Latest News

Where To Follow The Whale Migration This Year

One of the most mesmerising activities along the coastline is perching up and spotting the various species of whales making their way north each year. We’re lucky enough to live in a migratory destination for many species of whales, in fact the coast of Western Australia is home to the world’s largest population of Humpback Whales, so there are endless places to watch them gliding through our oceans.

The whale migration season stretches from April to November across the country and sure, it may be January, but it’s never too early to plan where you’ll be seeing these magnificent marine mammals. 

It’s the perfect activity for soaking in the beauty of the coast and taking mindful moments to sit and gaze. We know that connection and time with nature does wonders for our wellbeing. So it’s a great opportunity to gather friends or family (or make it a special time for yourself), pack a picnic with locally sourced snacks, and prepare for the sights of these incredible creatures. Even better if you can time it for sunset!

Check out our recommended spots below, and remember to take your rubbish home with you (even better – collect any discarded litter too!)

 

Gold Coast: QLD

It turns out you don’t have to travel too far to start your whale watching crawl – the warm waters of the Gold Coast sees thousands of humpback whales to spot from May to November.

Tweed Heads in Queensland, traditional home of the Bundjalung people, is a great place to perch. Specifically, Point Danger Lookout is the place to be – with its public binoculars for an extra chance to watch the whales frolicking out at sea.

Tell me more

A bite to eat nearby: Little Mahi Cafe: 

 

 

Byron Bay: NSW

 

There are a handful of wonderful whale watching spots along the NSW coast, north of Sydney. Coffs Harbour is another popular location to see these magical mammals. 

However, the favourite location has to be Byron Bay (Arakwal Country). The Lighthouse Trail takes you past beautiful surf beaches and picturesque cliffs to the Cape Byron Lighthouse (Walgun), with opportunities to stop and whale-gaze along the way. 

Tell me more

A bite to eat nearby: Sunday Sustainable Bakery

 

 

Eden, NSW

Eden (Yuin Country) is another top pick for NSW, sitting on the South Coast region and offering unique viewing opportunities of humpback whales as they stop to feed on their southern migration. 

It’s a great spot to see whales from shore (which we recommend over boat tours) for the entirety of the whale season, and the Eden Killer Whale Museum even offers a whale siren when there’s a special visitor in the bay.

Tell me more

A bite to eat nearby: Sprout Eden Cafe & Local Produce

 

 

Warrnambool: VIC

Need another excuse to tour the beautiful Great Ocean Road? Well we have one. The waters of Logans Beach in Warrnambool (Gunditjamara Country) are known as the nursery for southern right whale calves between June and September. They often come within 100 metres of the shore. What a treat!

Tell me more

A bite to eat nearby: Bohemia Cafe & Bar

 

 

Albany: WA

This quaint seaside town (Albany / Kincinnup) on the south coast of Western Australia is a mere 400km from Perth and worth the hike to get there – for the whale spotting alone. With one of the longest seasons in the country, you can catch humpbacks, southern rights and occasionally blue whales for the second half of the year. 

If you’re up for extending the road trip further down the coast you may have the opportunity to spot a rare congregation of orcas gathering in the waters of Bremer Bay.

Tell me more

A bite to eat nearby: Emu Point Cafe

 

 

Freycinet Peninsula: TAS

This part of the coast is not just straight from a ‘wish you were here’ postcard, but it is also one of the first stops for the whales departing the Antarctic waters. If you venture to the crystal clear waters of the peninsula you’re likely to spot humpbacks on their way to Queensland between May and July or making their way home between September and November.

Tell me more

A bite to eat nearby: The Ice Creamery Coles Bay

 

 

Head of the bight: SA

This one may be a bit further afield, but if you’re serious about whale watching – it’s a must-go! 1100km from Adelaide, it’s a perfect spot to see southern right whales calve during their winter migration. With accessible viewing platforms, a backdrop of Bunda cliffs, and a mini desert of towering sand dunes, it’s a popular destination and worth the detour off the Nullarbor. 

Tell me more

A bite to eat (kind of) nearby: Ceduna Oyster Bar