New South Wales (NSW)
In New South Wales, whale watching is easy and accessible along the entire coastline. Prime locations include Byron Bay, Jervis Bay, and Sydney Harbour. The season runs from May to November, with humpback whales dominating sightings as they migrate close to shore. You may also occasionally spot Minke Whale and, more rarely, Orca. The return migration (September–November) is especially rewarding due to the presence of calves.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland is home to some of the most reliable whale encounters in the country. Hervey Bay is famous as a humpback whale nursery, where whales rest between August and October during their southbound journey. This creates calm, close-up viewing opportunities, often involving mothers and calves. Along the Gold Coast, whales can be seen from June to October, almost exclusively humpbacks, making this region ideal for first-time whale watchers.
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia delivers both variety and spectacular coastal scenery. At Ningaloo Reef, humpback whales migrate between June and October, often seen alongside other marine life. Offshore, there is a chance to encounter the massive Blue Whale. Further south near Albany, both humpback and southern right whales are common during the same period, with occasional sightings of orcas.
Victoria (VIC) & South Australia (SA)
In Victoria, whale watching is centred around San Remo for boat tours, and also Logans Beach in Warrnambool for observation from shore. Between June and September, these areas becomes a key calving ground for Southern Right Whale. These whales are known for lingering close to shore, offering excellent land-based viewing. While less common, humpback whales may also pass along the coast during migration.
South Australia offers one of the most consistent whale-watching experiences in Australia at Head of Bight. From June to October, large numbers of southern right whales gather in this sheltered bay to breed and nurse calves. The elevated boardwalks provide outstanding vantage points, and sightings are highly reliable due to the concentration of whales.
Summary
- Season nationwide: May to November
- Best months: August to October (peak migration and calves)
- Most common species: Humpback Whale
- Best for southern right whales: Victoria and South Australia
- Best for close encounters: Hervey Bay
- Best land-based viewing: Logans Beach and Head of Bight
- Greatest species variety: Western Australia
Overall, Australia offers one of the world’s most reliable whale-watching destinations, with each state providing a slightly different experience depending on timing, location, and species. If you haven’t experienced whale watching, then please add it to the bucket list. I personally have been to Hervey Bay over 30 years ago which was great, and would like to try some other locations.
Watching a whale in the wild and especially close up from a boat, is one of those experiences that feels a lot bigger than you expect. At first, there’s a quiet anticipation on the boat for all the punters as you scan the horizon, and then suddenly a spout appears, followed by the massive, slow rise of something alive beneath the surface. When a Humpback Whale breaches, it’s not just impressive—it’s bloody incredible. The sheer size, the sound of its body crashing back into the water, and the spray that follows can make everything else feel small and distant for a moment. I have seen dolphins in the wild while surfing and that is spectacular, but whales are on another level of excitement, which quickly merges into a sense of calm. Whales aside from breaching occasionally, move with a kind of effortless power, gliding through the ocean in a way that feels ancient and unhurried. Watching a Humback Whale with its calf gently surfacing and diving, often brings a feeling of quiet connection—like you’re witnessing something deeply personal in nature, as the boat becomes silent without realization. The crew also seem transfixed, I cannot imagine a better job.
Mark – Multiseek