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Every winter, Australia’s east coast transforms into a front‑row seat for one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events. As humpback and southern right whales migrate along the coastline to breed, calve and rest, travellers are treated to unforgettable whale encounters — often just metres from shore.
From Queensland’s tropical waterways to the dramatic headlands of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, this guide brings together the best places for whale watching along Australia’s east coast, with seasonal tips and nearby Hampshire Holidays parks to help you plan a memorable coastal escape.
When is the best time for whale watching in Australia?
Whale watching season along Australia’s east coast typically runs from May to November, depending on location and migration direction.
- Northbound migration: May to August
- Southbound migration (with calves): September to November
- Peak whale sightings: June to August
During the season, whales are regularly spotted from coastal lookouts, beaches and headlands making land‑based whale watching easy and accessible for families and road trippers.
Queensland: tropical waterways & warm winter days
Lucinda, North Queensland
Season: June to September
Peak: July–August
Whales: Humpbacks
Stay nearby:
BIG4 Lucinda Wanderers Holiday Park offers peaceful cabins and powered sites close to the water and nearby scenic lookouts.
Townsville, North Queensland
Season: June to September
Peak: July–August
Whales: Humpbacks
Stay nearby:
BIG4 Townsville Gateway Holiday Park is a relaxed, comfortable base for families exploring Townsville, Magnetic Island and the reef.
Whitsundays, North Queensland
Season: June to October
Peak: July–August
Whales: Humpbacks (including mothers and calves)
Stay nearby:
BIG4 Whitsunday Islands Holiday Park in Flametree, close to both Shute Harbor and Airlie Beach puts you close to day tours, snorkeling, sailing and endless coral sea views.
Bribie Island, Moreton Bay
Season: May to October
Peak: July–August (northbound) and September (southbound)
Whales: Humpbacks
Stay nearby:
Bribie Island Caravan Park offers easy beach access and a laid-back base for exploring the region.
New South Wales: Dramatic Headlands & Coastline Lookouts
Valla Beach & Nambucca Heads
Season: May to November
Peak: June–July (north), Sept–Oct (south)
Whales: Humpbacks
Perched along high headlands, Valla Beach and Nambucca Heads are some of the easiest places to enjoy whale watching from shore. Valla Headland and Captain Cook Lookout are two must-visit vantage points for spotting migrating whales.
Stay nearby:
Valla Beach Holiday Park is only a short drive from top lookouts and pristine beaches.
Port Macquarie
Season: May to November
Peak: June–July & October
Whales: Humpbacks
From the iconic Tacking Point Lighthouse to the surrounding coastal headlands, Port Macquarie is a standout destination for consistent whale sightings throughout the migration season.
Stay nearby:
North Haven Holiday Village gives families a peaceful retreat close to beaches and local tours.
Forster
- Season: May to November
- Peak: June–July (northbound), September–October (southbound)
- Whales: Humpbacks
Forster is one of the Mid North Coast’s most rewarding whale watching destinations, combining sheltered waterways with open ocean vantage points along the Pacific Palms coastline.
Popular local viewing spots include Bennetts Head Lookout, Tuncurry Rockpool headlands and elevated points around Booti Booti National Park, where you can often spot spouts, breaches and playful pods travelling just offshore. Whale watching cruises also operate seasonally for travellers wanting a closer encounter on the water.
Stay nearby:
Lakeside Forster Holiday Park
BIG4 Happy Hallidays Holiday Park
Both parks provide an ideal base for combining whale watching with relaxed coastal holidays, lake activities and easy access to Forster‑Tuncurry’s ocean beaches.
Batemans Bay & Durras
Season: May to November
Peak: September–October
Whales: Humpbacks
Stay nearby:
Batemans Bay Marina Resort for waterfront relaxation or Joalah Holiday Park in Durras North for a peaceful, nature-rich stay
Bermagui & Camel Rock
Season: May to November
Peak: August–November
Whales: Humpbacks and southern right whales
Stay nearby:
BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park sits between Wallaga Lake and Camel Rock Beach, putting you in prime position for whale spotting and coastal walks.
Merimbula & the Sapphire Coast
Season: May to November
Peak: September–October
Whales: Humpbacks
Watch whales from Merimbula Wharf, Short Point or Spencer Park, or head out on a cruise from Merimbula Marina for a closer look during peak migration.
Stay nearby:
Merimbula Lake Holiday Park offers spacious powered sites with serene coastal views.
Victoria: Wide Beaches & Coastal Lookouts
Lakes Entrance
Season: May to November
Peak: September to November
Whales: Humpbacks and southern right whales
Stay nearby:
BIG4 Waters Edge Holiday Park places you near beaches, fishing spots and local tours.
South Australia: Southern Right Whale Territory
Victor Harbor
Season: May to October
Peak: June–August
Whales: Southern Right Whales
Stay nearby:
Victor Harbor Holiday Park is a quiet, comfortable spot close to the foreshore and viewing platforms.
Planning a Whale Watching Holiday?
Whether you’re planning a winter escape north along the coast up to Queensland or a spring road trip along the southern coast, Hampshire Holidays holiday parks place you close to some of Australia’s best whale watching destinations.
Travelling during peak migration season and staying near coastal vantage points gives you the best chance of unforgettable whale encounters without having to go far out of your way.