Scenic Drives for Unforgettable Whale-Watching Experiences in Australia
Australia’s vast coastline offers some of the world’s most spectacular whale-watching opportunities. Each year, majestic whales migrate along the East and South coasts, providing breathtaking sights for those lucky enough to witness their journey. Whether you’re a seasoned whale watcher or new to this awe-inspiring activity, embarking on a driving route along Australia’s scenic coastline can lead to unforgettable encounters with these magnificent creatures.
Whale Migrations in Australia
Australia’s whale migration season primarily involves humpback whales, southern right whales, and occasionally orcas and blue whales. Here’s when and where you can observe them:
- Humpback Whales: From May to August, these whales migrate north from Antarctica to the warm waters of Queensland and Western Australia to breed. They return south with their calves from September to November. Whale watch season in Hervey Bay is mid-July to mid-October.
- Southern Right Whales: These whales can be observed along the southern coastline, particularly in the Great Australian Bight, from June to October when they come close to shore to breed and calve.
- Orcas and Blue Whales: Although less common, orcas and blue whales can sometimes be spotted off the southern and southwestern coasts during their respective migration seasons.
Well-Known Whale-Watching Spots Along Australia’s Coastline
Here are some of the top whale-watching spots to explore along your driving routes:
- Hervey Bay, QueenslandWhale-Watching
- Best Time to Visit: July to October
- Highlights: Known as the “whale-watching capital of the world,” Hervey Bay offers calm, sheltered waters where humpback whales rest and play. It is so exceptional that it was named the world’s first whale heritage site in 2019. Resting, playing, and training their young, the humpbacks display unique and intimate behaviours, making for the most intimate and closest encounters.
- Byron Bay, New South Wales
- Best Time to Visit: June to November
- Highlights: Cape Byron, Australia’s easternmost point, provides excellent vantage points for spotting migrating humpback whales. The coastal drive offers stunning views and numerous lookout points.
- Jervis Bay, New South Wales
- Best Time to Visit: May to November
- Highlights: Jervis Bay Marine Park is a haven for humpback and southern right whales. The crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches add to the charm of whale watching here.
- Eden, New South Wales
- Best Time to Visit: May to November
- Highlights: Located on the Sapphire Coast, Eden is famous for its rich whaling history. The Eden Killer Whale Museum and Twofold Bay offer spectacular whale-watching opportunities.
- Great Ocean Road, Victoria
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Highlights: This iconic road trip offers several key spots for whale watching, including Logan’s Beach in Warrnambool, where southern right whales often come close to shore.
- Victor Harbor, South Australia
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Highlights: Encounter southern right whales in Encounter Bay. The Whale Centre provides detailed information, and the nearby Granite Island offers excellent viewing points.
- Albany, Western Australia
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Highlights: Albany’s rugged coastline and the Albany Heritage Park offer fantastic whale-watching spots. Humpback and southern right whales frequent the waters here.
- Bremer Bay, Western Australia
- Best Time to Visit: February to April (for orcas)
- Highlights: While primarily known for orca sightings, Bremer Bay also offers occasional views of humpback and southern right whales during their migration seasons.
Top Driving Routes for Whale Watching
- Pacific Coast Touring Route
- Route: Sydney to Brisbane
- Best Months: June to November
- Key Stops: Start in Sydney, travel through Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, and Byron Bay, and end in Hervey Bay. This route offers numerous whale-watching opportunities.
- Great Ocean Road
- Route: Torquay to Allansford
- Best Months: June to October
- Key Stops: Begin in Torquay, drive through Lorne Apollo Bay, and finish Allansford. Don’t miss the whales at Logan’s Beach in Warrnambool.
- Eyre Peninsula Coastal Drive
- Route: Adelaide to Ceduna
- Best Months: June to October
- Key Stops: Start in Adelaide, drive through Victor Harbor, Port Lincoln, and Coffin Bay, and end in Ceduna. Along the way, you will encounter humpback and southern right whales.
- South West Edge (Western Australia)
- Route: Perth to Esperance
- Best Months: June to October and February to April (for orcas)
- Key Stops: Begin in Perth, travel through Margaret River, Albany, and Bremer Bay, and finish in Esperance. This route is perfect for spotting both seasonal migrations and orca sightings.
