Like the blooming of the jacarandas or the corals of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is known for some pretty beautiful natural phenomenons, but none are more epic than the majestic humpback whale migration. The gentle giants journey up our coast every year, meaning whale watching near Brisbane is an absolute must-do with plenty of natural vantage points and stunning cruises to experience the tail-slapping magic first-hand.
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When is the whale watching season?
Every year, the humpback whales make the trek from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland from June to November. It’s in our seas that males put on a show to woo potential mates and mothers nurse their calves, before heading back home. With around 25,000 humpback whales making the migration, there are a heap of ways to set sights on the majestic animals up and down Queensland’s coast.
Best Spots For Whale Watching
Point Lookout
North Stradbroke Island
If tours aren’t really your thing, Point Lookout presents arguably the best spot near Brisbane for whale watching. It's Queensland’s most easterly point for land-based whale observation—think stunning views over the Sunshine Coast, water so blue you’ll question your sense of reality and whale watching opportunities a-plenty. The best part? It’s all only a few hours from little ol’ Brisbane.
Point Perry
Coolum
Head north to Point Perry to try your hand at whale watching on land. Coolum is only just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane and offers stunning views over the humpback whale’s usual migration path in Australia. Grab your binoculars or zoom lens and pack a picnic of your favourite nibbles for the perfect weekend outing. Heck, even if you don’t manage to spot our favourite yearly voyagers, you can always kick back and drink in the views over the coast.
Point Arkwright Lookout
Point Arkwright
Only a hop, skip and jump from Coolum, the Point Arkwright Lookout is a little bit closer to the coast, which means even more opportunities for whale watching. Overlooking the point where lush hinterland meets rolling blue waves, Point Arkwright Lookout is a spectacular place to keep an eye out for whales because it’s located smack bang in the middle of the humpback whale’s usual migration through Moreton Bay. The scenic spot is also a local favourite for memorable moments, so you might even spot a proposal alongside the gentle giants.
Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay
No whale watching guide to Queensland would be complete without an honourable mention of Hervey Bay. While it’s a bit further away than other spots on this list, Hervey Bay hasn’t earned itself the title of the “Humpback Highway” for no reason. Hervey Bay marks the only official stop spot on the annual migration route, where around 7,000 humpback whales choose to rest and play with their new calves in the bay’s waters. This means that sightings are almost guaranteed, and you can enjoy a whale watching trip without worrying about that pesky little thing called sea sickness. Plus, who wouldn’t want the opportunity to see a baby whale having the time of its life?
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Best Whale Watching Experiences
Tangalooma Whale Watching
Moreton Island
Image credit: Tangalooma Island Resort | Instagram
With over 35 years experience setting sights on these ocean giants, Tangalooma Island Resort’s whale watching experience is one of the closest and most convenient whale watching cruises from Brisbane. Set off on a smooth and scenic catamaran transfer to get to the island, before hitting the high seas on a three-hour cruise complete with a light lunch on board and crystal-clear waters as far as the eye can see. Plus, as Brisbane’s most trusted whale watching tour, Tangalooma offers a 100% whale sightings guarantee. Book here.
Brisbane Whale Watching
Redcliffe
Departing seven days a week from June to November, Brisbane Whale Watching is the award-winning cruise that conveniently sets sail from the Redcliffe Peninsula on a high-speed luxury vessel fittingly named ‘Eye Spy’. With a 100% guarantee you’ll see the magnificent humpback whales of Moreton Bay, the Eco Accredited experience also often encounters other marine animals like dolphins and includes a gourmet picnic lunchbox for munching. Plus, the Eye Spy has wheelchair access, a licensed bar on board, and a portion of every ticket price goes towards whale research so you can continue to enjoy this incredible experience season after season. Book here.
Sea World Cruises
Main Beach
Climb aboard the purpose-built whale watching vessels at Sea World Cruises to witness the awe-inspiring migration of the humpback whales from late May to early November. With a 100% guarantee if you head out between June to October, these boats are also decked out in hydrophones and underwater cameras to help you spy an assortment of wild animals like dolphins, sea turtles and sea birds. Their experienced captains and marine naturalist guides will also give you plenty of tidbits, bound to have you disembarking with memorable moments. Book here.
Whales In Paradise
Surfers Paradise
Prefer an experience that’s a little more up close and personal? The boutique whale watching tours at Whales In Paradise set out from Gold Coast’s Surfers Paradise, and are known for their luxury catamaran with limited passenger numbers. Less crowds = more railside viewing for you. Enjoy uninterrupted sightseeing as the humpback whales show off in spectacular acrobatic displays, while supporting a family-owned business that truly loves what it does. Book here.
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Main image credit: Jewels Lynch/Tourism Events Queensland