Spotted: The 8 best whale-watching locations in Australia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For more whale-watching inspiration, see our in-depth whale-watching guides to Sydney, Port Stephens, the Gold Coast and Merimbula.

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