Leslie Massey
Australia is a haven for whale watchers, with 45 species of cetaceans found in its coastal waters. The country's extensive coastline provides a wide range of aquatic habitats, from the warm tropical waters of Queensland to the cooler southern coast of Western Australia. Whale watching is a popular recreational pursuit and tourist activity, with humpback whales being the most common species sighted on Australia's east and west coasts. Southern right whales, minke whales, and blue whales are also frequently seen, with dwarf minke whales spotted in the Great Barrier Reef during winter. Whale watching tours offer a chance to witness the majestic creatures in their natural habitat, with Hervey Bay in Queensland being a particularly popular hotspot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of whale species found in Australia | 30 |
| Number of cetacean species found in Australia | 45 |
| Number of baleen whale species found in Australia | 9 |
| Number of toothed whale species found in Australia | 21 |
| Number of large whales found in Australia | 10 |
| Number of smaller whales found in Australia | 20 |
| Number of humpback whales migrating off the coast of Western Australia | 30,000+ |
| Number of humpback whales migrating to the Coral Sea | 20,000+ |
| Number of humpback whales migrating past Sydney each year | 40,000+ |
| Number of whales, dolphins and porpoises killed globally each year from entanglement in fishing gear | 300,000 |
| Number of tourists participating in whale and dolphin watching in Australia in 2008 | 1.6 million |
| Direct expenditure of whale and dolphin watching in Australia in 2008 | $31 million AUD |
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What You'll Learn
Whale watching in Australia
Humpback whales are the most common species seen in the waters surrounding Australia, with southern right whales, minke whales, and blue whales also sighted. Whale watchers are restricted to approaching no closer than 300 metres (984 ft) to protect the animals.
In Western Australia, whales can be watched near Cape Naturaliste in the southeast Indian Ocean and at Cape Leeuwin, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. The town of Albany, the last land-based whaling station in the Southern Hemisphere, is now home to a thriving whale-watching industry. The southwest coast is a year-round destination for unforgettable whale-watching encounters, with more than 60,000 humpback whales making their way through the warm waters each year on their journey between Antarctica and northern Australia. Tours operate from Augusta between May and August, and from Dunsborough from August to November. Bremer Bay is another popular destination, where you can watch killer whales hunt from December to April.
In eastern Australia, whale watching occurs along the Pacific coast. Sydney is a great place to see humpback whales, with around 40,000 migrating past each year. Whale Watching Sydney tours operate for about seven months of the year, searching for humpbacks as well as minke, southern right, orca, and blue whales. Jervis Bay, south of Sydney, is another great spot, with its white beaches, sandstone cliffs, hidden sea caves, and pristine waters, all shared with migrating pods of humpback whales. The Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay in Queensland offer reliable whale-watching conditions for southern humpback whales from the end of June through to the end of November each year.
The Great Barrier Reef is another destination for whale watching. In winter (June to August), migrating dwarf minke whales stop by to mate or give birth, making the reef the only place in the world where you can swim with these elusive mammals.
Swim-with whale tourism is becoming more popular in Australian waters. A trial in 2016 in the Ningaloo Marine Park, focusing on humpback whales, found that the activity did not cause sustained impacts on the whales and maintained the risks to swimmers within acceptable limits.
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Humpback whales in Hervey Bay
Whale watching is a popular recreational pursuit and tourist activity in Australia, with humpback whales being the most common species seen in Australian waters. Queensland's Hervey Bay is regarded as the best place in the world to see these magnificent creatures. The calm waters of Hervey Bay are protected by the world's largest sand island, K'gari (Fraser Island), creating a restful haven for humpback whales during their migration.
Hervey Bay is a unique spot for whale watching as the whales don't just pass through; they stop over for a number of days, making it a rare and protected stopover site for migrating humpbacks. This means that whale watchers can enjoy an up-close and personal experience with the curious humpbacks, who often approach vessels to take a look at their human observers! The whales are so relaxed and in such great numbers that Hervey Bay is considered the best place to see whales in Australia, if not the world.
Hervey Bay has become world-famous for its incredible whale encounters, particularly a behaviour called "mugging", where the whales lift their heads out of the water to get a good look at you! The best time to witness this behaviour is from early August to late September when the whales are at their most playful and plentiful, often spotted with their calves.
Hervey Bay is home to several whale-watching tour operators, including the family-run Hervey Bay Whale Watch, which has been in operation for over 30 years. Their purpose-built vessel, Quick Cat II, offers an unforgettable experience, getting you up close and personal with the humpback whales. Tours depart daily from mid-July to late October, with the whale-watching season in Hervey Bay generally running from July to November.
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Whale watching in Sydney
There are many ways to see the whales during their migration. Whales often cruise close to the shore, so they can be spotted from the coast. Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park is one of the best vantage points, with a covered viewing platform, information boards, and accessible access and disabled parking. Other top lookouts include the Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site and Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head, both located in Sydney Harbour National Park. The cliff-top walking trails from Bondi to Coogee, the Federation Cliff Walk from Dover Heights to Watsons Bay, and the South Head Heritage Trail from Camp Cove to Hornby Lighthouse also offer fantastic viewing opportunities.
