A comprehensive guide to whale watching on the Sunshine Coast

Megan ArkinstallBy Megan Arkinstall
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The Sunshine Coast serves up some of the best whale watching in Australia.

When it comes to whale watching, the Sunshine Coast has the absolute goods. Stretching from Caloundra to Rainbow Beach, the Sunshine Coast occupies 100 kilometres of prime coastal real estate along the so-called Humpback Highway, along which some 40,000 whales travel during their annual migration north. From whale watching cruises to swimming with whales and coastal lookouts, these are the best ways to spot whales on the Sunshine Coast.

What month is best for whale watching on the Sunshine Coast?

travelling humpbacks on Sunshine Coast
Spot pods of humpback whales on their journey to the north. (Image: Krista Eppelstun)

Whale watching season officially runs from June to October on the Sunshine Coast. Each year, after feeding off krill in Antarctica, thousands of humpbacks begin their long journey north to mate and give birth to their calves in the warmer waters off Queensland’s coast. Some whales travel up to 10,000 kilometres – as they socialise, play and rest along the way – with juveniles often leading the way. If you go whale watching later in the season you may be lucky enough to spot the newborn calves on their return journey south.

Where is the best place to see whales on the Sunshine Coast?

an aerial view of Alexandra Headland
Alexandra Headland is a prime spot to score a sighting. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Mark Fitz)

The coastal town of Mooloolaba is a hotspot for whale-watching. Visitors can jump onboard a cruise for both whale-watching and whale swims; these regularly depart from The Wharf Mooloolaba. On land, pack your binoculars and make a beeline for Point Cartwright Reserve, home to an active lighthouse and viewing platform that overlooks the mouth of the Mooloolaba River and coast. Or just north of town, Alexandra Headland is another great place to park yourself for a while and keep your eye on the horizon.

a whale watching tour off Mooloolaba with Sunreef
Spot whales on a four-hour cruise. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Mark Fitz)

If you’re staying in Noosa, you’ll also be able to conveniently jump onboard a whale-watching cruise, with many departing from the Noosa Marina. Within Noosa National Park, about one kilometre from the Coastal Walk entrance, Dolphin Point Lookout offers a great vantage point to spot these majestic mammals while enjoying the beauty of the national park.

an aerial view of Point Cartwright Reserve
Point Cartwright Reserve offers a great vantage point for whale watching. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Reuben Nutt)

Point Perry, in Coolum, and Moffat Headland Lookout, just north of Caloundra, also boast spectacular views of the ocean and are favourite spots for whale-watching on the Sunshine Coast.

The best whale watching tours on the Sunshine Coast

Whale watching cruises

Whale One, Mooloolaba

an aerial view of Sunreef’s Whale One vessel, Mooloolaba
See humpbacks off Mooloolaba aboard Sunreef’s Whale One vessel. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Krista Eppelstun)

Sunreef’s Whale One vessel departs from The Wharf Mooloolaba between June and October. Its educational whale-watching tours run for two to three hours depending on whale activity, departing twice daily during the week and three times daily on the weekends. The vessel can fit up to 120 passengers, has an indoor area and light food and drinks are available to purchase on board. And if you don’t spot whales, you can try again for free on another trip!

Adventure Rafting, Mooloolaba

a whale-watching tour with Adventure Rafting, Mooloolaba
Embark on an exhilarating two-hour whale-watching tour along the stunning Mooloolaba coastline. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Krista Eppelstun)

Accommodating just 20 guests onboard, this intimate whale-watching tour departs three times daily between June and October from The Wharf Mooloolaba. The vessel features underwater cameras to live stream the whales that are swimming nearby, which is a bonus if they don’t surface, with a hydrophone relaying their symphonic calls.

Cavalier Cruises, Mooloolaba

guests onboard Crusader 1, Cavalier Cruises, Mooloolaba
Hop aboard Cavalier Cruises for a luxe whale-watching experience.

On this luxury whale-watching tour, each of the 22 guests on board Crusader 1 are spoiled with 360-degree views from the comfort of lounge seating. This open-deck vessel allows passengers to fully walk around, which is ideal given the unpredictable movements of whales. Operating from July to October, the tours include light refreshments, soft drinks and water, with drinks available to purchase from the bar onboard and BYO food allowed. These cruises depart twice daily from the Tank Bathhouse Marina.

