Location: 133-137 Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe, QLD
Brisbane's coastal aspect and easy access to the open ocean makes it a city that blends all the benefits of modern urban construction with plenty of emphasis for enjoying water-based activities, with its iconic river, waterfront areas and nearby islands all being prime examples of this.
Heading out on the water in some form is thus a must while you're here, and during the yearly whale watching season Brisbane offers a great opportunity to get out and see the gentle giants of the ocean, as the calm waters of the adjacent Moreton Bay offer a place for the Humpbacks and Southern Rights to rest and tend to their young.
Brisbane's whale watching season takes place between June and November each year, and operator Brisbane Whale Watching provide eager participants with the chance to head out on the water and encounter the most surface-active of all whales.
Displaying playful behaviour that has to be seen up close to be fully appreciated, the Humpbacks are surprisingly agile given their mass. The sheer size of the creatures is impressive, and combined with their surprising agility as they breach, it's truly a sight to behold. One of the added benefits of Brisbane's whale watching offerings is the short distance you'll have to travel for your first whale sighting; given how close Moreton Bay is to the city, it's often possible to encounter your first whale after a mere 30 minutes worth of seafaring – something of a rarity amongst the world's capital cities.
Of course, given the wild and uncontrolled nature of the experience, there can't be guarantees about how close the whales will approach, but this largely beats encountering animals in a comparatively sterile, manufactured zoo-style environment. If a whale breaches right in front of your eyes, you can be sure the behaviour was completely spontaneous which makes the occurrence all the more magical.
A magical encounter with humpback whales is a must-do activity in Brisbane. Every year between June and November, you can join Brisbane Whale Watching for an unbelievable close encounter with the whales.
In terms of the whale watching tours themselves, Brisbane Whale Watching's vessel is modern, big and comfortable with all the modern on-board conveniences, and also was constructed with specially-designed engine mounting that helps make for reduced noise and vibration that reduces any irritation for the whales.
Other marine life such as dolphins and sea turtles also frequent this part of the 'Bay, adding to the diversity of the sightseeing experience. Tour itineraries also include a tasty and plentiful lunch consisting of a ham/beef/prawn/salads mixed offering, and as the vessel's lower deck windows are at sea level, you'll be able to see the whales while enjoying your meal which makes for some truly unique dining.
The Brisbane Whale Watching crew and its captain also offer a top-notch experience that provides a solid combination of imparting knowledge and customer service, making for a smooth and pleasant overall day on the water. Tours last for around 5 hours, which is a solid amount of time to be at sea, so be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen during your trip out – the typically clear Queensland skies during whale watching season can make for some intense UV rays.
In addition, bring seasickness pills if you're the type with a sensitive stomach, as although the vessel is stable things can get quite choppy on windier days. If you've ever wanted to tick the “whale watching” item off your bucket list, there are few better spots in Australia to do so than Brisbane.