There are many amazing things about living on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country, and one of them is being located right on the ‘Humpback Highway’, the migration track of majestic whales.
Because of it, the Gold Coast offers some of the best whale watching in the world, with a particularly long season stretching from May to November. During these months when visitors from small towns and the big smoke alike come to stay at my place, a gaze at the sea is definitely a top priority. And actually spotting a whale is refreshingly more common than many expect.
The beauty of our Gold Coast sunshine is that these cooler, prime whale-watching months are largely just crisp beaut days. So a wander over Burleigh Hill, a meander around Coolangatta's headland or a day out on the sea is probably already on the cards.
So you'll be pleased to know that popping your peepers on the horizon and catching a glimpse at a frolicing family of whales or pod of dolphins is surprisingly common.
I may not be a surfer, but I am definitely a lurker of the big blue. So here's my pick of 13 of the best whale watching locations and cruises on the Gold Coast that traverse the Humpback Highway.
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Kokomo Cruises
Main Beach
Leaves from Marina Mirage, Main Beach QLD 4217
With guaranteed whale sightings or a free return ticket, expect live commentary, a friendly team and pristine seating on one of three session times leaving from 830am and 1130am 7 days a week, or 230pm on weekends.
Whales In Paradise
Surfers Paradise
Leaves from Hopo Ferry Information Kiosk, 10A Ferny Ave, Appel Park Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Surfers Paradise's aptly named Whales In Paradise sets sail from Appel Park, right across from Circle on Cavill car park, or a short walk from the Cavill Avenue tram stop. These folks offer an impressive 100% whale sighting guarantee, with a free return cruise up for grabs in the rare case it's just ocean out there.
Whales In Paradise promises to deliver not just another cruise but an experience with the naturally curious humpback whales we all know and love. Admission is free for infants 0-2, $79 for children 3-13, $119 for adults or $317 for a family trip, 7 days a week.
With a water-level viewing deck and guarantee that there will only be as many customers as can comfortably see, Whales in Paradise will pretty much do everything they can to make sure you see whales and gorgeous pods of dolphins too. These low-noise cruises were the first whale watching tour operator on the Gold Coast, so they certainly know their stuff.
Sea World Cruises
Main Beach
Leaves from Sea World Cruises Terminal, Sea World, Sea World dR, mAIN bEACH QLD 4217
If there's any operator on the Gold Coast who knows their stuff about whales, it’s Sea World Cruises. Gold Coast’s longest-running cruise company, Sea World Cruises is one of the most popular whale watching tour operators around due to their variety of cruise offerings, modern vessels and top-notch service.
If you’re all about the whales, the classic whale watching cruise is most popular, departing daily and reaching the popular Humpback Highway in just twenty minutes.
Cruises run 7 days a week during whale-watching season where admission is free for those 0-2, $79 for children 3-13 and $119 for adult tickets for those 14+, or secure a pre-season deal where adult tickets are $79 and a family pass is down to $317. Or, upgrade to the Captain’s Lounge Whale Watching VIP experience which includes a private seating area, snacks and priority boarding for $109 per child and $149 for those 14 and over.
Spirit of Gold Coast
Main Beach
Leaves from Mariners Cove Marina, Berth 95, Arm D, next to Helicopter Pad, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217
Spirit of Gold Coast whale watching cruises offer a spectacular 2.5 hour experience along the majestic Humpback Highway with a knowledgeable team and an on-board marine biologist to give you all the deets about marine life.
With two sessions a day leaving at 930am and 130pm, tickets are free for littlies under 4, $59 for children 4-14 and $99 for those 14 and over.
If there aren’t any whales out to play, you’ll get a free return trip but with a 99% success rate finding whales for 25 years, I think you’re in pretty safe hands.
Boattime Yacht Charters
Main Beach
Leaves from 60/70 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD Mariners Cove 4217
Some experiences in life call for a splurge. Others give that luxury feel at a fraction of the cost. Boattime Yacht Charters' whale watching cruise is that bargain version of the full-experience.
With two vessels to choose from, cruise on the triple-decker Mermaid Spirit Catamaran, or the 110-foot luxury superyacht, the Sun Goddess. Then quench your thirst at the fully-stocked bar and prepare to spot the magnificent whales up close from the rotating viewing decks.
Don't be fooled by the pricetag. This whale watching experience offers plenty of commentary from the informative crew who are keen to impart their seemingly boundless knowledge.
