Lapped by pristine oceans and easily accessible beaches, Australia’s eastern coastline is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. In fact, close to 60 per cent of the planet’s whales can be found in Australian waters, which means you’ll be in a great position to catch a glimpse of the over 45 different species of whales, dolphins and porpoises that migrate along the Australian east coast.
Hiring a campervan is one of the best ways to explore the coastal areas of Australia. Why not travel along the East coast and follow these amazing creatures!
Best spots for whale watching in Australia
Lapped by pristine oceans and easily accessible beaches and viewpoints, Australia’s infinite coastline is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. In fact, close to 60 per cent of the planet’s whales can be found in Australian waters, which means you’ll be in a great position to catch a glimpse of the diversity of species of whales, dolphins and porpoises that migrate along the Australian coastline.
What better way to experience the best whale-watching spots than to travel along the east coast and follow these amazing creatures in a campervan. In this guide, we will share some of our top spots for seeing these magical beasts of the ocean on your upcoming Australia road trip. Let’s dive in.
Why do whales migrate?
During the Antarctic winter, the climate leaves the sea biting cold, and so the whales head north, seeking the warmer temperatures of the more northern tropical waters. They generally head north along Australia’s eastern coastline, which enjoys some of the more temperate ocean conditions.
Once in the tropics, the whales remain there until Spring for breeding before heading back to the southern oceans for feeding. As such, there are a number of great locations along Australia’s coastline to spot the whales during their migration.
What time of year can you see whales in Australia?
While the time of year of the migration will depend on the type of whale and location in Australia – typically, you have the best chance of seeing whales between May and November.
What types of whales can you see in Australia?
There are several types of whales that can be spotted in the waters around Australia. The most common species of whales seen during whale watching season are humpback whales and southern right whales. Additionally, Australia is one of the few places where the elusive blue whale can be spotted. Blue whales are the largest mammal on earth, and it is truly an awe-inspiring experience to see them in their natural habitat. During the whale watching season, visitors can also see adult whales with their calves, making for an unforgettable experience.
Where to see whales in Australia
Australia offers a wide range of whale-watching opportunities, with many prime locations dotted along its coastline. From the east coast to the west coast, there are many spots where visitors can admire these magnificent creatures. Here are some of the best places to see whales in Australia.
Queensland
Queensland, the Sunshine State of Australia, is known for its stunning beaches and warm weather. It is also a prime location for whale watching, with several popular spots along its coastline making a perfect addition to a Brisbane to Cairns road trip. Here are some of the best places to see whales in Queensland.
Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay is considered by many to be the whale-watching capital of Australia. During the winter months, the population in the region swells as tourists flock to the area to spot some of the humpback whales who stop at Hervey Bay on their yearly migration between the end of July and early November.
The whales usually rest and play with their young for a few days over this period (August to October in particular) and enjoy the sheltered waters around nearby Fraser Island. Close to a dozen whale-watching tour operators run cruises in Hervey Bay during the peak season so you will have plenty to choose from!
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Whitsundays
Apart from being one of the most beautiful places in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef region also plays host to a number of humpback and pilot whales from June to September each year. The whales make a new home around the Whitsundays during the colder months as the region provides warm currents and shelter. As such, the Whitsundays is an ideal spot to catch a glimpse of new whale calves.
You may also be lucky enough to spot some dwarf minke whales during the cooler months. While there are not any specific whale-watching tours available as yet in the Whitsundays, tourists can enjoy sightings as a free bonus on most boat tours around the area. When visiting this area, we recommend staying at Airlie Beach holiday park. That way, you have a safe and comfortable place to come back to after a long day on the water.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is one of the few places in Australia where visitors can not only see but swim with the whales as well. From July to October each year, this unforgettable experience is offered by several tour operators. This is a unique chance to see these gentle giants up close in their natural habitat.
New South Wales
A campervan adventure through New South Wales provides plenty of whale-watching opportunities. From the northern coast of Port Stephens all the way to the harbour waters of Sydney Harbour, there are plenty of stunning spots to simply park your campervan and watch from afar or join a whale-watching tour to see these creatures up close and personal. Any one of these would be a great addition to a NSW road trip itinerary.
Port Stephens
In New South Wales, the idyllic destination of Port Stephens is not just a great place to watch bottlenose dolphins play but also one of the premier spots to see humpback and southern right whales between the months of June and August, as well as later in the year between September and November. It has been estimated that more than 7,000 humpbacks make their way through the clear outer waters around Port Stephens in a mass annual migration, so it is one spot where you are virtually guaranteed to see the great mammals in their natural habitat.