Whale Watching Tours
For those who prefer guided experiences, whale-watching tours offer an excellent way to see these magnificent creatures up close. Here are some hotspots and reputable tour companies:
- Hervey Bay, Queensland
- Tour Companies:
- Spirit of Hervey Bay
- A family business that has been operating whale-watching cruises in Hervey Bay for over 35 years. Offer a morning and afternoon cruise each day, during the season (mid-July to mid-October). The cruise does NOT go out into the open sea, staying in the more sheltered waters inside K’gari (Fraser Island).
- Bookings can be made by phone on 1800 642 544 or online at https://www.spiritofherveybay.com/tours-and-cruises/whale-watching
- Whalesong Cruises
- Spirit of Hervey Bay
- Best Time to Visit: July to October
- Experience: These tours provide informative guides, purpose-built vessels, and opportunities for close-up encounters with humpback whales.
- Tour Companies:
- Sydney, New South Wales
- Tour Companies:
- Whale Watching Sydney
- Ocean Extreme
- About Ocean Extreme: Ocean Extreme offers whale watching tours departing from Circular Quay, Rose Bay and Manly Wharf in Sydney Harbour. Ocean Extreme specialises in small high speed vessels so are aimed at the more adventurous clientele. We have 4 high speed RIB vessels and our tours typically go of 2 hours.
- How to Book a Tour: Booking a tour with Ocean Extreme is easy and can be done online through our website at oceanextreme.com.au or by calling us at 1300 60 40 80. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak whale watching season, to secure your spot on one of our tours.
- Best Time to Visit: May to November
- Experience: Departing from Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, these tours offer a unique perspective of humpback and southern right whales against Sydney’s iconic skyline.
- Tour Companies:
- Jervis Bay, New South Wales
- Tour Companies:
- Jervis Bay Wild
- Dolphin Watch Cruises
- Best Time to Visit: May to November
- Experience: Enjoy whale watching in the pristine waters of Jervis Bay, complemented by knowledgeable guides and comfortable vessels.
- Tour Companies:
- Eden, New South Wales
- Tour Companies:
- Cat Balou Cruises
- Freedom Whale Watch
- Best Time to Visit: May to November
- Experience: Based in Eden, these tours focus on the rich whaling history and offer exceptional viewing opportunities in the Sapphire Coast region.
- Tour Companies:
- Port Stephens, New South Wales
- Tour Companies:
- Imagine Cruises
- Moonshadow-TQC Cruises
- Best Time to Visit: June to November
- Experience: These tours provide eco-friendly whale-watching experiences in the beautiful Port Stephens area.
- Tour Companies:
- Victor Harbor, South Australia
- Tour Companies:
- The Big Duck Boat Tours
- www.thebigduck.com.au (information, whale sightings log & online bookings)
- 08 8555 2203 (Reservations Office open 7-days)
- The Big Duck boat tours offer year-round ocean tours in the Encounter Marine Park off the coast from Victor Harbor, South Australia. Stunning Granite laden islands, huge Sea-Cliffs, Fur Seals, Sea-Lions, Dolphins & seasonal winter-time Whales!
- The Big Duck Boat Tours
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Experience: These tours in Encounter Bay offer close-up encounters with southern right whales, and they are a must-do during whale season.
- Tour Companies:
- Albany, Western Australia
- Tour Companies:
- Albany Whale Tours
- Sail-A-Way
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Experience: Explore Albany’s stunning coastline and enjoy whale watching with experienced guides who share insights about the local marine life.
- Tour Companies:
Conclusion
As the whale season approaches, there’s no better time to hit the road and immerse yourself in the incredible world of these majestic creatures. Whether you explore the stunning coastal routes or embark on a guided tour, the experience promises to be unforgettable. Plan your journey carefully, and make the most of this unique opportunity to witness the grace and beauty of whales in their natural habitat. So gather your friends and family, pack your bags, and embark on an adventure that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come!
Key Takeaways
- Best Time to Visit: The prime whale-watching season varies by location, generally spanning from May to November for most regions. Specific months offer unique sightings, such as orcas in Bremer Bay from February to April.
Importance of Booking: Early reservations are essential, especially during peak times, to secure your spot on tours and accommodations. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience while making the most of your adventure.
