Every year, Australia’s coastline becomes a stage for one of nature’s most extraordinary performances—the annual humpback and southern right whale migration. From May to November, thousands of whales journey along the east coast to breed, birth, and play, before returning to Antarctic waters.
Whether you’re chasing the northern migration (May–July) as whales head to warmer waters, or the southern migration (August–November) as they cruise back with their calves, there’s no shortage of seaside spectacles to catch.
Here’s where to go and when to see the best action:
Lucinda, QLD (North Queensland)
Whale Watching Season: June to September
Peak Viewing: July–August
Whales: Humpbacks
Nestled near Hinchinbrook Island, Lucinda offers a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path whale-watching experience. The whales migrate along the coast and are occasionally spotted from the shore or nearby waterways. The dramatic backdrop of mountain ranges and island scenery adds to the magic of any sighting.
Whale-watching Tours: While there are no major tour operators based in Lucinda itself, nearby Hinchinbrook or Cardwell provide access to charters and tours heading out during the migration season.
Where to stay: BIG4 Lucinda Wanderers Holiday Park is a peaceful base with easy access to scenic spots and boat tours.
Townsville, QLD (North Queensland)
Whale Watching Season: June to September
Peak Viewing: July–August
Whales: Humpbacks
Townsville might fly under the radar as a whale-watching hotspot, but it’s one of North Queensland’s best-kept secrets. Whale-watching tours departing from the marina offer the chance to spot migrating humpbacks against the stunning backdrop of Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef.
Whale-watching Tours: Check out SeaLink’s Whale Watching Tours for dedicated whale cruises during the winter season.
Where to stay: BIG4 Townsville Gateway Holiday Park makes for a comfortable and convenient base to explore the city and nearby marine wonders.
Whitsundays, QLD (North Queensland)
Whale Watching Season: June to October
Peak Viewing: July–August
Whales: Humpbacks (including mothers with calves)
The Whitsundays are a tropical paradise and a whale-watching wonderland. During winter, humpback whales migrate to these warm, sheltered waters to rest, calve and play. Sightings of breaching whales and mother-calf pairs are common, often right off the bow of a day cruise or even while snorkelling.
Whale-watching Tours: Book a trip with Whale Watching Whitsundays or explore the region’s marine life on a day sail, snorkel tour or reef cruise.
Where to stay: BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort is your lush, peaceful home base near Airlie Beach—perfect for unwinding between whale-spotting adventures.
Bribie Island, QLD (Moreton Bay)
Whale Watching Season: May to October
Peak Viewing: July–August (northbound) and September (southbound)
Whales: Humpbacks
While Bribie Island might not be the most famous spot in Moreton Bay for whale sightings, it still offers a fantastic opportunity to spot these majestic creatures from the shore, especially during the Southern Migration. The relatively quiet beaches and relaxed vibe of the island make it a peaceful place to watch for whales and other marine wildlife such as dolphins, turtles and even Dugongs.
Whale-watching Tours: For those looking to get closer to the action, consider booking a whale-watching cruise with Brisbane Whale Watching departing from Redcliffe, just over an hour from Bribie.
Where to stay: Bribie Island Caravan Park is the ideal base for your stay, located on the Woorim Beach side of the island and just a short stroll from the sandy shores. Its prime location makes it perfect for those looking to enjoy easy beach access and the natural beauty of Bribie Island.
Valla Beach & Nambucca Heads, NSW
Whale Watching Season: May to November
Peak Viewing: June–July (northbound), Sept–Oct (southbound)
Whales: Humpbacks
The cliffs around Valla Beach and Nambucca Heads offer ideal spots for witnessing the southern whale migration. For prime viewing, visit Valla Headland, where elevated panoramic views give you a perfect vantage point to track whales as they head south. Closer to the shoreline, Valla Beach Reserve is another excellent location, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon. In Nambucca Heads, top spots include Captain Cook Lookout and Lions Lookout, both offering sweeping ocean views ideal for spotting breaching whales. For a more relaxed experience, Shelly Beach provides shoreline viewing, making it easy to enjoy a beach day while catching glimpses of these magnificent creatures as they migrate south.
Whale-watching tours:
For a more up-close experience, try Whale Watch Experience departing a short 30 min drive from Valla Beach in Coffs Harbour.
Where to stay:
Valla Beach Holiday Park is a short drive from the whale-watching hot spots and offers excellent accommodation options for families and couples alike.
Port Macquarie, NSW
Whale Watching Season: May to November
Peak Viewing: June–July (northbound), Oct (southbound)
Whales: Humpbacks
Port Macquarie is a whale-watcher’s dream, offering breathtaking panoramic views from Tacking Point Lighthouse, to the scenic headlands and lookouts stretching from Laurieton to North Haven. With numerous whale-watching tours available, there are also plenty of opportunities to get up close to both whales and dolphins, promising an unforgettable experience.
Whale-watching tours:
Check out Port Jet Cruises for a fun day out on the water.
Where to stay: Jacaranda Holiday Park in North Haven provides a range of comfortable accommodation options and easy access to nearby beaches, walking trails, local whale-watching tours and attractions.
