Where To See Whales On Australia's East Coast

Gabby Boucher

May 20th, 2024

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6 minute read

Every winter between April and November, you can see whales all along the East Coast of Australia while they make their annual migration! As the Southern Hemisphere shifts into winter, thousands of whales depart the frigid Antarctic waters and swim north along Australia's East Coast where they can breed and raise their young in the tropics. As winter ends and the weather warms, the whales head back down towards Antarctica to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. 

This yearly whale migration is a fascinating phenomenon to witness while travelling along the East Coast of Australia. Whether you're just standing on a coastal headland and looking for whales or joining an organised whale watching tour, it's breathtaking to see these magnificent ocean giants swimming and frolicking at sea. 

Here is a guide to whale watching on the East Coast of Australia!

When can you see whales on the East Coast of Australia?

Whale season on Australia's East Coast is between April and November, though the peak whale watching seasons will differ depending on your location. For example, southern locations in Tasmania, Victoria, and southern New South Wales can see whales as early as April as they begin to journey north. But northern locations like the Whitsundays or Cairns may not see their first whales until May or June.

Whales may travel up to 10,000 kilometres along Australia's East Coast, and generally the months of July to September are considered peak whale watching season. The majority of whales migrating in Australia are Humpback Whales. These are the most playful and the most commonly spotted, though you may also spot the occasional Minke, Southern Right, Blue, or Orca Whale. 

Where to see whales on the East Coast of Australia

You can see whales all along the East Coast of Australia in winter, but some locations like Hervey Bay and the Whitsundays are especially great for whale watching. Because the whales migrate north to mate, breed, and raise their young in the warm tropical waters, these Queensland locations are whale hotspots! Here you'll see whales and their babies relaxing and playing in the ocean, which is a magical sight. 

But you can also see whales further south! The whales are just normally en route to the tropics, so they don't hang around here for as long. At the end of winter, in September, October, and November, you can spot the whales and their new babies slowly making their way back south again. 

Here are some of the best places for whale watching on Australia's East Coast. I'll list them in order from south to north, following the whales' migration pattern!

Eden, NSW

Eden is a whale watching hotspot located in southern NSW near the Victorian border. This charming town offers a huge range of whale watching tours, and you can see how much the locals adore whales just by walking through downtown. You'll find whale museums and whale statues everywhere, as well as tour operators who are keen to bring travellers out to see the whales at sea!

Jervis Bay, NSW

Jervis Bay is one of the best places for whale watching on the South Coast of NSW, located about 2 hours south of Sydney. Whale watching boats bring guests to the outer edge of the calm, shallow Jervis Bay waters where they can spot whales migrating along the coast. In the first half of winter you can spot whales heading north, and in the second half of winter you can spot mothers nursing their young on the journey south. 

Port Stephens, NSW

Located just a few hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens is another whale watching hotspot. The oceans around Port Stephens are teeming with wildlife year-round, and dolphin-watching cruises are also super popular up here. But in the winter months, Port Stephens is perfect for whale watching! One of the best activities in the area is hiking Tomaree Mountain, and this peak gives you a great vantage point for whale spotting from land.

Byron Bay, NSW

At the very northern end of NSW, Byron Bay is one of East Coast Australia's top tourist destinations. People come for the laid-back vibe and the amazing surf, but you would be amazed at the diverse and flourishing marine life around Byron Bay. Year-round you can spot dolphins, turtles, and more while kayaking or snorkelling.

But if you're visiting Byron Bay in winter, choose a whale watching tour so you can admire the glorious Humpbacks at sea! You don't even have to get on a boat to see whales in Byron Bay - the Cape Byron Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coastline where whales are often spotted. 

Moreton Bay, QLD

Located in Southeast Queensland near Brisbane, Moreton Bay is an amazing place for whale watching on Australia's East Coast. Travellers flock to this area for day trips to the stunning Moreton Island, home of the Tangalooma Wrecks. But in winter, this beautiful bay is a popular place for whales to hang out and relax on their migration! Book a whale watching tour to see the Humpbacks in all their glory.

Hervey Bay, QLD

Hervey Bay has two main draws for tourists in Australia: it's a popular starting point for trips to K'gari (Fraser Island), and it's one of the world's top whale watching destinations. It's often considered the Whale Watching Capital of Australia! With calm, warm waters, Hervey Bay acts as a welcome pitstop for whales on their migration. Many whales will hang out here for a few days to relax before they continue their epic journey along the coast, so it's an amazing place for whale watching. 

The Whitsundays, QLD

The Whitsunday Islands, near Airlie Beach in Tropical North Queensland, were recently named a Whale Heritage Site thanks to the area's commitment to protecting the whales. The Great Barrier Reef and the 74 islands here create tranquil waters with little swell that make the perfect breeding ground for whales. While you're on a boat day trip or overnight sailing tour in the Whitsundays, you're almost guaranteed to see whales during whale season!

Cairns, QLD

Whales also love Cairns for similar reasons to the Whitsundays. Located just over 600km north of the Whitsundays, Cairns is another hot, tropical destination on the Great Barrier Reef. That means the ocean is warm and calm, which is ideal for whales to have their babies and raise them before heading south again. You can see whales on any boat tour from Cairns, with overnight liveaboards giving you more time at sea to potentially spot whales! 

Where is the best place to see whales on Australia's East Coast?

Hervey Bay and the Whitsundays are two of the best places to see whales on Australia's East Coast, thanks to their Whale Heritage status and ideal conditions for whales to raise their young in winter. However, every day of whale watching is unique and you could have amazing whale encounters anywhere along the East Coast!

For me, the Whitsundays offered some of the best whale watching I've ever experienced. Because whales tend to hang out here for a while, you can often spot mothers and babies breaching, splashing, and swimming all throughout the islands. And because the Whitsundays are a notable sailing destination where boat tours are abundant, you don't even have to book a specialised whale watching tour to see whales! Any sailing tour in the Whitsundays (and there are many) will take you around the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea where whales are often frolicking. 

Boat tours in the Whitsundays are one of the best ways to go whale watching on Australia's East Coast!

Live chat with our travel experts if you have any other questions about your East Coast adventure!