Whale Watching in Australia: Best Months and Locations

Australia is one of the world’s great stages for whale watching. Each year, tens of thousands of humpbacks and southern right whales undertake epic migrations along more than 25,000 kilometers of coastline, often passing remarkably close to shore. From the subtropical bays of Queensland to the dramatic cliffs of the Great Australian Bight and the turquoise reef lagoons of Western Australia, this island continent offers a front-row seat to breaching giants, curious calves, and unforgettable ocean encounters.

Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic escape, or a bucket-list wildlife experience, this guide will help you pinpoint the best months and locations for whale watching in Australia—plus insider tips to plan a smooth, sustainable, and spectacular trip.

The Quick Answer: Best Months at a Glance

• Overall whale watching season in Australia: May to November
• Peak months for most locations: June to October
• Highlights by region:
  • Queensland (Gold Coast to Cairns): May to November; Hervey Bay peaks August to October
  • New South Wales (Byron Bay to Eden): May to November; northbound peak June–July; southbound peak September–October
  • Victoria (Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island): Southern rights June–September; humpbacks May–July and September–October; blue whales offshore November–May near Portland
  • Tasmania (East Coast, Bruny Island): Best May–July and September–November
  • South Australia (Victor Harbor, Head of Bight): June to October, peak July–August
  • Western Australia (Broome to Albany): Humpbacks north June–September; Ningaloo June–November; Augusta May–August; Dunsborough/Geographe Bay August–November; Orcas at Bremer Bay January–April

If you only remember three things:

1. June–October is prime time almost everywhere.
2. For close, calm encounters with resting whales and playful calves, aim for August–October in sheltered bays (Hervey Bay QLD, Geographe Bay WA, Eden NSW).
3. For unique species or experiences, consider Bremer Bay orcas (Jan–Apr), dwarf minke swims on the Great Barrier Reef (Jun–Jul), and blue whales off Victoria (Nov–May).

Why Australia Is Incredible for Whale Watching

• Massive migrations: Australia’s east and west coasts host two of the largest humpback migrations in the world. Whales cruise close to the coast, so you often see them from headlands, beaches, and ferries.
• Variety of species: Humpbacks and southern right whales are the headline acts. You may also spot dwarf minke whales (Great Barrier Reef), blue whales (Bonney Coast/Portland), Bryde’s whales (tropical waters), and occasional orcas (notably Bremer Bay).
• Natural amphitheaters: Places like Hervey Bay, the Head of Bight, and Geographe Bay provide sheltered, shallow waters where whales rest, calve, and nurse, creating outstanding viewing conditions.
• Ethical tourism: Strict regulations and a strong research community support responsible whale watching, making Australia a leader in sustainable marine wildlife tourism.

Best Months by Coast and State

Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef

Humpbacks migrate north from May, reaching the tropics mid-winter. They return south from September to November, often with calves. Conditions are mild and sunny—ideal cruising weather.

• Gold Coast and Brisbane
  • Season: May to November
  • Best months: June–October
  • Highlights: Frequent breaches and tail-slaps close to shore, accessible cruises from Surfers Paradise, Southport, or Brisbane.
• Sunshine Coast (Mooloolaba) and Moreton Bay
  • Season: June to October
  • Highlights: Calm winter seas, family-friendly tours, scenic backdrops.
• Hervey Bay and K’gari (Fraser Island)
  • Season: Late July to early November; peak August–October
  • Why it’s special: Often called the humpback whale capital of the world; whales are known for “mugging” boats—approaching and lingering out of curiosity. The bay’s calm waters create intimate, low-swell encounters ideal for all ages.
• Whitsundays
  • Season: June to September
  • Highlights: Scenic islands and coral reefs, baleen whales cruising among turquoise passages. Not as concentrated as Hervey Bay, but magical when you spot them.
• Cairns and Port Douglas (Great Barrier Reef)
  • Season: June to September for humpbacks; June–July for dwarf minke whales
  • Unique experience: Licensed swim-with-dwarf-minke tours on the northern Ribbon Reefs follow strict research-backed codes, offering one of the world’s most extraordinary in-water whale encounters.

