The Southern Migration is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events. Between September and November, thousands of humpback whales travel back to Antarctica, often accompanied by their calves. During the Southern Migration, whales tend to swim closer to the shore, offering prime whale-watching opportunities as they guide their calves south. This slower, more relaxed journey provides a unique chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. Unlike their northern migration, where they rush to warmer waters, the southern leg offers more intimate, playful encounters, with calves often learning to breach and tail-slap.
Australia’s East Coast is the perfect place to witness this majestic journey, with plenty of opportunities to spot whales from vantage points or up close on a tour. If you’re planning a whale-watching adventure this spring, we’ve curated a list of the best spots—from Bribie Island in Moreton Bay, Queensland, all the way down to Lakes Entrance on the East Gippsland Coast of Victoria. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
1. Bribie Island, QLD (Moreton Bay)
Best time: September to November
Start your whale-watching journey at Bribie Island, where the aquamarine waters off Woorim Surf Beach provide a serene backdrop for spotting whales as they migrate south with their calves. 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.
2. Valla Beach & Nambucca Heads, NSW
Best time: September to November
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.
3. Port Macquarie, NSW
Best time: September to November
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.
4. Batemans Bay/Durras, NSW
Best time: September to November
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.
5. Bermagui, NSW
Best time: September to November
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.
6. Merimbula, NSW
Best time: September to November
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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
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.
