There’s still a couple of weeks before Christmas, but ’tis the season to be jolly because Australia’s whale watching season is here again! Whales migrate from cold waters of the Antarctic up to the more temperate waters of Australia during July to November. Read on to know where is the best spots to catch a glimpse of the biggest water mammals!
1. Best Time for Whale Watching
The best time to observe whales up close in their natural environment in Australia is from late May, when whales swim to the southern parts of Australia to start breeding. Humpback whales can also be seen swimming along western to eastern coastlines of Australia where the waters are warmer.
2. Things to Note
a) Layering like an Onion
Since whale watching in Australia is only available during winter, remember to pack some warm clothing during your holiday. Although Queensland isn’t that cold during the day, it’ll start getting chilly once the sun sets. However, if you’re heading over to Sydney for whale watching, remember to layer on winter clothing like an onion!
b) Moisture
Winter in Australia is extremely dry —the direct opposite of the extremely humid weather all year round Singapore is used to. Load yourself up with moisturisers if you don’t want to see cracks appearing on your face!
c) Rules on Whale Watching
The Australian government developed strict laws on
whale watching in Australia to protect the wellbeing of
whales and dolphins. For example, whale watching boats have to keep a minimum distance of 100 to 300 metres (yellow zone) from the huge marine animals or it’d be entering the red zone, which is forbidden. Boats are not allowed to block the direction whales are swimming towards and not more than three boats can be present in the same area, at the same time.>>
Book your whale watching tours early to avoid disappointment!
d) Anti-Shake Mode
“Aww man! Not another blurry photo!” The waters may occasionally get a little choppy so we’d recommend you to set it to anti-shake mode to get crystal clear photos.
3. Best Spot for Whale Watching
Whale watching spots are littered all around Australia, but spots with easy in-out are mostly located near large cities (duh). We handpicked three locations in Australia with the best of everything!
Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef
Take an hour drive along the mesmerising coastline of
Keynes to
Port Douglas to find a quaint fishing village near the beach. You’ll be able to participate in many water activities like scuba diving, snorkelling and jet skiing.
What else is there to do?
After you’ve had your fill of fun at Port Douglas, head over to the northern part of Great Barrier Reef, the national treasure of Australia, to do some whale watching. If you’re lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of Dwarf Minke Whale!
Hop over to Macrossan Street after a long day to catch a breather over a cuppa or beer, or take a stroll to quaint book stores, boutiques or art galleries. You name it, they have it.
Hervey Bay
If you’re heading to
Brisbane, make time for some whale watching at
Hervey Bay — the perfect location for spotting
Humpback Whales. Take a trip to
Hervey Bay, Queensland from July to November to marvel at the sight of huge
Humpback Whales making enormous splash as they hit the waters.
What else is there to do?
Still have time to roam around Australia? Drive over to Fraser Island for the exceptionally clear freshwater lake. Fraser Island, the only known place where rainforest grows on sand, has been included in the 1992 Natural World Heritage list. If you’re whale watching in Hervey Bay, we strongly recommend you to take some time to come visit Fraser Island!
Gold Coast
What’s a holiday to
Australia without going to
Gold Coast? It takes approximately only 20 minutes by boat before you can catch sightings of whales. Have a cup of tea or coffee in hand while you look out for traces of the whales migrating to Australia —
some companies even offer a 100% whale sighting guarantee!
What else is there to do?
Don’t forget Gold Coast‘s not-so-famous counterpart, Sunshine Coast. Littered with white sands, Sunshine Coast has all sorts of markets, golf courses and an eclectic range of water sports. Not a sporty person? Visit the Noosa National Park to greet the Australian wildlife g’day mate! or get your blood pumping at Movie World.
Sydney
If Sydney is your preferred location for whale watching, you can depart from Circular Quay to catch the biggest water mammals in action. Since Sydney is located at the southern part of Australia, its winter will be harsher than other parts of Australia. Don’t forget to stay warm and layer up!
What else is there to do?
Does Sydney Opera House ring a bell? Stop by Sydney Opera House and Sydney Tower if you have time and take in the beauty of the surrounding. Don’t forget to slide some fresh oysters down your throat, mm mm~
Tasmania
If you have more money to spare, leave mainland Australia and head to Tasmania, an island located south-east of Australia. Whale watching in Tasmania begins in May, earlier than the rest of Australia. At Great Oyster Bay, you’ll be able to see Humpback Whales and Southern Right Whale frolicking around, appearing and disappearing beneath the waves.
