Spotted: The Best Whale-Watching Locations In Australia

Whale migration in Australia is a magical time. Here is where to join in.

Humbling and fascinating, locals and tourists head out in droves to the headlands and on whale-watching tours during whale-watching season.

But where are the best places to go to make out the breaches and water spouts of thousands of migrating whales? Here are the top whale-watching locations in Australia.

1. Hervey Bay, Qld

Every winter, pods of humpback whales can be spotted off the east coast of Australia. They make their way up from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef to mate and give birth, before taking their calves out of the nursery and going back down south.

Join a whale-watching tour in Hervey Bay. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It is for this reason that the warm and sheltered waters of the Great Sandy Marine Park on the Fraser Coast and nearby K’gari make for the ideal rest area for migrating whales.

whales popping out of the water in Hervey Bay — The Great Sandy Marine Park is the ideal rest area for migrating whales. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Hervey Bay was the world’s first Whale Heritage Site , named by the World Cetacean Alliance and is one of the most popular places in Australia to observe the mighty tail slaps of these peaceful creatures.

a whale breathing out of the water in Hervey Bay — You might even get a chance to swim with humpback whales. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

2. South Coast, NSW

Whales are a regular fixture of the NSW South Coast during the colder months – in particular, close to the Sapphire Coast. From the waters of Bermagui to Eden, you will be able to see travelling humpback whales and southern right whales as they rest and feed in the waters.

travelling humpback whales in Jervis Bay, South Coast, NSW — Spot humpback whales while on the South Coast. (Image: Jordan Robins)

There is also a fascinating history of whale and human collaboration here. Up until the early 20th century, it was rumoured that orcas would even help whalers to catch baleen whales – that is, until whalers killed and maimed some of their pod.

a whale underwater in Jervis Bay, South Coast, NSW — Southern right whales and humpback whales travel in the waters of the South Coast. (Image: Jordan Robins)

3. Bremer Bay, WA

From early in the year until April, family pods of orcas (also known as killer whales) begin turning up to Bremer Bay in the south of Western Australia. Why do they come here? It is still not 100 per cent certain. But whatever the reason, avid whale watchers can make their way out to watch them hunting in groups, stalking squid and other prey.

whales spotted along Bremer Bay — Orcas come to Bremer Bay from early in the year until April. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

In autumn, you might also recognise sperm whales and pilot whales. In winter, keep an eye out for southern right whales, who arrive to raise their calves in the sheltered waters of Bremer Bay.

A group of Orcas in Bremer Bay. — Get a chance to spot orcas up close. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

4. Victor Harbor, SA

Perched up on a lookout or steaming out to sea, from May to October it’s likely you’ll get a sighting of the southern right whale on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Each year, they make their annual migration from Antarctica along the coast of southern Australia. This means that if you keep an eye out, you can catch a glimpse of them in beachside towns like Victor Harbor.

an aerial view of a whale popping out of the water at Victor Harbor — Catch the annual whale migration from Victor Harbor. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Chances are you will also experience other impressive marine wildlife sightings, like common and bottlenose dolphins, as well as New Zealand fur seals and Australian sea lions on a trip out – a bonus not to be sniffed at.

a southern right whale on South Australia — Get a sighting of the southern right whale. (Image: The Big Duck Boat Tours)

5. Freycinet National Park, Tas

Today, Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast is known as one of the best places in the island state to see southern right whales. But this was not always the case. During the early 19th century, whales found here were mercilessly hunted for their oil-rich blubber and useful bones.

a southern right whale jumping out of the water at Freycinet National Park — Get an up-close look at southern right whales in Freycinet National Park. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/bodhiimages)

In fact, the lovely Wineglass Bay was named because of the way its blue waters were transformed into a gory ‘red wine glass’ when the blood of whales would fill it. A beautiful name for a gruesome practice.

an aerial view of the mountains and white-sand beach at Wineglass Bay — Go whale-watching at the picturesque Wineglass Bay. (Image: Melissa Findley)

6. Whitsundays, Qld

The tropical waters of the reef in the Whitsundays are some of the best places to find whales and have also been named a Whale Heritage Site. So, keep an eye out for breaching and playing calves with their mothers here.

If you’re careful (and very, very lucky), you might even identify a female dwarf minke whale.

a dwarf minke whale spotted underwater in the Whitsundays — Have a chance to see a female dwarf minke whale. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

7. The Kimberley, WA

The dry season from May to October is the best time to explore the red rock formations and dusty roads of the enormous Kimberley region.

a whale-watching tour in Kimberley — Embark on a whale-watching tour off the coast of the Kimberley. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

It’s also when humpback whales make their annual journey from Antarctica to this remote corner of Western Australia. Calves and adults alike are protected by islands and reefs, for the breeding season.

humpback whales migrating on the Dampier Peninsula Coast, Kimberley — Migrating humpback whales appear on the Dampier Peninsula. (Image: Tourism Western Australia/@from.miles.away)

8. Eyre Peninsula, SA

A 12 or so-hour drive in the opposite direction of Victor Harbor will take you to the high cliffs of the Head of Bight. Near the Nullarbor Plain on the Eyre Peninsula, the high vantage point offers another excellent location to see whales.

a group of whales gathering at the foot of Head of Bight, Eyre Peninsula — The Head of Bight is an excellent location to see whales. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Southern right whales give birth near here, meaning you will also make out calves playing with their mothers in the relatively safe waters. The best time to come to spot them here is in August.

Eyre Peninsula Head of Bight whale watching — Spot mothers and calves playing together. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

For more whale-watching inspiration, see our in-depth whale-watching guides to Sydney, Port Stephens, the Gold Coast and Merimbula.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland , and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit , which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk , even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk , usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park , along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park , known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.