There are some facets of nature which are simply amazing. The annual migration of humpback and southern right whales along the Australian South, West and East coastlines is one of those.
Australian Whaling History
Each year the whales migrate from the cold nutrient rich depths of Antarctica to the Australian coastline to mate and give birth to the next generation of whales. The strong currents which run parallel to the Australian coastline meant that the whales have always followed a very predictable pathway – which made them prime game for whalers for the late 18th century.
After the evidence became clear that the Southern Right Whale population was almost extinct Australian laws were enacted to protect that species in 1935. Humpback whales were subsequently protected in 1963 and sperm whales were finally protected in 1978, at which point all whaling in Australia ceased.
Today, there is real evidence that the whale populations are all on a healthy path to recovery.
Australia Travel Planning Facebook Group
Check out our Australia Travel Planning Facebook Group – you are welcome to join and it is a great resource to enable you to ask questions about your Australian trip!
Whale Watching
Whale watching is now a growth industry in Australia, with both many options to view whales from land and almost every town on western, southern and eastern coastlines offering whale watching options by boat.
The Australian whale watching season is from May to November, with more northerly destinations having a shorter season.
Humpback whales can be seen from the Kimberley region on the west coast to the southern point of Albany. On the east coast humpback whales can be seen from the northern Great Barrier Reef down to the township of Eden.
Southern Right Whales mate and calve along the cooler southern coast, with sightings along the South Australian and Western Australian coastlines, reaching as far north as New South Wales and Ningaloo Reef.
I have found the two great articles below which provide an up close and personal look at the whale watching experience in Australia.
Top Five Whale Watching Spots in Australia
Andy Top from the Travelling Type travel blog shares his top tips to watch whales in Australia from both land and by boat. He is in a great position as he lives in Byron Bay on the east coast so is readily able to view the whales each season.
It’s that time of year again. Humpback and southern right whales – the majestic marine monsters of the deep – are currently travelling from Antarctica to Australia’s northern waters to breed.
If you’re wondering where you can witness this wonderful rolling, spurting, barnacle busting bonanza, here’s my top five whale watching spots in Australia.
Whale Watching on the Gold Coast
Olivia Peters from the Halfway Somewhere travel blog shares her story of a day off the Gold Coast looking for whales. She was definitely not disappointed!
Earlier this month I spent the morning out on the water in the Gold Coast, searching for whales with Whales in Paradise. Yeah, you can usually spot them off in the distance if you hang around the beach long enough, but getting up close with the real action is what you want.
I’ve been whale watching once before in New Zealand with my family. That time we were on a huge boat and they used sonar or something to find whales, sped off to them, waited a few minutes, and then moved on. This time was very different.
Read more about Olivia’s whale watching experience…
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Check out our Australia Travel Planning Facebook Group – you are welcome to join and it is a great resource to enable you to ask questions about your Australian trip!
Thanks for the shout out, Anne! I’m off to check out Andy’s post and see where else I can get out with the whales!
Olivia, no problem! It was great reading your story of going out whale watching so I wanted to share it with my followers.
We keep saying we’ll head off and do some whale watching with the kids. They’re almost old enough to sit and concentrate for the required time! Good to have a few options to browse through.
Bronwyn, thanks for your comment. You are correct that taking kids too young on a boat is a recipe to have a not so good time – but it is amazing how much they (and you!) enjoy activities like these once they are old enough…
What amazing shots! Whale watching is something I want to show my kids as we’ve experienced it before. Hopefully soon!
Adrienne, thanks for your comment. I agree that taking kids whale watching is definitely a great experience.
Hey there.
Great post and magical photos.
Thanks for sharing.
Steven, thanks for your comment. I also love these photos!
Great post. Its always so wonderful to see the mighty whales.
Thanks for sharing !
Vasudha, thanks for your comment. Whales are totally awesome!
We saw a lot of humpbacks off the coast of South Africa but none when we were in Australia. Whales are such gorgeous creatures – if we get back maybe we’ll have a look at “your” whales too!
Kay, thanks for your comment. Hopefully next time!
This activity I wanted to do đŸ™‚
Anne, thanks for your comment. I hope that you are able to go see some whales in the short term.
Thanks for the mention Anne! Just saw this, great little write up. Thanks for sharing Olivia’s post too (I’ll check it out).
Andy, thanks for your comment. I loved your article and Olivia’s so decided to share them. I would love to live at Byron Bay and be so close to being able to see them on a regular basis!
Oh wow! It has always been a dream of mine to see whales in their natural habitat! Hopefully, now that we live in Australia, that will become a reality soon!
Joseph, thanks for your comment. There are so many accessible places to see them along the Australian coastline!
Whale watching!! I wish I could have done that when I was in Australia. Unfortunately the whale watching season started a few days after I left. Poor planning!
Amanda, thanks for your comment. Maybe next time…
I’ve never been to a whale watching, when I plan my holidays I usually forget about it despite being something I’d love to see at least once in this life!
Lily, thanks for your comment. Hopefully you will be able to see the whales one day!
Aren’t they just amazing animals? We’ve seen plenty up north, and even had one come very close to the boat whilst fishing. We called in at Point Anne in the Fitzgerald national park not so long ago; they pull in and breed in that little bay. Apparently its incredible!
Aaron, thanks for your comment. It is great how there are so many places in Australia where you can watch the whales from the shore!
Brilliant first time on your blog and I’m certainly impressed! Love to travel – Will it be possible for you to mention the travelling costs to these places as well? It would certainly help alot. Cheers!
Usama, thanks for your comment. I haven’t included travelling costs as it can be widely variable, and many options where you can see whales are quite cheap from the Australian coastline.