Note: Swim-with-humpback tours are not permitted in Queensland; choose minke-specific expeditions instead.

New South Wales

NSW is the classic east-coast highway for humpbacks. Expect reliable sightings and dramatic coastal lookouts.

• Byron Bay to Lennox Head
  • Season: May to October
  • Highlights: Australia’s most easterly point; superb shore spotting from Cape Byron Lighthouse.
• Coffs Harbour and Solitary Islands
  • Season: May to November
  • Highlights: Rich marine life, glassy days, and occasional close-in passes.
• Port Stephens
  • Season: May to November
  • Best months: June–July (northbound), October–November (southbound calves)
  • Highlights: Dunes, dolphins, and whale cruises from Nelson Bay.
• Sydney
  • Season: May to November
  • Best months: June–July and September–October
  • Highlights: Iconic skyline backdrops, lots of tour options, and top shore lookouts like Cape Solander (Kurnell), North/South Head, and Barrenjoey.
• Jervis Bay
  • Season: May to November
  • Highlights: Protected bay with crystal-clear water makes for calmer rides and close passes during the southbound migration.
• Eden and Twofold Bay
  • Season: May to November; festival time in spring
  • Highlights: Renowned for feeding behaviors during the southbound run and a strong whaling-and-whale-watching heritage, celebrated during the Eden Whale Festival (typically in spring).

Victoria

Victoria offers a mix of guaranteed nursery views of southern rights and a shoulder-season of humpbacks—plus a summer cameo from blue whales offshore.

• Warrnambool (Logans Beach Whale Nursery)
  • Season: June to September
  • Highlights: Reliable shore-based viewing of southern right mothers and calves in the shallow nursery close to the beach.
• Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory
  • Season: May–July and September–October for humpbacks; winter for occasional southern rights
  • Highlights: Combine with penguins and seals for a wildlife-rich day.
• Portland and the Bonney Coast
  • Season: Blue whales November–May (offshore)
  • Highlights: When conditions align, blue whales feed over the Bonney Upwelling, occasionally visible on specialized offshore tours.

Tasmania

Wild and under-crowded, Tasmania’s east coast and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel offer beautiful winter and spring whale passages.

• Best times: Northbound May–July; southbound September–November
• Hotspots: Bruny Island, Great Oyster Bay (Freycinet), Maria Island, and lookouts along the Tasman Peninsula
• Highlights: Cleaner light, rugged coastlines, and a chance at both humpbacks and occasional southern right whales.

South Australia

Southern rights are the marquee species here, with dramatic cliff-top viewing and excellent tour options nearer Adelaide.

• Head of Bight (Nullarbor)
  • Season: June to October; peak July–August
  • Highlights: One of the world’s best southern right whale nurseries. Spectacular boardwalks atop ochre cliffs, often with dozens of whales below.
• Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay
  • Season: June to September
  • Highlights: Shore sightings and seasonal tours, with scenic granite outcrops and sheltered bays.
• Fowlers Bay and the West Coast
  • Season: June to October
  • Highlights: Close-approach southern rights; intimate small-boat tours.
• Kangaroo Island
  • Season: Winter (June–September)
  • Highlights: Occasional southern rights from coastal lookouts; combine with sea lions and rugged coastal hikes.

Western Australia

The west coast is a paradise for humpbacks, with the chance to swim with them at Ningaloo under strict permits—plus a world-famous orca gathering in summer.

