Where to swim with whales around Australia

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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Here is our guide to the best places to swim with southern right whales, dwarf minke whales, humpbacks and orca whales around Australia.

Swimming with whales has become a popular activity in Australia as the majestic mammals make their way up and down the Australian coastline during their annual migration. Here are the best places to take the plunge and swim with whales around Australia.

Swim with whales off Jervis Bay

a woman relaxing by tthe edge of an infinity pool at Bannisters By the Sea
Spot whales from the infinity pool at Bannisters By the Sea.

You don’t have to swim with whales while on the NSW South Coast. You can clock them, cocktail in hand, by the pool bar when staying at Bannisters By the Sea .

But those feeling a tad more adventurous should book a Mollymook Migration package during their stay at the boutique South Coast property.

As part of the package, the Mollymook hotel has partnered with Woebegone Free Dive to offer a watery wonderland escape that includes a swim with whales. Dylan Boag and Lara Hindmarsh, of Woebegone Free Dive, are passionate about conservation, sustainability, ethical tourism and marine life.

Jervis Bay is halfway along the 5000-kilometre-long migration route and the whales often pull in for a pitstop to rest and play with newborn whales. It’s because of this that Jervis Bay is one of the best locations in Australia to see whales.

a whale spotted along Jervis Bay
Swim with whales near Jervis Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best time to go: June to October
Eco credentials: Woebegone Free Dive takes its responsibilities with the environment seriously and tries to minimise its impact. The tour group operates a community clean-up event once a month and hosts a charity event for to raise funds for South Coast wildlife rescue Float 4 Wildlife. There’s a strict ‘no touch and no harassment’ policy during the tours. No single-use plastic items are onboard and lunch is plant-based.

Swim with whales in Shoalhaven

humpback whales migrating off the south coast of NSW
Humpback whales migrate off the Shoalhaven coast. (Image: Jordan Robins)

Between May and November, tens of thousands of humpback whales migrate from Antarctica through the stunning turquoise waters off the Shoalhaven coast. From winter through to spring, they travel to warmer northern waters to give birth and nurse their calves. Seeing them swim alongside their newborn calves is a truly unforgettable experience.

Join one of Dive Jervis Bay ’s small group tours and jump in the waters of Jervis Bay Marine Park, located on the Humpback Highway. This thrilling 4–6 hour adventure gets you up close to gentle giants and playful seals, while a local expert shares the history of whaling in Jervis Bay, current conservation efforts and fascinating facts about whales to enrich the experience.

If you want to combine whale watching and fishing, book a tour with Ulladulla Fishing Charters , which offers excellent whale watching opportunities from the pristine waters off Ulladulla.

Best time to go: May to November

Eco credentials: Dive Jervis Bay is Sea Shepherd approved and operates under strict NSW permits. They follow regulated, non-invasive whale interaction practices. Their tours are small-group and education-focused, with a strong emphasis on marine conservation and wildlife respect.

Swim with humpbacks off Hervey Bay

a humpback whale submerged underwater with its head poking out of the water at Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay is a haven for humpback whales. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The waterways around Hervey Bay are one of the best places to swim with whales in Australia. It wasn’t on a whim that the World Cetacean Alliance named Hervey Bay as the world’s first Whale Heritage Site at the World Whale Conference in 2019.

The Fraser Coast region jumps out as a haven for humpback whales because of its unique geography and ecology. In fact, it’s the only place on Earth that provides landfall between the feeding grounds and the breeding grounds with K’gari on one side and the Queensland coastline on the other.

an aerial view of a boat during a whale-watching tour off the coast of Hervey Bay
Embark on a whale-watching tour off Hervey Bay. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Dive Hervey Bay operates the region’s only dedicated ‘swim with whales’ experience and is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales.

a humpback whale flipping above the water at Hervey Bay
See humpback whales up close. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best time to go: Mid-July to late October.
Eco credentials: Guest numbers are strictly limited and the tour operator’s core philosophy is to interact with whales on their terms and to approach a whale at a 100-metre distance.

Swim with humpback whales off K’gari

two humpback whales poking their head out of the water
Spy on K’gari’s majestic giants. (Image: Michael Dawes)

The world’s largest sand island draws visitors to its shores for a multitude of reasons.

Now, guests staying at the Kingfisher Bay Resort can board a tour from the jetty for a jaunt out to the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay for the chance to frolic in the water with humpback whales.

