Whale Watching · AUSTRALIA
Twenty thousand humpbacks run the east coast between June and November, and Hervey Bay is where they stop. The 15 below cover Sydney, the Gold Coast, Queensland and the west, with prices and the sighting guarantees that are worth reading.
Join a 165-minute catamaran cruise from Circular Quay to search for humpback whales off Sydney’s coast. Your English-speaking guide shares whale facts while you watch from broad decks. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, toilets, and a licensed bar are onboard. A free return cruise is offered if no whale is spotted.
“Knowledgeable guide, boat kept a respectful distance from whales while still giving us a good view”
From Redcliffe, Brisbane Whale Watching takes you into Moreton Bay aboard the high-speed catamaran Eye Spy. Captain Kerry and the crew provide live commentary while you watch migrating humpback whales, often with calves, breaches, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. Lunch is included, with hotel pickup available from selected areas.
“Water was clear. We saw two or three humpback whales up close. They frolicked just around the boat. Captain Kerry was wonderful--giving whale information at intervals and moving the boat often so all could get a good view. The boat was not too crowded. We had a wonderful visit.”
Spend about eight hours on Ningaloo Reef, following a spotter plane to whale sharks and stopping to snorkel with turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and more. Three Islands supplies gear, meals, drinks, a safety tender, hotel transfers, and underwater photos, with a maximum of 20 people aboard.
“Amazing experience! The crew was dynamic, competent, interesting and friendly. All day was very well organized and respectfull for the whale sharks and their environment. Thank you!”
Join Freedom Whale Watch at 9:30 am for a six-hour catamaran cruise from Urangan to Platypus Bay. Skipper Toni and the crew share whale facts, serve morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, and use a hydrophone when conditions allow. Sightings are guaranteed from 15 July to 10 October.
“One of the most amazing Whale watching experiences. The staff were friendly, informative, kind and entertaining. The food they prepared was amazing and the cruise had plenty of space to move around and watch whales. We encountered more than 20 whales and also few dolphins. It was a magical experience getting to see the whales up close. 10/10 would recommend to go with Freedom again.”
Join Spirit of Gold Coast at Southport for a 2-hour-50-minute whale cruise aboard a 24-meter catamaran. Marine biologists and captains such as Dean and Gavin explain humpback behavior as you watch from two decks. Morning tea, toilets, a licensed bar, and a whale guarantee are included.
“The whales don’t always perform with the classic breach behaviour. Mostly they just cruise on by the coast and you get a glimpse as they surface for air.”
Start at King Street Wharf with breakfast or BBQ lunch, then pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Manly Beach, and Sydney Heads before searching for humpback whales. A naturalist guide provides live commentary, and a free return cruise is offered if no whales are found.
“Lunch was really good and plentiful. Whale watching was fabulous! David was very informative and helpful with locating the whales and helping us find/see them. Highly recommend!”
From Circular Quay, Fantasea Crystal gets you to Sydney’s open ocean in about 20 minutes, leaving most of the cruise for whale watching. Choose the sun deck, covered rear deck, or air-conditioned cabin. English commentary, snacks, drinks, and a free return cruise if no whales are seen.
“It was a 2 hour whale trip, which was all the time we had. So perfect. We saw lots of humpback whales and the commentary was wonderful (photographer that works for ship, very knowledgeable). Highly recommend.”
Join Spirit of Gold Coast from Southport’s Broadwater for a 150-minute humpback whale cruise from June to October. Captain Dean and the marine guide share clear, lively commentary while you watch for breaching whales, tail slaps, dolphins, and calves from the boat’s 360-degree viewing areas.
“Amazing trip, saw lots of whale activity with a mother and calf, the crew really knew their stuff and I would thoroughly recommend a trip with them”
Join Pacific Whale Foundation aboard the 12-metre Ocean Defender for a three-hour whale watch in Platypus Bay. Marine scientists explain humpback behaviour, underwater hydrophones play live songs, and the low boat offers clear water-level views. The trip suits children six and older.
“The guide was very friendly and informative. The captain very patient and proactive when passengers spotted whales. The whales were active too which made the trip very special”
Join Whale Tales at King Street Wharf for a 2.5-hour cruise beneath the Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House, then head beyond the Heads to seek humpback whales. Crew members including Rex, Mette, Alex, Isaac, and Mawi provide commentary, help spot wildlife, and may share whale photos afterward.
“Whale watching .. what an amazing experience .. it’s unbelievable what you see .. Whale tales guys are very professional and wonderful guys explaining in depth everything about whales and their migration .Mawri / Alex were wonderful”
Cruise from Hervey Bay toward K’gari on the 20-meter Tasman Venture catamaran. You’ll have open decks, underwater windows, and a water-level platform for watching humpbacks. Guides such as Vicky and Rachel have led recent trips, with commentary, tea, coffee, biscuits, and antipasti included.
“Was everything good! The atmosphere was friendly and cozy, the staff was nice, and the whales come with us a lot of times”
Cruise from Great Sandy Straits Marina to Platypus Bay and the west coast of K’gari with Whalesong Cruises. Choose a five-hour morning trip or a four-hour afternoon and sunset cruise. Expect expert commentary, hydrophone listening, underwater cameras, meals, hotel pickup, and multi-level viewing decks.
“We saw quite a few mothers with their baby hump-back whales and the captain of the boat went out of his way to locate them and bring the boat as close as possible. A great day out and the customer service of the staff was amazing, from the phone calls to make sure we got on the shuttle bus, to the driver of the shuttle bus (who also happened to be the captain), the staff on the boat were great and the whole day was wonderful. Would highly recommend!”
Join Tasman Venture for a four-hour Hervey Bay catamaran cruise with guaranteed whale sightings, underwater viewing windows, hydrophones, tea, snacks, and hotel transfers. Watch humpback whales from the outdoor platform, hear commentary in six languages, and look for dolphins and other sea life along the way.
“Amazing. Huge thanks to the whales that put on a show and the weather gods, but it couldn’t have been done without the team at Tasman Venture. Excellent commentary and vibrant staff made a great day even better.”
Join Blue Dolphin Marine Tours for a full day from Hervey Bay to Platypus Bay aboard a 12-meter catamaran carrying no more than 24 people. Peter and the crew offer thoughtful marine commentary, a water-level viewing platform, hydrophone whale songs, tea, refreshments, and buffet lunch.
“Peter is amazing at his job, he told us finding a whale is easy but finding a good whale is key, one(s) that will pec slap, tail lob, breach and even sing all come down to right place, right time and Peter with all of his knowledge and experience cerRead more”
Meet at Sardine Jetty in Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour for a two-hour cruise aboard Steep Point. You will search for migrating humpback whales from five viewing decks while an onboard marine mammal expert explains their behavior. Warm indoor seating, blankets, kids’ activities, and free parking make this an easy family outing.
“Great crew, and really looked after those feeling a little unwell. Amazing experience and good value for your $!”
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