• Broome and the Kimberley
  • Season: June to September (peaking July–August)
  • Highlights: Sunset cruises with breaching whales against fiery skies; calving grounds around Camden Sound (seen on expedition cruises).
• Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth and Coral Bay)
  • Season: June to November for humpbacks; swim tours typically August to October
  • Highlights: Swim-with-humpback programs under careful guidelines, and the chance to combine with manta rays and whale sharks (whale shark season peaks March–July).
• Augusta (Flinders Bay, Margaret River Region)
  • Season: May to August
  • Highlights: Early season action as whales first appear in southern WA, often hanging close to shore.
• Dunsborough and Geographe Bay
  • Season: August to November
  • Highlights: Sheltered bay with mothers and calves resting during the southbound migration—calm seas and superb photography.
• Albany
  • Season: June to October
  • Highlights: Historic whaling town turned conservation hub; see both humpbacks and southern rights along a dramatic coast.
• Bremer Bay Orcas
  • Season: January to April
  • Highlights: Full-day offshore expeditions to the Bremer Canyon to view orcas, pilot whales, and other apex predators—one of Australia’s most unique pelagic trips.

Northern Territory

Whale sightings occur in the tropical north but dedicated whale watching is limited and unpredictable. Your best bet remains Queensland and Western Australia for tropical waters, with the NT more about crocs, fishing, and coastal culture.

Month-by-Month Whale Watching Calendar

• January
  • Best for: Orcas at Bremer Bay (WA); blue whales offshore near Portland (VIC) during Bonney Upwelling.
  • Notes: Warm weather, but not humpback season.
• February
  • Best for: Bremer Bay orcas; occasional blue whales with specialist operators.
• March
  • Best for: Bremer Bay orcas (ending soon); late-summer blue whales offshore VIC.
• April
  • Best for: Transition month; occasional orcas; planning time for winter whale trips.
• May
  • Best for: Start of east-coast humpback migration (QLD/NSW); early humpbacks around Sydney; Augusta (WA) kicks off late May.
• June
  • Best for: Peak northbound humpbacks along NSW and QLD; calm winter seas; southern rights arriving in SA and VIC; dwarf minke whales on GBR.
• July
  • Best for: Big action nearly everywhere—Sydney through Byron, Sunshine Coast, Whale-rich SA/VIC nurseries; Hervey Bay starting; Kimberley and Ningaloo humming.
• August
  • Best for: Hervey Bay at its finest; Geographe Bay (WA) builds; Head of Bight peaks; Kimberley and Ningaloo epic; Warrnambool nursery thriving.
• September
  • Best for: Southbound migration gets close to shore—mothers with calves near NSW/VIC headlands; Ningaloo swims; Dunsborough prime.
• October
  • Best for: Jervis Bay and Eden shine; Hervey Bay still excellent; Dunsborough great; Albany winds down at month’s end.
• November
  • Best for: Late-season humpbacks in WA and QLD; early blue whale chances off Portland begin; Hervey Bay tapers.
• December
  • Best for: Blue whales offshore on select trips; otherwise a quiet month for humpbacks.

Top Whale Watching Locations and What Makes Them Special

Hervey Bay, Queensland

• Why go: Sheltered waters between K’gari (Fraser Island) and the mainland create the perfect rest stop for migrating humpbacks. Expect close approaches, spy-hopping, and social groups.
• Best months: August to October
• Who it suits: Families, photographers, and anyone who prefers calmer seas and longer encounter windows.

Sydney, New South Wales

• Why go: An iconic city backdrop and a steady stream of whales. Many operators, easy access, and stellar shore lookouts.
• Best months: June–July and September–October
• Insider tip: Cape Solander (Kurnell) is a legendary land-based vantage point during the northbound run.

Eden, New South Wales

• Why go: Whales pause to feed here in spring, leading to energetic displays. Rich maritime history and an intimate coastal town vibe.
• Best months: September–November

Logans Beach, Warrnambool, Victoria

• Why go: Consistent shore sightings of southern right mums and calves in a dedicated nursery area. Purpose-built platforms make viewing easy.
• Best months: June–September

Head of Bight, South Australia

• Why go: A natural amphitheater of towering cliffs and milky-blue water below—often dotted with southern rights. Few places are this reliable or dramatic.
• Best months: July–August (season June–October)

Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth/Coral Bay), Western Australia

• Why go: Swim-with-humpback tours (under strict guidelines), raw west-coast beauty, and the chance to pair whales with manta rays and whale sharks.
• Best months: August–October for swims; sightings June–November

