G’day from the high seas,
From spectacular city coastlines to remote bays, Australia is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring whale watching experiences. We are an island nation after all, and with tens of thousands of whales migrating along our coastlines each year, there’s no shortage of incredible places to spot them. Whether you’re chasing the humpback action in Sydney, searching for orcas in Bremer Bay, or dream of swimming with whales in Western Australia, here are some of the top places in Australia to see whales, starting with our favourite destination, right here in our own backyard.
Sydney
Sapphire Coast
The Humpback Highway’s best kept secret, the NSW Sapphire Coast is a whale hotspot and one of the only places humpback whales feed during their 8,000 – 12,000 kilometre migration to and from Antarctica. Here, during the southern migration (September to November), whales may be seen lunge feeding, bubble-net feeding, and resting with their calves in sheltered bays. It’s like watching the highlights reel of the migration season.
Stretching from Bermagui to Eden, the Sapphire Coast is breathtaking with a dramatic coastline, abundant nature, and wildlife galore. As well as thousands of humpback whales, encounter dolphins, seals and seabirds in a pristine marine environment. The region’s deep bays and crystal-clear waters make the whole experience even more memorable, without the city crowds.
From May to November, we offer whale watching tours departing from Merimbula, Eden and Bermagui, as well as marine wildlife tours all year round. Check out Sapphire Coastal Adventures to find out more.
The Sapphire Coast is located a 6-7 hour drive from Sydney or Melbourne, or just three hours from Canberra. Or, you can take the short flight directly to Merimbula Airport from Sydney or Melbourne with Qantas and Rex Airlines.
Ningaloo Reef
Over on the west coast, Ningaloo Reef offers the chance to swim with humpback whales (July to October) and whale sharks (March to August). And let us tell you from firsthand experience, swimming side by side with these gentle giants of the sea is one of life’s greatest experiences!
The humpback whale swimming season in Ningaloo Reef typically runs between July and October where tours depart from Exmouth or Coral Bay, heading offshore for in-water encounters with migrating whales. It’s strictly regulated for safety (for both humans and whales), but when conditions align, it's an unforgettable experience.
If you dream of swimming with humpback whales, check out our whale swimming tours at Ha’apai Beach in the South Pacific paradise of Tonga. We head there every year to swim with the humpbacks, and offer whale swimming packages that include accommodation, whale swimming tours and more. Head to Ha’apai Beach Resort to find out more!
Bremer Bay
If killer whales are on your bucket list, Bremer Bay in Western Australia is the place to go. Between January and April, orcas gather to hunt in deep offshore waters about 50 kilometres out from the coast.
Tours depart from the small town of Bremer Bay and take you to the Bremer Canyon, a nutrient-rich hotspot that attracts orcas, beaked whales, pilot whales and more.
It's one of the only places in Australia where you can reliably see orcas in the wild, often in dramatic, high-energy hunting scenes.
Eyre Peninsula
The Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, particularly around Head of Bight, is one of the best places in the world to see southern right whales.
From June to October, these endangered whales gather in calm, shallow waters to give birth and raise their calves. The towering cliffs of the Bight make for perfect viewing platforms, with some of the most accessible land-based whale watching in the country.
Unlike humpbacks, who keep moving during migration, southern rights often hang around for weeks at a time. Mothers with calves can be seen slowly cruising close to shore, sometimes just metres from the beach, rolling, resting, and even socialising with other whales.
Hervey Bay
Tucked in behind K’gari (Fraser Island), Hervey Bay in Queensland is known for its calm, protected waters, and that’s exactly why humpback whales stop here. Between July and October, these waters become a kind of resting room along the migration route, especially for mothers and calves on their journey back south from the Great Barrier Reef.
What makes Hervey Bay unique is the longer interactions often observed here. You’ll often see slow, relaxed behaviours like logging, spy-hopping, and rolling, and sometimes even calves learning how to breach and play.
Experience whale watching in Australia
You don’t have to travel far to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles - Sydney puts you right on the front row of the Humpback Highway. With whales passing just off the coast from May to November, and tours heading out daily from the heart of the city, Sydney offers an unbeatable mix of convenience, accessibility, and awe.
The real magic happens out on the water, so book your Sydney whale watching cruise with us today!
Signing off,
Captain Simon