Batemans Bay/Durras, NSW
Whale Watching Season: May to November
Peak Viewing: September–October (southern migration)
Whales: Humpbacks
In Batemans Bay, some of the best whale-watching spots include Observation Point Lookout near Batehaven, offering expansive ocean views, and Guerrilla Bay, a more secluded area with sweeping headland views. You can also spot whales near Snapper Island from Observation Point or Surf Beach, while boat tours along the Clyde River Estuary provide a chance to get up close to these majestic creatures during their migration.
Whale-watching tours:
Book a tour with Game On Charters or Batemans Bay Wild for a more intimate whale-watching experience.
Where to stay:
Stay at Batemans Bay Marina Resort in Batemans Bay or Joalah Holiday Park in Durras North. Offering a variety of accommodations, including cabins. Both provide a perfect base for a tranquil getaway, with opportunities for hiking, swimming, and whale-watching.
Bermagui, NSW
Whale Watching Season: May to November
Peak Viewing: August–November (southern migration)
Whales: Humpbacks, Southern Rights
Bermagui is a fantastic whale-watching destination with several prime spots to witness the southern migration. The elevated Mount Dromedary Lookout offers sweeping ocean views, while the iconic Blue Pool provides a serene setting to spot whales from the shoreline. Camel Rock Lookout, just north of Bermagui, is another excellent vantage point with panoramic views of the ocean, and Bermagui Headland is a popular spot to catch close-up sightings of breaching whales.
Whale-watching tours:
Check out Sapphire Coastal Adventures for a front-row seat to the action.
Where to stay:
BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park is located between Wallaga Lake and the stunning Camel Rock Beach, offering a variety of accommodation options including cabins and campsites. It’s an ideal destination for families, couples, or anyone looking to relax in a beautiful, natural setting. Plus, it’s a great spot for whale-watching during the migration season.
Merimbula, NSW
Whale Watching Season: May to November
Peak Viewing: September–October
Whales: Humpbacks
Merimbula offers several fantastic whale-watching locations. The Merimbula Wharf is a popular spot, where you can watch whales close to shore as they breach and play their way down the Sapphire Coast. Short Point provides panoramic views of the coastline, making it an ideal vantage point for spotting migrating whales. For those wanting a more immersive experience, Spencer Park offers beachside whale-watching with easy access to picnic spots. Additionally, boat tours from Merimbula Marina give visitors the chance to get even closer to these majestic creatures during the migration season.
Whale-watching tours:
Sapphire Coastal Adventures offers some fantastic whale-watching cruises, marine wildlife tours and fishing charters in Merimbula, Eden and Bermagui .
Where to stay:
Merimbula Lake Holiday Park is perfect for those with their own caravans or motorhomes, offering a range of spacious powered sites and stunning views of the sapphire coast.
Shellharbour, NSW
Best time: September to November
Shellharbour offers several excellent whale-watching spots along its stunning coastline. Bass Point Reserve is one of the top locations, with elevated views that provide a great vantage point for spotting whales as they migrate. The Barrack Point Headland offers excellent views of the ocean, making it a prime location to catch sight of migrating whales. From this elevated vantage point, you can often see whales breaching and tail-slapping as they pass close to shore. Killalea Beach, part of the Killalea State Park, is another popular spot where you can watch whales close to the shore, especially from the headlands.
Whale-watching tours:
For an unforgettable experience, hop on a tour with Shellharbour Wild.
Where to stay:
Surfrider Caravan Park in Barrack Point offers a relaxed coastal getaway with cabins and powered sites just steps from the beach. It’s the perfect spot for beach lovers and whale watchers, with easy access to scenic trails and Shellharbour’s natural beauty.
Lakes Entrance VIC
Best time: September to November
In Lakes Entrance, whale-watching enthusiasts can head to Buchan Point Lookout for sweeping ocean views and great opportunities to spot migrating whales. Another fantastic location is Eastern Beach, where whales can often be seen close to shore, especially in the morning. Additionally, 90 Mile Beach and Lake Tylers Beach both offer long stretches of coastline, providing plenty of vantage points to catch sight of these majestic creatures. For a more up-close experience, you can also join a boat tour from Lakes Entrance to see whales passing through Bass Strait.
Whale-watching tours:
For whale-watching and marine life tours in Lakes Entrance, try Peels Cruises and Lonsdale Eco Cruises.
Where to stay:
BIG4 Waters Edge Holiday Park in Lakes Entrance offers cabins, caravan sites, and camping site. It’s perfect for those seeking easy access to fishing, boating, and local attractions. It’s also an ideal base for whale-watching during the migration season.
Victor Harbor, SA
Whale Watching Season: May to October
Peak Viewing: June–August
Whales: Southern Right Whales
Victor Harbor is one of South Australia’s premier whale-watching destinations, offering fantastic viewing opportunities as Southern Right Whales migrate to the sheltered waters of Encounter Bay. These magnificent creatures often venture close to shore, and sightings of mothers with calves are common during the peak season. The Whale Centre and coastal viewing platforms make it easy to spot whales without needing to head out to sea.
Whale-watching Tours: For an unforgettable experience on the water, join a cruise with The Big Duck Boat Tours, departing from the Victor Harbor Marina.
Where to stay: Victor Harbor Holiday Park offers a relaxed base just a stone’s throw from the action, with easy access to coastal walks and local whale-watching hotspots.
Ready to witness the Southern Migration? Stay at one of our Hampshire Holiday Parks along the coast and turn your whale-watching adventure into a memorable holiday.
