The 15 Whale Watching Cruises in Australia That Earn Their Price

1.Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise from Redcliffe or Sunshine Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 997 reviews · from $114Our pick

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.”

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2.Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · from $125

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.”

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3.Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 878 reviews · from $74

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!”

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4.Sydney: 2-hour Express Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 756 reviews · 2 hours · from $63

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.”

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5.Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 553 reviews · from $111

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.”

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6.Fremantle: 2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 455 reviews · 2 hours · from $67

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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7.Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 452 reviews · from $111

Cruise Platypus Bay for about 4.5 hours aboard the Spirit of Hervey Bay, a stable catamaran with open decks, underwater windows, a waterline platform, and a hydrophone. The crew explains humpback behavior while you watch for whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and Fraser Island scenery.

“Great boat and commentary by the skipper and shout out to Tracey she was fantastic with her help and enthusiasm! We saw lots of whales and some came right up to the boat. Totally recommend.”

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8.Brisbane: Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 448 reviews · 5 - 8 hours · from $113

Cruise Moreton Bay aboard the MV Eye Spy for about five hours, with a guaranteed whale sighting, fresh picnic lunch, and commentary from Captain Kerry Lopez. Optional Brisbane hotel pickup is available, and the wheelchair-accessible catamaran has a licensed bar, snacks, and souvenirs.

“An amazing experience! The tour was so informative and a beautiful site to see the whales in their natural habitat. Even better to have a tour which cares for these beautiful creatures and there environment. Thank you!”

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9.Gold Coast: Premium Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 444 reviews · 150 minutes - 1 day · from $63

Cruise from Sea World Cruise Terminal aboard Spirit of Migaloo II to the Gold Coast’s Humpback Highway. Captain Wayno and marine naturalist guides explain whale behavior while you watch for breaching humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Underwater microphones add live whale song, and wheelchair access is available.

“Absolutely great day out seeing the whales up close. The captain gave great information about the whales which was really interesting. Very organised and kind, helpful crew.”

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10.Hervey Bay: Best Value Half Day Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 363 reviews · from $85

Cruise from Urangan across Hervey Bay toward K’gari and Platypus Bay on Quick Cat II. A local crew helps you watch humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and perhaps dingoes from four viewing decks. Choose a morning or afternoon sailing, with morning or afternoon tea included.

“Probably one of the greatest experiences of my 63 years. It was so emotional seeing these amazing mammals. Thank you for allowing us to share their ocean.”

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11.Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $63

Join Kokomo Cruises from Main Beach for a 2.5-hour humpback whale watching trip along the Gold Coast’s Whale Highway. The fast, limited-capacity boat reaches the open sea quickly, with 360-degree views, onboard commentary, and a free return ticket if no whales are seen.

“Whale watching with them has been the best experience ever. The crew Nic and Fran were very friendly. They explained about the life of whales and their activities as we were cruising in the ocean. We had lots of fun. I highly recommend Kokomo Cruise for everyone.”

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12.Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 340 reviews · 4 hours · from $70

From Circular Quay, cruise through Sydney Harbour and beyond Sydney Heads to look for migrating humpback whales. Choose a hot breakfast on weekends or a BBQ-style lunch daily. English commentary covers whales, dolphins, seals, and Sydney’s harbour sights. Judy and Biggles are among the guides praised for sharp spotting and lively talks.

“Nobody turned up at 7 Macquarie street as stated on the app. Walked to the quay and found where we should go. The previous meeting point needs removing. The trip was excellent. Saw so many whales. Mums with their calf’s. It was tremendous! The food was plentiful and ok. The guide was knowledgeable. So glad we did it!”

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13.Whale Watching Cruise from Busselton, Augusta or Dunsborough

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 325 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $67

Cruise for 2 to 2.5 hours from Augusta, Busselton or Dunsborough with an experienced skipper, marine biologist and small passenger numbers. Look for humpback, southern right, blue and minke whales, plus dolphins, seals and sea birds. Warm clothing is essential.

“fantastic trip out. we were lucky to see 7 Blue Whales and Humpbacks. The operators were all super friendly and the marine biologist was so interesting and committed to giving us so much information, which we really appreciated. would highly recommend.”

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14.Sydney: Scenic Whale Watching Cruise – Whales Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 318 reviews · 3 hours · from $45Best value

Cruise from Circular Quay past Sydney Harbour and through Sydney Heads with Barefoot Whale Watching. Captain Dean and Tom provide lively commentary while you search for humpback whales, dolphins, and seals from a spacious catamaran with limited guest numbers.

“It was so amazing ,I think I will never forget the moment when I saw the whale jumping and the craziest scream from the boat! Thanks captain Dean and our adventure artist Tom!”

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15.Hervey Bay: Half-Day Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 277 reviews · 4 hours · from $84

Join Captain Phil and the Amaroo crew for a four-hour cruise among Hervey Bay’s humpback whales. You’ll have three open decks, expert commentary, morning or afternoon tea, parking, and discounted Boat Club dining. Whale sightings are guaranteed from August 1 to October 7, with a complimentary return trip if needed.

“Excellent all round. The Captain was very knowledgeable A special thank you to Brendan and Claudia whose customer manor and knowledge was excellent.”

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