Augusta and Dunsborough, Western Australia

• Why go: Early-season action in Augusta and dreamy, sheltered calf encounters in Geographe Bay as the migration heads south.
• Best months: Augusta May–August; Dunsborough August–November

Bremer Bay, Western Australia

• Why go: Orcas. Full stop. Plus an all-star cast of pelagic wildlife on full-day offshore expeditions.
• Best months: January–April

Bruny Island, Tasmania

• Why go: Wild seascapes, crisp light, and fewer boats—whales feel like a secret you discovered.
• Best months: May–July and September–November

Planning Your Trip: When to Book, What It Costs, and How to Choose an Operator

• When to book:

  • Peak months (June–October): Reserve tours and accommodation 4–12 weeks ahead, especially in hotspots like Hervey Bay, Dunsborough, and Head of Bight.
  • School holidays: Book earlier—these weeks fill fast.
  • Shoulder seasons: You often find last-minute seats in May and November.

• Typical costs (per adult, indicative):

  • Standard whale watching cruise (2–4 hours): AUD 79–150
  • Small-group RIB/raft or premium catamaran: AUD 120–180
  • Full-day offshore (e.g., Bremer Bay orcas): AUD 250–450
  • Swim-with-humpbacks (WA) or dwarf minke expeditions (QLD): AUD 300–700+, depending on duration and inclusions

• Choosing a quality operator:

  • Look for eco-accreditation and local research partnerships.
  • Check vessel type and capacity—smaller boats can feel more intimate; larger vessels are steadier in swell.
  • Read recent reviews for guide quality, commentary, and safety practices.
  • Ask about cancellation policy for weather/sea conditions.
  • Ensure they follow local approach-distance regulations and codes of conduct.

• Weather and seas:

  • Winter seas can be calm but also brisk, especially in the south—bring layers.
  • If you’re prone to motion sickness, choose morning departures, larger boats, and sheltered-bay destinations (Hervey Bay, Geographe Bay).

Responsible Whale Watching and Safety

Australia enforces strict regulations to protect whales and dolphins. Rules vary by state, but common principles include:

• Minimum approach distances (from vessels or swimmers):
  • Keep at least 100 meters from adult whales; more if calves are present (often 300 meters).
  • Don’t approach head-on or box whales in. Let them choose the interaction.
• Drones:
  • Many areas require permits; minimum altitude/distances apply. If in doubt, don’t fly.
• Swimming with whales:
  • Western Australia allows permitted swim-with-humpback programs (Ningaloo) under strict rules.
  • Queensland does not permit swim-with-humpback tours; instead, join licensed dwarf minke experiences on the GBR.
  • Never attempt to enter the water on a normal whale watching tour unless explicitly authorized by the crew under a licensed program.
• Noise and speed:
  • Operators should minimize sudden changes in speed or direction near whales.
• Personal safety:
  • Follow crew instructions, use handrails, and wear supplied life vests on smaller vessels if requested.

Tip: Ethical operators not only protect the whales but often deliver better sightings, as relaxed animals are more likely to linger and interact.

What to Pack for a Whale Watching Cruise

• Warm, windproof layers (even in the tropics, sea breeze can feel cool)
• Non-slip shoes
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses with a strap, reef-safe sunscreen
• Compact rain jacket or spray top
• Camera with a zoom lens (70–300mm is a sweet spot) or a smartphone with good stabilization
• Extra battery and microfiber cloth for sea spray
• Motion-sickness remedies if needed (ginger tablets, wristbands, or medication)
• Water bottle and light snacks (if allowed)

Photographing Whales: Simple, Pro-Level Tips

• Use burst mode: Breaches are quick—hold the shutter down and pick the best frame later.
• Shutter priority: Aim for 1/1000s or faster to freeze action; let ISO float if light changes.
• Anticipate behavior: After a big tail slap or breach, whales sometimes repeat within a minute.
• Keep horizon level: Stabilize elbows on the rail; consider a lightweight monopod if permitted.
• Respect distance: Great photos come from patience and positioning—don’t pressure the whales.