Hervey Bay Whale Watch  has partnered with Kingfisher Bay Resort to offer a package aimed at those who want to slide in the water with the whales .

a humpback whale swimming underwater
Have the chance to frolic in the water with humpback whales. (Image: denisbin)

Best time to go: Between July and early September.
Eco credentials: The vessel used for the tours is purpose-built for whale watching, is wheelchair-friendly and has a cap on numbers. The whale swims are at the whim of the whales.

Swim with minke whales off Port Douglas

whales slightly submerged in the water at Port Douglas
The Ribbon Reef region off Port Douglas is the only place in Australia to swim with dwarf minke whales. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Ribbon Reef region off Port Douglas is the only place in Australia to swim with dwarf minke whales. And according to scientist Dr Alastair Birtles it’s one of the longest wildlife interactions with whales on offer.

The Ribbon Reef region, some 240 kilometres north of Cairns, attracts up to 80 minke whales during the season and the whales come very close as they are ‘extraordinarily curious’ says Dr Birtles.

The tourism vessels licensed to conduct swims with the whales include Mike Ball Dive Expeditions , Silverseries , Pro Dive  and the Spirit of Freedom .

Best time to go: June and July.
Eco credentials: Chasing whales is outlawed. Interactions are decided by the whales. Tours allow visitors to contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts to protect them.

Swim with humpback whales on the Sunshine Coast

a whale jumping out of the water, Sunreef Mooloolaba
Spot these gentle giants from the Sunreef Mooloolaba boat.

Humpback whales are drawn to the nutrient-rich waters off Mooloolaba during their annual migration. And now, Sunreef Mooloolaba offers visitors to the Sunshine Coast the chance to swim with these majestic marine creatures .

Snorkellers are given the opportunity to hold a rope off the back of the Sunreef Mooloolaba boat to eyeball the whales as they swim along the Pacific (Ocean) highway.

If swimming with whales is not your thing, you can still enjoy spotting the whales throughout the season. The pioneering Swim with Whales experience celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024.

a whale swimming underwater at the Sunshine Coast
The humpback whale migration on the Sunshine Coast starts in early June. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Best time to go: From July to mid-October
Eco credentials: The boat operates under a strict code of conduct to protect both whales and swimmers in accordance with the Australian National Guidelines for whale and dolphin watching.

Swim with humpback whales (or whale sharks) on WA’s Coral Coast

divers as seen above humpback whales underwater
Swim with whales in Ningaloo. (Image: Brooke Pyke Photography and Live Ningaloo)

Ningaloo Marine Park is the only place in Western Australia where you can have an in-water interaction with humpbacks on a tour.

An estimated 40,000 humpback whales embark on the annual migration along the coastline each year which means there’s a 78 per cent in-water interaction success rate.

In addition to the in-water interaction tours, visitors can embark on a whale-watching tour off the coast from Exmouth and Coral Bay on the Coral Coast.

Best of all: humpback whale in-water interaction includes onboard education from dive instructors, many of whom are marine biologists or scientists.

a tail of a humpback whale sticking out of the water in Ningaloo
Witness majestic whales. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

While a whale shark is not a whale but a filter-feeding shark, it’s also possible to swim with these gentle giants off the WA coast.

Check out Ningaloo Whaleshark Swim , 3 Islands Shark Dive , Aussie Marine Adventures , Ningaloo Discovery , Ocean Eco Adventures , Coral Bay Ecotours , Live Ningaloo , Exmouth Dive and Whalesharks Ningaloo  and Ningaloo Blue Dive .

a freediver swimming with a whale shark underwater in Ningaloo
Go freediving with whale sharks in Ningaloo. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Best time to go: Between July and October
Eco credentials: The humpback whale and whale shark interaction guidelines have been modelled on the world’s best practice for whale shark swim tours to have minimal impact on the whales. Swimmers are not allowed near mothers and calves.

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Victoria’s most memorable guided tours to book now

    Lara PiconeBy Lara Picone
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    Get around the natural beauty and bounty of regional Victoria on a guided tour that reveals extraordinary moments from coast to country.

    Walk the Great Ocean Road

    forest walk along the Great Ocean Road
    Swap your car for walking shoes on the Great Ocean Road.

    The Australian Walking Co’s immersive three-day, lodge-based walk is absolute bucket-list fodder. The easy-going, guided coastal hike is marked by epic scenery and end-of-day luxury. You’ll have no need for heavy packs or tents, instead expect fresh-caught crayfish, post-walk canapés and local wines. Each day explores the drama of this ocean-facing landscape with an approachable three-hour-ish walk, leaving plenty of time to unwind at the lodge.

