Family whale watching experiences in Australia

Get ready for a close encounter with a giant because whale watching season is on. Entertainment and education rolled into one, take the kids out Whale Watching and show them just how cool these creatures are before it’s too late.

From May to November, we see over 60,000 humpback whales make their way past our golden shorelines seeking warm breeding grounds before heading back to feed in colder waters. That means these friendly giants are swimming around in our backyard right now as we speak.

Looking for the best places for whale watching? Take your pick. In Australia, there’s no shortage of places to spot whales, especially along the east coast.

You can take a gamble and set up camp along the coast or on a headland (tip: if you stare at the ocean long enough, you just might see a whale pop up from afar). Heads up though, it’s still a fair bit of distance, so make sure you bring binoculars!

Luckily, a whale watching cruise will increase your chance of seeing one by a country mile. You’re joined by experts who keep on the lookout, plus you sail around, making it easier to get front row seats to the show.

In the big smoke? You’re in luck because Sydney is smack bang in the middle of the migration path. Just past the headlands right on the doorstep of the city is a hot spot for whales both big and small.

There’s no shortage of opportunities here, with a bunch of whale watching cruises leaving from Sydney Harbour. For those strapped on time there are shorter 2-hour trips, or if you want more time on the water, pick a cruise that has included breakfast or lunch so you can keep the little ones fed and happy.

Just like us, whales love a buffet. So, it’s no wonder that Hervey Bay is a favourite for whales making their way back south from the Great Barrier Reef. The large supply of food sources and sheltered waters make it a popular rest spot for humpback whales. So much so, this place was deemed the world’s first Whale Heritage Site.

You’ll find no shortage of whale watching cruise in Hervey Bay , with half day journeys, premium tours and more lined up. Up here they see a late start to the season with it running from July to November, meaning these tours run throughout winter and spring.

Shallow bays and sandy beaches make the Gold Coast a comfortable chill out spot for humpback whales. Conveniently positioned on the Humpback Highway, this place sees whales on both legs of their journey, from south to north and back again.

Stretching from May to November, you'll find whale watching cruises leaving from the Gold Coast throughout the entire duration of the season.

Travel a little further up from the Goldy and you’ll find the Sunshine Coast, which is another pit stop whales like to drop by on the Humpback Highway. Why? Because the calm warm water is just like one big bath for these friendly giants and other marine life.

If you're heading this way, you can look forward to a whale watching cruise in the Sunshine Coast , with the season running from July to November. There's a range of tours on offer, promising your fam an incredible whale encounter on top of a fun and educational day out.