Family-Friendly and Accessible Whale Watching

• Choose calmer waters if traveling with kids or seniors: Hervey Bay, Jervis Bay, and Geographe Bay are standouts.
• Shorter cruises (2–3 hours) are ideal for young children.
• Many operators offer accessible vessels with ramps and accessible bathrooms—check ahead and book accordingly.
• Bring binoculars for kids; spotting blows can be a fun game before the action heats up.

Cultural Insight: Whales and Country

Along Australia’s coasts, whales hold deep cultural significance for many First Nations peoples, connecting seasonal cycles, navigation, and storylines. Seek out tours and interpretation centers that share these perspectives—your experience will be richer for it, and you’ll support local custodians of Sea Country.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best month to see whales in Australia?

  • June to October is the safest bet across most of the country. For sheltered, up-close encounters, August–October in Hervey Bay (QLD) and Dunsborough/Geographe Bay (WA) are exceptional.

• Where is the best whale watching in Australia?

  • It depends on what you want:
    • Close, calm calf encounters: Hervey Bay (QLD), Geographe Bay (WA)
    • Dramatic cliff-top viewing: Head of Bight (SA), Eden (NSW)
    • Swim experiences: Dwarf minke (GBR, QLD June–July), humpbacks (Ningaloo, WA Aug–Oct under permits)
    • Unique species: Orcas (Bremer Bay, WA Jan–Apr); blue whales (offshore VIC Nov–May)

• Can you see whales from shore?

  • Absolutely. Top vantage points include Cape Byron (NSW), Cape Solander (Sydney), Barrenjoey Headland (Palm Beach), Logans Beach platform (Warrnambool), and the Head of Bight boardwalks (SA). In WA, many capes and headlands offer superb lookouts.

• Do tours run in poor weather?

  • Operators monitor wind and swell; trips may cancel or reschedule for safety. Check the forecast and your operator’s policy.

• Will I get seasick?

  • Choose larger vessels, morning departures, and sheltered bays to reduce the risk. Consider medication if you’re prone to motion sickness, and avoid heavy meals beforehand.

Sample Itineraries by Season

• Winter East Coast Long Weekend (June–July)

  1. Fly into Sydney, afternoon coastal walk to South Head for shore-based spotting.
  2. Morning whale cruise in Sydney; afternoon drive to Jervis Bay.
  3. Jervis Bay cruise in sheltered waters; return via coastal lookouts.

• Classic Fraser Coast Family Week (August–September)

  1. Base in Hervey Bay for 3–4 nights; book two whale cruises to hedge against weather.
  2. Day trip to K’gari’s sand tracks, lakes, and dunes.
  3. Sunset stroll along the Urangan Pier—keep an eye out for blows offshore.

• West Coast Wildlife Double (September)

  1. Fly to Exmouth: Ningaloo humpback swim (if comfortable in water), snorkel reefs.
  2. Fly/drive to Dunsborough: Geographe Bay whale cruise in calm seas, Margaret River wineries, and coastal hikes.

Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Trip

• Build flexibility: Plan two potential cruise days to beat weather and increase your chances.
• Early and late light: The golden hours are best for photography—and often calmer.
• Learn the lingo: Breach, spy hop, pectoral slap, fluke-up dive—knowing behaviors makes sightings more meaningful.
• Support research: Choose operators who log sightings and share data with local scientists.

Conclusion: Choose Your Coast and Chase the Blow

From the sunlit tropics to the wild Southern Ocean, whale watching in Australia is one of those rare travel experiences that thrills everyone—kids, photographers, first-time visitors, and seasoned ocean lovers alike. If you want guaranteed action, aim for June to October. For tender moments with curious calves, circle August to October in Hervey Bay (Queensland) or Dunsborough (Western Australia). If you crave something different, pencil in Bremer Bay orcas in summer or a blue whale expedition off Victoria.

Whales return year after year. Pick your month, choose your bay or headland, and book with a responsible operator. The rest? Leave it to the sea—and the unmistakable rush of that first towering breach against the horizon.