    Swim with seals and dolphins at Port Phillip Heads

    dolphins swimming in Port Phillip Head Marine Park
    Swim with dolphins in Port Phillip Head Marine Park.

    Dive into Popes Eye, within Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, for this wild swimming experience with mankind’s BFFs of the sea. On the See All Dolphin Swims 3.5-hour experience, departing from Queenscliff, you’ll begin in shallow, calm waters before venturing off to Chinaman’s Hat and beyond to meet seals and dolphins in their own habitat. All gear is provided and all ages are welcome.

    Get your ghost on in the Grampians

    For those with a penchant for the paranormal, get ready for goosebumps when you embark on the Lantern Tours J Ward Paranormal Investigation excursion that takes place under the moonlight in the west wing of Aradale Lunatic Asylum. As you keep a lookout for supernatural activity, you’ll enjoy tales of the criminally insane inmates that will make the hairs on your neck stand to attention.

    Paddle along the mighty Murray

    a woman on a stand-up paddle board along the Murray
    Glide along the scenic Murray on a stand-up paddleboard.

    Swoosh softly through the silky waters of the mighty Murray on a stand-up paddle board with Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle . This gentle downstream sojourn meanders for one-and-a-half hours covering 4.5 kilometres of the river, taking in the beauty on the banks and the vibrant birdlife. From Echuca Moama slip under the Moama Bridge and glide beside its iconic paddlesteamers and the historic port.

    Sip and cycle in the Yarra Valley

    cyclists exploring Yarra Valley
    Cycle around Yarra Valley wine country.

    Wine and wheels make a great pairing on the Tour De Vines six-hour Yarra Valley tour that weaves through vine-threaded roads. It’s a relaxed pace along 20 kilometres of the Warburton Rail Trail as you spot native birds and stop in at local vineyards and produce stores. You’ll pull in at a local winery for a tasting and enjoy lunch before hitting up a couple of cellar doors. Depending on your pedal power, there may be time to sneak in a visit to a chocolate or cheese factory.

    Dig for gold in Bendigo

    Think you have what it takes to unearth a gilded treasure? Try your hand at prospecting and learn the art of gold-digging (in the geological sense) on the two-hour Gold Nugget Hunter tour in the Loddon Valley. On the tour, mine the wisdom of locals Shane and Jackie – who have honed their hobby of gold-detecting into an art – to learn how to read the land and use a gold detector. You may even go home with a nugget of your own.

    Cruise around Wilsons Promontory

    the Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom
    Cruise around Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom. (Image: Connor Vaughan)

    It’s a thrill to drive directly from the sand into the waves aboard the Wanderer Adventures ’ bright-yellow amphibious boat. On this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll skip along the water to take in Wilsons Prom’s top highlights, such as the imposing Skull Rock, The Glennies, Anderson Islets and Anser Island. Spot seals, penguins and seabirds as you absorb the tranquillity of this stunning environment.

    Walk with llamas in the Macedon Ranges

    a llama in the Macedon Ranges
    Make friends with a llama in the Macedon Ranges.

    If you’ve always felt an affinity for long-lashed camelids, then bonding with a llama on a leisurely walk might just be the thing for you. Opt for either a three-hour, five-kilometre hike or a longer 12-kilometre trek along the Domino Rail Trail paired with a gentle, hooved friend. Things kick off with a llama orientation, where you’ll learn how to lead and look out for your new mate before you hit the track. It’s a lovely way to explore the beauty of the region with a sensitive and curious companion by your side.

    Go underground in the Grampians

    a subterranean tour of Seppelt Wines
    Take a subterranean tour of Seppelt Wines. (Image: Ben Savage/We Are Explorers)

    Oenophiles and cave-lovers alike will enjoy going underground at Seppelt’s ‘Drives’ . The largest underground cellar in Australia, The Drives were dug by local goldminers in 1868 and meander for three-kilometres – keeping wine treasures at a temperate 16-degrees year-round. A 50-minute tour through the heritage-listed granite tunnels happily conclude with a tasting of the label’s celebrated sparkling wines.

    Discover island life in the Mornington Peninsula

    a guided tour of French Island
    Discover the Mornington Peninsula’s flora and fauna on a guided tour of French Island.

    Eject from the mainland on a catamaran bound for the wildlife haven of French Island with Naturaliste Tours . Once you disembark from the boat, you’ll hop into a 4WD to explore the pristine flora and fauna, from salt marshes to vast Fairhaven Beach. Look out for echidnas and koalas and enjoy short walks and historic sites on this half-day tour.

    seals in Wilsons Prom
    The southernmost tip is a haven for wildlife. (Image: CMcConville)