Departing from Mariner's Cove twice daily, Boattime Yacht Charters' whale watching cruise will set you back $69 for children 3-13, just $79 for people 14+ when you score the winter sale, and $259 for a family. Or give your date something to backflip about with two ticket deal for $139.
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The Best Gold Coast Whale Watching Locations
Burleigh Hill
Burleigh Heads
Everyone’s favourite sunset picnic spot, Burleigh Hill, doubles as a great location for whale watching. Bring a blanket, your favourite bevvy and your haul from one of the many nearby Burleigh bakeries and takeaway joints then get ready to observe the waters with a keen eye. If no whales show up—it’s a prime spot for people watching, too.
Do you like your whale-watching antics with a side of exercise? Urban List Contributor, Danielle Read recommends "taking the lower track around Burleigh Hill. It's a pretty flat, accessible walk that snakes around the side of the hill. This stroll takes you to a sprawling viewing platform with a wide view of the coastline."
Heads up that there are stretches of no shade on this track, but your chances of seeing a whale from here are quite good during the peak season.
Tumgun Lookout
Burleigh Heads National Park
Lace up your runners and head to the Tumgun Lookout within the Burleigh Heads National Park for an all-round incredible nature experience.
Here you'll want to charge Burleigh Hill's winding path uphill, instead of down like our previous recommendation, for a good workout, but make sure to set aside a good while to keep an eye out for whales once you get to the lookout. Whales can hold their breath underwater for over an hour, so patience, and snacks, are key.
Point Danger
Coolangatta
The Point Danger headland on the border of New South Wales and Queensland offers unobstructed ocean views as far as the eye can see. Meaning? You can spot whales from a mile away on a clear day.
For me, it's a frontrunner for whale-watching while picnicking. Though it's also the perfect place to watch, see, then give a little love to the local eateries in the area with lunch or dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants in Coolangatta. Considering whales can eat about 16 tonnes of krill in one day, I reckon these big beauties would be proud that you too are having a feast in their honour.
The Spit
Main Beach
If you’re looking for an epic whale watching location on the northern end of the Gold Coast, the Spit is your best bet. On the end of the 5km long, largely undeveloped sandy strip, you’ll find a massive pier that takes you right over the waves and up close to the Humpback Highway.
Fingal Head Lookout
Fingal Head
The beautiful untouched beaches in Fingal Head warrant a visit year 'round. And for whale-watching this is definitely up there with one of our favourite places a hop-skip from the Gold Coast. Road trip to just below the Queensland border to reach this surprisingly sleepy locale, away from the crowds.
To get there, try to snag a car park on Lighthouse Parade. From here, you'll take a wander on a sandy track beside the sea shaded by coastal bushland. Around 500 metres up you'll reach stairs, and be rewarded for your efforts with one of the best whale-watching spots in the area.
While some of the vegetation is being regenerated and is roped off, there are quite a few pozzies on the rocks to try your luck at spotting whales. Plus, the oh so cute, quaint Dreamtime Lighthouse is worthy of admiring while you wait for a whale or two to make a splash.
North Burleigh Lookout
Miami
A well-kept local secret, the North Burleigh Lookout offers platforms and ocean-facing benches with incredible views towards both Burleigh Heads and Surfers Paradise.
Urban List Contributor Danielle Read says, "Many people stick to the main landing at the top of the stairs from the Miami esplanade - including my husband who proposed to me here! Don't get me wrong, it's a great spot. But if you're looking for the best whale-watching location, wander up further beyond the trees and you'll find a more established platform for a better view."
Peckish after winking at the sea and hoping that'll be enough to lure the whales into spouting water for your glee? If you're game, take a trek down to Paddock Bakery for a bite to eat.
Elephant Rock
Currumbin
The viewing platform atop Elephant Rock offers the perfect vantage point to look for whales. If you forgot your binoculars, there’s coin-operated telescope binoculars. Love that.
Prefer your whale-watching adventures with a side of bubbles or a pint? Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club is literally built right on the rock and boasts a dining area with gorgeous views of the ocean. Now both you and the whales are feeling fresh. Genius.
Rainbow Bay Lookout
Coolangatta
Rainbow Bay lookout offers spectacular panoramic views to Greenmount Beach in the south and Coolangatta Beach in the north. With observation decks, barbecues and shaded tables, why not pack lunch and make a day out of it! If it’s not too chilly you might even want to take a dip on one of the stunning, patrolled beaches on each side.
Looking for more cool free stuff to do? Hit our list of 50 cheap or free things to do on the Gold Coast.
Image credit: Sea World Cruises (supplied)