This whale spotting event happens once a year – and it’s this weekend

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The annual whale census is taking place, and it’s down to whale enthusiasts to help track the count. Are you in?

It’s winter, and that means it’s currently peak hour on the ‘Humpback Highway’. The whale census is an annual event that counts whale populations during migration to track species’ health and movements. Not only does this involve the help of members of the community, but it also actively relies on them to keep the count. So, if you live on the East Coast and want to get involved? It’s as easy as heading to your local headland this Sunday, 26th June (thermos in hand).

Jervis whales

With the help of citizen scientists, the whale census tracks whale populations and health. (Image: Jordan Robins)

How to get involved with the whale census

The census is run by a non-profit Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA). While you can register and track the whales from anywhere, you can also join ORRCA members at these locations on Sunday, 26 June:

  • Point Danger, Coolangatta
  • Lennox Head Headland
  • Woolgoolga Headland, Coffs Harbour
  • Tacking Point Lighthouse, Port Macquarie
  • Boat Harbour, Port Stephens
  • Cape Solander, Kurnell with NPWS
  • Hill 60, Port Kembla (instead of Bass Point)
  • Warden Head, Ulladulla with NPWS
  • Bar Rock Lookout, Narooma
  • Cape Byron Lighthouse with NPWS
  • Long Reef Headland with Northern Beaches Council
  • Cape Banks, La Parouse
  • King Edward Park, Newcastle

The organisation is calling on one and all from sunrise to sunset, no matter if you’re a seasoned whale watcher or a first-timer.

whale watching in Cairns

Winter marks the annual ‘Humpback Highway’ as they migrate north. (Image: Reef Unlimited)

Can’t make the official count? We’ve rounded up the best places for whale watching around Australia. And if you haven’t seen any whales yet, it’s not too late – make like the humpbacks and head north to Cairns, where these majestic beings are spotted between July and August. Reef Unlimited has launched a new tour dedicated to whale watching experiences on the Great Barrier Reef, too. Departing from Cairns aboard the brand new Aquarius II vessel from July 12 to August 22, guests have a chance to see humpback whales up close while being guided by expert marine biologists and there’s also a stop at the world-renowned Fitzroy Island and Nudey Beach (which was recently named among the world’s top 50 beaches for 2025). Could there be a better location to spot whales in Australia than in one of the seven wonders of the natural world? We think not.

Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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Win 1 of 10 luxury holidays worth over $38,000!

What’s better than booking your dream holiday? Winning it, of course!

Enter the 2025 Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards for your chance to win big in our mega prize giveaway!

To celebrate our Readers’ Choice Awards, we have curated 10 incredible travel prizes worth $38,871 to give away, to inspire you to explore Australia.

Please note: you will not be able to choose which prize you win.The winners will be contacted after the competition closes and announced in issue 108 (on sale from 3 November 2025).

Read the general competition terms and conditions, as well as the Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards terms and conditions, before you enter. You only need to enter the giveaway once.

Entries for this competition close at 5 pm AEST on 25 September 2025.

Intrepid Travel | JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa | Pair’d Margaret River | Kingfisher Bay Resort | Prancing Horse | Star RV | Lancemore | The Fullerton Hotel Sydney | Glenayr Farm | Taronga Zoo

Intrepid Travel’s six-day exploration of Tasmania’s Cradle Coast worth $6430

Intrepid-Travel-Tasmania-Cradle-Mountain-leader

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JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa_ Saltwater Lagoon Ariel View

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A Pair’d festival getaway in Margaret River worth $5000

Beach club at Pair'd Margaret River

Enjoy diverse programming at Pair’d. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

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The ultimate K’gari adventure worth $5000

Lake McKenzie aerial shot on K'gari

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Red Ferrari driving down road with Palm trees.

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Star RV Polaris 2 MountCook 1 NZ

This is your chance to live the van life dream. (Image: Clint Trahan)

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The Ninch Lindenderry

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A night at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney worth $2200

The Fullerton Staircase

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A luxe glamping stay for eight at Glenayr Farm worth $2000

Glenayr Farm hot tub

Glenayr Farm is a fully sustainable, off-grid accommodation. (Image: Salty Luxe)

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Taronga Zoo Eco Retreat

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Subscribe now to increase your chances of winning big. Simply subscribe to view digital versions of past magazines going back seven years, so you can get plenty of travel inspiration while you wait for your first printed magazine to arrive.