The Best Spots for Whale Watching in Australia

Although it’s often associated with kangaroos and koalas, there are also whales living in the waters surrounding Australia, and it can be seen by simply hopping aboard a power catamaran. The country offers many prime spots for spotting these endangered gentle giants, from Sydney’s bustling beaches to secluded fishing villages.

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Whether you’re interested in studying whale migration for education purposes or simply want to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, you’ll want to pay a visit to one of these hotspots for whale watching.

Hervey Bay

One of the top spots to spy a humpback whale is in Hervey Bay, Queensland. The city is serious about whale watching, even dedicating the entire month of August to the Hervey Bay Whale Festival. If you visit during this time, you may be treated not only to the unforgettable site of a humpback whale breaching out of the water, but you can also enjoy the carnival rides, parades, and live music. The prime time to visit is anywhere from the middle of July through November. Although you have a good chance of spying whales from the shore, you can also take a catamaran tour out into the water to get a closer look. Hervey Bay is also home to stingrays, turtles, dolphins, and other forms of marine life to admire.


© Gregory “Slobirdr” Smith

Sydney Harbour National Park

You don’t have to leave the Sydney city limits to see whales, as many different species migrate right past the city’s shore. Southern Right whales and Humpbacks are two of the most commonly seen species, but you could also see Minke, Blue, Pilot, and Pygmy whales. Boat tours depart from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay. You can also see these creatures from the shore by visiting Sydney Harbour National Park, which offers ideal sightlines and plenty of places to stop and have a seat. In addition to whale watching, enjoy bushwalking and surfing in these natural surroundings.

Port Stephens

If you’re interested in taking a little road trip from Sydney, you can hop in your choice of vehicle and drive 2.5 hours up the coast to Port Stephens. The road is smooth and offers spectacular views of the ocean, making it ideal for sporty Jaguar cars or a classic convertible. In Port Stephens, you’ll be rewarded with 26 beaches to choose from and a number of whale watching tours. Whale watching season runs from May to November, with humpbacks the most commonly seen in these clear waters. However, you may also see sea turtles, Australian fur seals, and little blue fairy penguins frolicking in these waters.

Byron Bay

Perfectly situated at the easternmost point of the Australian coastline, Byron Bay is a top spot for spotting whales, turtles, and dolphins. Boat tours offer a guaranteed way of seeing humpback whales, and tour boats come equipped with hydrophones so you can hear the whales singing below the surface. Byron Bay is also a major destination for diving, including the popular Julian Rocks Marine Reserve.

Port Macquarie

The Port Macquarie region stretches from Forster to Nambucca Heads, and is home to pictureseque scenery and secluded beaches. This makes it an ideal location for stopping to take your time on the sands and keep a lookout for local wildlife. Perpendicular Point in the Kattang Nature Reserve offers a prime viewing point for whale watching, along with picnicking and camping.

For best results, you’ll want to visit during the top months of whale migration and bring a pair of binoculars. It may take patience to spot your first whale, but the experience is well worth the wait.

Founding Editor
  1. I hope I could see one of those wonderful creatures when I visit Australia this year.

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