For those who want to get even closer to the whales, there are many whale-watching cruises departing from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and Manly. Whale Watching Sydney, Oz Whale Watching, Ocean Extreme, Australian Cruise Group, Whale Tales Whale Watching, Sydney Whale Whisperer, Go Whale Watching, and Captain Cook Cruises are some of the companies offering these cruises. The cruises include expert commentary from marine specialists and have a high success rate of whale sightings.
When whale watching in Sydney, it is important to be respectful of the whales and follow any regulations in place. The Australian Government regulates whale watching in Commonwealth waters, and there are restrictions on how close vessels can approach whales to protect the animals.
In addition to humpback whales, there are also opportunities to see other whale species in Sydney, including southern right, orcas, minke, and blue whales.
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Whale watching in Queensland
Hervey Bay, located about a 3.5-hour drive north of Brisbane, is a premier destination for whale watchers. The calm waters of Hervey Bay provide a restful haven for migrating humpback whales, and it is estimated that around 7,000 whales and their calves pass through each year. The area is so renowned for whale watching that it has earned the title of the world's first official Whale Heritage Site. Whale watchers can choose from a variety of tour operators, such as Hervey Bay Whale Watch or Spirit of Hervey Bay, offering both above and below deck experiences.
Moreton Bay, just a short distance from Brisbane, also offers whale-watching opportunities. This former whaling station has transformed into a popular whale-watching destination, where you can observe humpback whales in their natural habitat. Brisbane Whale Watching offers a 4.5-hour cruise aboard the MV Eye Spy, captained by Kerry Lopez, the only female captain-owner in the South Pacific rim. The cruise includes a gourmet lunch and hotel transfers, providing a luxurious whale-watching experience.
The Sunshine Coast, known for its stunning beaches, also attracts whale watchers hoping to catch a glimpse of humpback whales. Sunreef offers tours departing from Mooloolaba, providing an opportunity to swim with humpback whales if conditions permit. The Gold Coast is another hotspot for whale watching, with Sea World offering luxurious whale-watching cruises where you can get up close with humpback whales just 20 minutes from the harbour.
For those seeking a more intimate whale-watching experience, the Great Barrier Reef offers a unique opportunity to swim with dwarf minke whales during their migration season between May and August. Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, departing from Cairns, provide adventurers with the chance to share the water with these inquisitive creatures, making for an unforgettable sensory experience.
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Whale watching in Tasmania
Tasmania's relatively calm waters and location in the whale migration path make it one of the best places to spot these magnificent creatures. Whale watchers can choose from a variety of tour options, including boat cruises and land-based viewing spots. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys offers award-winning eco-cruises along the rugged southern coastline, providing opportunities to see whales up close.
For those who prefer to stay on land, Pennicott suggests that there are plenty of places to spy whales from dry land. He recommends finding a spot with elevation, such as Cape Tourville Lighthouse in Freycinet National Park, Fluted Cape on Bruny Island, or the higher peaks around St Helens. These locations offer the advantage of seeing whales without the need for a boat, and with the added benefit of being closer to the whale's natural habitat.
The best time for whale watching in Tasmania is during the spring months of October and November, when the weather is typically more favourable. During these months, it is not uncommon to see up to 10 whales a day. However, whales can be spotted along the east coast of Tasmania throughout their migration season, which typically lasts from May to November.
Whale watchers in Tasmania should be aware of the regulations in place to protect these marine mammals. Vessels must maintain a minimum distance from whales and are not permitted to enter designated "no approach zones". These regulations are enforced by the Australian government and state authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of both the whales and viewers.
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Frequently asked questions
Whale watching in Australia is a popular recreational pursuit and a tourist activity along various coasts. Humpback whales are the most common species seen in the waters surrounding Australia, and Queensland’s humpback whale hotspot is Hervey Bay, about a 3.5-hour drive north of Brisbane. The Sunshine Coast in Queensland is also a reliable spot for whale watching.
Whale watching tours in Australia often include sightings of humpback whales. The Bremer Canyon has become a sought-after whale-watching expedition, with over 100 killer whales (or orcas) returning to the submarine canyon each year from December to April. The seaside town of Augusta is another great location to view humpback whales from late May.
Yes, southern right whales, minke whales, blue whales, sperm whales, and orcas are also found in Australian waters. Dwarf minke whales can be seen in the Great Barrier Reef between May and August. Blue whales can occasionally be sighted from May to June.
The best time of year to see whales in Australia depends on the species. Humpback whales can be seen from June or July to October or November. Southern right whales can be seen from June to August along the south coast of Australia. Dwarf minke whales are best spotted in June and July.
Migaloo is a famous humpback whale known for his all-white appearance. He was first spotted in 1991 and is believed to have been born in 1986. He has "special status" in Queensland and New South Wales, with laws stipulating that watchers must stay at least 500m away.
