Spotted: The 8 best whale-watching locations in Australia

Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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Whale migration in Australia is a magical time. Here is where to join in.

Humbling and fascinating, locals and tourists head out in droves to the headlands and on whale-watching tours during whale-watching season.

But where are the best places to go to make out the breaches and water spouts of thousands of migrating whales? Here are the top whale-watching locations in Australia.

1. Hervey Bay, Qld

Every winter, pods of humpback whales can be spotted off the east coast of Australia. They make their way up from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef to mate and give birth, before taking their calves out of the nursery and going back down south.

a whale-watching tour in Hervey Bay
Join a whale-watching tour in Hervey Bay. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It is for this reason that the warm and sheltered waters of the Great Sandy Marine Park on the Fraser Coast and nearby K’gari make for the ideal rest area for migrating whales.

whales popping out of the water in Hervey Bay
The Great Sandy Marine Park is the ideal rest area for migrating whales. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Hervey Bay was the world’s first Whale Heritage Site , named by the World Cetacean Alliance and is one of the most popular places in Australia to observe the mighty tail slaps of these peaceful creatures.

a whale breathing out of the water in Hervey Bay
You might even get a chance to swim with humpback whales. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

2. South Coast, NSW

Whales are a regular fixture of the NSW South Coast during the colder months – in particular, close to the Sapphire Coast. From the waters of Bermagui to Eden, you will be able to see travelling humpback whales and southern right whales as they rest and feed in the waters.

travelling humpback whales in Jervis Bay, South Coast, NSW
Spot humpback whales while on the South Coast. (Image: Jordan Robins)

There is also a fascinating history of whale and human collaboration here. Up until the early 20th century, it was rumoured that orcas would even help whalers to catch baleen whales – that is, until whalers killed and maimed some of their pod.

a whale underwater in Jervis Bay, South Coast, NSW
Southern right whales and humpback whales travel in the waters of the South Coast. (Image: Jordan Robins)

3. Bremer Bay, WA

From early in the year until April, family pods of orcas (also known as killer whales) begin turning up to Bremer Bay in the south of Western Australia. Why do they come here? It is still not 100 per cent certain. But whatever the reason, avid whale watchers can make their way out to watch them hunting in groups, stalking squid and other prey.

whales spotted along Bremer Bay
Orcas come to Bremer Bay from early in the year until April. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

In autumn, you might also recognise sperm whales and pilot whales. In winter, keep an eye out for southern right whales, who arrive to raise their calves in the sheltered waters of Bremer Bay.

A group of Orcas in Bremer Bay.
Get a chance to spot orcas up close. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

4. Victor Harbor, SA

Perched up on a lookout or steaming out to sea, from May to October it’s likely you’ll get a sighting of the southern right whale on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Each year, they make their annual migration from Antarctica along the coast of southern Australia. This means that if you keep an eye out, you can catch a glimpse of them in beachside towns like Victor Harbor.

an aerial view of a whale popping out of the water at Victor Harbor
Catch the annual whale migration from Victor Harbor. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Chances are you will also experience other impressive marine wildlife sightings, like common and bottlenose dolphins, as well as New Zealand fur seals and Australian sea lions on a trip out – a bonus not to be sniffed at.

a southern right whale on South Australia
Get a sighting of the southern right whale. (Image: The Big Duck Boat Tours)

5. Freycinet National Park, Tas

Today, Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast is known as one of the best places in the island state to see southern right whales. But this was not always the case. During the early 19th century, whales found here were mercilessly hunted for their oil-rich blubber and useful bones.

a southern right whale jumping out of the water at Freycinet National Park
Get an up-close look at southern right whales in Freycinet National Park. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/bodhiimages)

In fact, the lovely Wineglass Bay was named because of the way its blue waters were transformed into a gory ‘red wine glass’ when the blood of whales would fill it. A beautiful name for a gruesome practice.

an aerial view of the mountains and white-sand beach at Wineglass Bay
Go whale-watching at the picturesque Wineglass Bay. (Image: Melissa Findley)

6. Whitsundays, Qld

The tropical waters of the reef in the Whitsundays are some of the best places to find whales and have also been named a Whale Heritage Site. So, keep an eye out for breaching and playing calves with their mothers here.

If you’re careful (and very, very lucky), you might even identify a female dwarf minke whale.

a dwarf minke whale spotted underwater in the Whitsundays
Have a chance to see a female dwarf minke whale. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

7. The Kimberley, WA

The dry season from May to October is the best time to explore the red rock formations and dusty roads of the enormous Kimberley region.

a whale-watching tour in Kimberley
Embark on a whale-watching tour off the coast of the Kimberley. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

It’s also when humpback whales make their annual journey from Antarctica to this remote corner of Western Australia. Calves and adults alike are protected by islands and reefs, for the breeding season.

humpback whales migrating on the Dampier Peninsula Coast, Kimberley
Migrating humpback whales appear on the Dampier Peninsula. (Image: Tourism Western Australia/@from.miles.away)

8. Eyre Peninsula, SA

A 12 or so-hour drive in the opposite direction of Victor Harbor will take you to the high cliffs of the Head of Bight. Near the Nullarbor Plain on the Eyre Peninsula, the high vantage point offers another excellent location to see whales.

a group of whales gathering at the foot of Head of Bight, Eyre Peninsula
The Head of Bight is an excellent location to see whales. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Southern right whales give birth near here, meaning you will also make out calves playing with their mothers in the relatively safe waters. The best time to come to spot them here is in August.

Eyre Peninsula Head of Bight whale watching
Spot mothers and calves playing together. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)
For more whale-watching inspiration, see our in-depth whale-watching guides to Sydney, Port Stephens, the Gold Coast and Merimbula.
Kate Bettes
Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.
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The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn PrideBy Jocelyn Pride
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    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

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    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

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    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

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    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

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    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

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