Apart from taking a whale-watching cruise to spot the sea creatures, travellers can also select prime vantage points like the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, as well as beaches and foreshores like Anna Bay, Boat Harbour, Fisherman’s Bay and Barry Park in Fingal Bay.
Sydney Harbour
Whether you live in or plan to visit Sydney, you’ll have the chance to spot humpback and southern right whales (sometimes even orcas) along the coastline over the winter and spring months. The whale-watching season in Sydney runs from May to November, as these giant sea creatures migrate north to the warm waters of Queensland over winter and then head south again on their way home. Apart from taking a whale-watching cruise, those looking to spot whales also have many land-based sites to choose from.
One of the most popular is the cliff-top walk from Bondi to Coogee Beach. Other destinations include Clovelly Beach and North Head Lookout in Sydney Harbour National Park, Palm Beach lighthouse on Barrenjoey Headland, Cape Solander in Botany Bay National Park, and North Maroubra.
Image: Destination NSW
Victoria
Victoria, located in the southern part of Australia, is a great place for whale watching from May until September. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline while spotting various species of whales. Here are some of the best places to see whales in Victoria
Melbourne
Melbourne is known not only for its vibrant city life but also for its incredible whale-watching opportunities. From May to September each year, southern right whales migrate to the waters around Melbourne, where visitors can spot these magnificent creatures from Logans Beach in Warrnambool. Another unique species that can be spotted near Melbourne is the blue whale, which can be seen in Cape Nelson near Portland.
Western Australia
Western Australia is home to some of the most spectacular and remote coastlines in the world. The region is also a popular destination for whale watching, with the famed ‘humpback highway’ – the largest whale migration route in the Southern Hemisphere. Here are some of the best places to see whales in Western Australia.
Perth
Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is a great place for whale watching in Western Australia. From September to December each year, humpback whales migrate along the coast of WA, providing an opportunity for visitors to see these majestic creatures up close. Best of all, you can do this from the comfort of your motorhome and spot the whales from the shore, with several accessible locations around Perth, including Cottesloe Beach, Trigg Beach, and Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Margaret River
Located in the southwest of Western Australia, Margaret River is another great place for whale watching. From June to December each year, visitors can watch humpback and southern right whales from several vantage points along the coast, including from the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and Flinders Bay just south of Margaret River.
Bremer Bay
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of whales along the Western Australian coastline, Bremer Bay is a prime location to visit. While whales can be seen from many points along the coast, some of the best whale viewing spots in Bremer Bay include Bremer Beach, Point Ann, and Trigelow Beach Doubtful Islands. Additionally, visitors to Point Ann, located in the Fitzgerald River National Park, can take advantage of a specially designated whale-watching platform for an even better vantage point.
Albany
From June to October, visitors to Albany, Western Australia, have the opportunity to witness the remarkable migration of humpback and southern right whales along the Albany coastline. There are several viewing locations to choose from, including Cheynes Beach, Ellen Cove Boardwalk, Discovery Bay, Marine Drive lookouts, Camp Quaranup, Gull Rock, Bald Head, and Middleton Beach. For those seeking a closer encounter, whale-watching tours are available for a more immersive experience with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Tasmania
Tasmania, the southernmost state of Australia, offers a unique and unforgettable whale-watching experience. Visitors can enjoy the rugged and stunning coastline while watching a variety of whale species that frequent the region. Here are some of the best places to see whales in Tasmania.
Bruny Island
Down in Tasmania, Bruny Island is one of the best spots to catch sight of Humpback and Southern Right whales between May and July, and then September and December, as the creatures stop to take shelter in Adventure Bay. It is common for the whales to give birth and nurse their calves in the sheltered waters of Tasmania, and so is a perfect opportunity to see mothers and their calves up close.
Other species, such as the Minke, orca and pygmy right whale, can also sometimes be spotted heading north past the island. Although there are a number of tour operators running cruises around Bruny Island, visitors on a budget can also choose to enjoy a coastal walk in a bid to spot whales. One of the best is the Grass Point walk, a 1.5-hour return trip that starts at the Adventure Bay entrance to the local national park.
Top tip: While Mighty vehicles can’t usually be driven off road for more than 12km, Bruny Island is an exception to the 12km on gravel roads rule. The lighthouse at the southern tip is more than 12km on a dirt road, but we allow our vans to go there.
Image: Tourism Australia Image Gallery
Head away on a whale-spotting adventure with Mighty
Ready to head away on a whale-spotting adventure with Mighty? Hire a campervan with Mighty today and see these majestic creatures for yourself. You can easily book online or in person at your local Mighty branch.
