A comprehensive guide to whale watching on the Sunshine Coast

Megan Arkinstall 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

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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 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.

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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.

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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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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.