Noosa Thriller Ocean Adventures, Noosa

a humpback whale rising from the waters, Noosa Thriller Ocean Adventures
Glimpse these gentle giants in the waters off Noosa National Park. (Image: Brent Milne)

Thriller is a purpose-built adventure-style boat that fits 12 guests. It departs two to three times daily from The Floating Boathouse Restaurant on a two-hour whale-watching tour. The boat explores the waters just off Noosa National Park between June and November, where whales, as well as dolphins and turtles are known to frequent.

Noosa Oceanrider, Noosa

a jet boat ride with Noosa Oceanrider
An action-packed ride will give you a chance to seek out whales. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Krista Eppelstun)

From July to October Oceanrider takes 12 people out cruising for whales. Departing from Noosa Marina, the two-hour tour heads along the Noosa River and around Noosa National Park seeking out whales and other marine animals.

Noosa Wave Boating Adventures, Noosa

Departing daily between June and November from The Noosa Whale & Dolphin Centre, this informative two-hour tour guarantees a whale sighting or you’ll receive 50 per cent off your next cruise. The vessel has a full canopy for sun protection and allows guests to move around freely.

Kayak with whales

Epic Ocean Adventures, Double Island Point

kayaking on Double Island Point with Epic Ocean Adventures
Kayak through Double Island Point alongside whales. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Krista Eppelstun)

This minimal-impact tour is a win-win for whales and whale-watchers. Departing daily from Noosa between June and October, the six-hour tour to Great Sandy National Park includes beach four-wheel-driving and a fully guided ocean kayak where you may be paddling alongside majestic humpbacks in the pristine waters of Double Island Point. You’ll likely also spot dolphins, turtles and rays too. Light snacks and water are included and you’ll enjoy leisure time before returning to Noosa.

Swim with humpback whales

Whale One, Mooloolaba

A man standing on the bow of a boat in the ocean.
Take the plunge and swim with whales. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Krista Eppelstun)

If you’ve seen whales from the surface, it’s time to see them from a different perspective. Sunreef was Australia’s first operator to offer an extraordinary swimming with humpback whales experience onboard Whale One and promises a 92 per cent success rate. Donning a mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit, just 15 guests will head out on a four-hour cruise to find whales and, when it’s safe, will have the opportunity to enter the waters for a life-affirming swim alongside these gentle giants.

Noosa Wave Boating Adventures

This tour promises a total marine experience, during which you can swim with whales, dolphins and sea turtles in their own environment. This 2.5-hour tour on a specially designed vessel includes all the gear – just bring your swimmers, towels and sense of awe.

Things to know

  • There is no specific time of day that is better for whale watching.
  • Keep an eye out for whale blows, which happen as they rise to the surface to breathe.
  • Most whales surface every five to 10 minutes when active but can stay underwater for up to 40 minutes.
  • Dress in warm clothes and a waterproof jacket, in case of choppy conditions or seaspray.
  • Pack sea sickness tablets if you’re prone to getting sick on boats or check with the cruise operator if they have some onboard.
  • Maintain a safe distance of at least 100 metres from whales and even more from calves.
  • If whale-watching from land, take a chair, some binoculars and be patient.
Megan Arkinstall
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
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8 experiences that make Moreton Bay the best getaway

    Rachel LayBy Rachel Lay
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    From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

    Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

    Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

    1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience
    Explore Bribie Island with G’Day Adventure Tours.

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

    Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

    End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

    2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

    Morgan’s Seafood
    It doesn’t get fresher than Morgan’s Seafood. (Image: Ezra Patchett)

    Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

    Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

    3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

    woorim beach bribie island
    Hang 10, or relax, on Woorim Beach.

    On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

    Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

    4. D’Aguilar National Park

    D’Aguilar National Park
    Admire the landscapes of D’Aguilar National Park.

    D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

    Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

    5. Arcade Wine Bar

    arcade wine bar moreton bay
    Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

    Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

    Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

    Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

    6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

    Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

    Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

    7. Farm Visits

    Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

    At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

    8. Miss Sprinkles

    Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay
    Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

    An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

    The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine.  Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

    To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.