our planet – the large amounts of carbon they store in their bodies are thought to remain on the sea floor for many years after their death. 

Unfortunately, Australia's whales face growing threats including fishing gear entanglement, ship traffic, ocean pollution, noise pollution and declining krill levels from climate change.  

WWF-Australia is calling on the Australian Government to protect whales from these hazards by ensuring at least 30% of Australian oceans are marine sanctuaries by 2030. We’re also advocating for more action on climate change to help protect whales’ vital food source.  

Whale watching in Australia: FAQs 

When is whale watching season in Australia? 

Whale watching season in Australia runs from May to November, when humpback whales migrate along the coastline between their Antarctic feeding grounds and the warm tropical waters where calves are born. Peak sighting times vary by region, with whales frequenting southern waters early and late in the season, and northern regions around July and August. 

Where is the best place to see whales? 

Queensland’s Hervey Bay is widely promoted as one of Australia’s top whale watching locations, with around 7,000 humpback whales and calves coming to this area each year. Head of Bight in South Australia is one of the most important southern right whale breeding and calving areas, and visitors can sometimes see as many as 100 whales at once during the peak months. Western Australia’s Ningaloo Coast is considered to be one of the densest whale migration corridors in the southern hemisphere, and offers land, boat and swimming experiences. 

Where can I see whales from land in Australia? 

Australia has many excellent land-based whale watching spots. Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park near Sydney, Cape Byron Headland in Byron Bay and Cape St George Lighthouse in Jervis Bay are among the best and more accessible vantage points on the east coast. In South Australia, Victor Harbor and the surrounding Encounter Bay coastline offer reliable land-based viewing as southern right whales mate, give birth and nurse their calves close to shore. In Western Australia, cliff-top lookouts around Albany offer regular sightings of humpback and southern right whales.  

What kind of whales can I see? 

Humpback whales are the most commonly seen species during the annual migration up and down Australia’s east and west coast. Southern right whales can be seen along Australia's southern coastlines. Blue, sperm and minke whales are occasionally spotted offshore. 

Can I see whales without going on a tour? 

Yes. Many whales can be seen from coastal headlands, lookouts and beaches, especially during peak migration periods. In some locations, whales pass surprisingly close to shore, making land-based viewing a simple and low-impact way to experience them. 

Can I swim with whales in Australia? 

Yes – and it's one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences the country has to offer. Ningaloo Reef, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Hervey Bay all offer opportunities to swim with humpback whales on a guided tour. In Queensland, some operators also offer in-water experiences with dwarf minke whales at the Great Barrier Reef between May and July. Swimming with whales is only permitted through licensed operators under strict conditions, with guidelines in place to protect both animals and participants. 

How close do whales come to shore? 

Whales can come within a few hundred metres of the coast, and sometimes closer, particularly around headlands and sheltered bays. Mothers and calves often stay in calmer, protected waters near shore, where they can be more easily seen. 

What should I bring when going whale watching? 

Bring binoculars, warm clothing, sun protection and water to drink, along with a camera if you have one. Conditions can change quickly on the coast, and being prepared means you can stay longer and enjoy the experience. 

Are whales endangered in Australia? 

Humpback whales have recovered well since commercial whaling ended in 1978. However, blue whales and southern right whales are both listed as endangered, and all whales still face serious threats from human-driven pressures that can disrupt migration, breeding and feeding. Fishing gear entanglement, ship strikes, ocean pollution and the impact of climate change on Antarctic krill continue to put pressure on whale populations, meaning the work to protect these beautiful creatures is far from over.