8 Whale and Dolphin Tours in Australia to Build a Morning Around

1.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Feeding

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 57 reviews · 1 day · from $162Our pick

Take a 75-minute ferry from Brisbane to Moreton Island, relax at Tangalooma Island Resort, then join a three-hour whale cruise with lunch and commentary. Finish by hand-feeding a wild bottlenose dolphin at sunset with help from Eco Rangers. The dolphin session depends on tides, weather, and attendance.

“These activities were actually so interesting and attracted me! Generally, I was enjoyed with my family most of time! However, the activity of dolphin feeding was too short and rushed and we got to get changed our wet body immediately just after dolphin fed! As the ferry is going to depart @7pm and we did not managed to get everything done in such short time, especially with kids. Furthermore, if the activity of dolphin feed were started late!”

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2.Port Stephens 3 Hour Whale and Dolphin Watch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $62Best value

Set out from Nelson Bay with Imagine Cruises for a three-hour whale and dolphin watch aboard a gentle sailing catamaran. Look for humpback whales, dolphins, seabirds, and fur seals near Cabbage Tree Island, with commentary, tea, blankets, wet-weather gear, and a whale guarantee included.

“Fantastic experience lovely stable boat with plenty of room for all. Great staff very knowledgeable and found beautiful whales for us. Would thoroughly recommend.”

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3.Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 48 reviews · 3 hours · from $95

Spend three hours aboard Wildlife Coast Cruises, passing Cape Woolamai and Phillip Island's southern coast while expert whale spotters search for humpback and southern right whales. You may also see dolphins, seals, and wandering albatrosses, with English commentary, tea, coffee, cake, and a licensed bar onboard.

“I love the first part, we got to see many whales but I thought the last hour and a half it wasn’t as great because we were just on the boat and didn’t see any whales.”

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4.Nelson Bay: Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 47 reviews · 3 hours · from $63

Join Imagine Cruises at Nelson Bay’s d’Albora Marina for a three-hour whale and dolphin trip aboard the 54-foot catamaran Imagine. You’ll hear live English commentary, scan for migrating humpbacks, and may see dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds. Tea, coffee, jackets, blankets, and seasickness tablets are available.

“Fantastic staff, friendly and knowledgeable. Although it was a cold day, the 3 hours up on deck went so quickly. We were fortunate enough to see seals, whales, dolphins and 6 x F35 jets at low level - absolutely exhilarating. It's also worth mentioning that although the ocean was quite choppy, the catamaran was super-smooth on the water. I will definitely be back for another trip with these guys (when it's warm enough to swim with the dolphins) A great trip with a great bunch of people.”

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5.Dolphin & Whale Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · from $96

Board a large catamaran at San Remo Jetty for a three-hour wildlife cruise past Cape Woolamai and Seal Rocks. You’ll learn about the old granite quarry, watch for winter humpback and southern right whales, and keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and albatross. Afternoon tea, coffee, and tea are included.

“The water was choppy with ocean waves, dipping here rising there, it was the sensation of a never ending roller coaster. The sms warned us to prepare for possible seasickness - glad we followed the advice! Our little group was fine. We saw Read more”

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6.Hervey Bay: Pre-season Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · 5 hours · from $102

Spend five hours aboard Whalesong Cruises from Hervey Bay, watching for humpback whales, dolphins, dugongs, turtles, and seabirds. Your catamaran has wide decks, a hydrophone, Wi-Fi, lunch, morning tea, and multilingual guiding. Early-season sightings are possible, but never guaranteed.

“Horrible weather, fantastic staff had a ball anyway, saw 3 whales yay”

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7.Port Stephens Private Tour From Sydney, with Dolphin/ Whale Cruise Options

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $340

Travel from central Sydney to Port Stephens in a private, air-conditioned minivan with a local guide. Add a seasonal dolphin or whale cruise, then enjoy Gan Gan Lookout, Little Beach, lunch, and optional sandboarding at Stockton Dunes. Guide James has earned special praise for his friendly care.

“Love this experience! Saw many dolphins and they are spectacular. Sandboarding was fun. Unfortunately no camel rides available. The guide, James is really nice. The only thing that viator could improve is to let us know we could swim in the cruise (the guides may not know since they are not allowed on the cruise) so we could make preparations.”

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8.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Viewing

★★★★★★★★★★3.1 · 7 reviews · 1 day · from $147

Travel from Brisbane to Moreton Island by ferry, spend three hours watching humpback whales from a catamaran, and enjoy lunch, resort access, a sunset cocktail, and a wild dolphin viewing program before returning at night.

“For the 7.30 ferry they make you arrive at 6.30, 6.31 you've got your ticket and sit there for 55 minutes. A person named Renee was supposed to take care of us guests asked me to wait at a certain spot, not to be seen again so I had to gather my information from elsewhere. When I found her later and asked what happened, she didnt even apologize. Instead without asking, she just snatched my paper from my hands, started ripping it apart and took one of my vouchers which I had to ask her to give back. Quite a lack of manners for someone in the service industry.”

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