Check out the best spots in Queensland to see the humpback whales!
This article was updated at 5th Sept 2019
Winter is here, and with it, the lovely and huge humpback whales start to approach Queensland coast. I must admit that is what makes me feel so excited about winter. That is why I decided to share with you my favourite sports to see them.
Every year, from June to November, the humpback whales migrate from Antartica to have their babies along the warmer Queensland Coast. They swim about 10,000 km in the direction of warmer waters fleeing the cold of Antartica.
At the end of the season, it’s lovely to see them coming back with their calves. You can’t miss this experience!
1. North Stradbroke Island
This extraordinary island is my favourite whale watching spot in Queensland. You can take a sit at Point Lookout and spend the role there to see the humpback whales dance.
I prepared a unique (and FREE) guide on how to get at North Stradbroke Island with public transport. You can download it here!
2. Fraser Island
Last year, Fraser Island surprised me with its astonishing wildlife. It is the largest sand island in the world at 1,840 km² and is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Located 300 km from Brisbane, on the southeast coast of the state of Queensland, the island is only accessible by ferry and is strictly 4WD territory.
During the 3 days that I spend there, our guide took us too amazing places, including the Indian Head. I could have stayed there forever, observing these fascinating creatures.
3. Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba is the first one location on my bucket list this winter! From Mooloolaba Beach, as you head towards Alexandra Headland you arrive at one of the most instagrammable spots on the Sunshine Coast, and of course, a fantastic place to see our huge friends.
There is a tour departing from Mooloolaba that you can swim with the Humpback Whales. Definitely, I will try it (I’m super excited) and give my review about it! 😉
UPDATE about the tour:
What a disappointing experience!
The weather was lovely and 30 or 40 min after we left the Mooloolaba River we spotted two whales. We spent more than ONE HOUR around them and some dolphins but we couldn’t jump in the water. The first group was ready to go into the water, but we were not allowed to get in. Finally the staff decided to look for another group of whales, but we didn’t find any.
When my friends and I come back onshore we were very disappointed, but we discussed with staff the possibility of coming back for a second chance if there was a better price. In a very dismissive way, they told me that if I was looking for a swim with whales 100% guaranteed I should go to Exmouth and pay $300. I couldn’t believe what I heard! From a customer service perspective, it’s not something that you say to a group of unhappy clients. If we were not sure if we should give a second attempt to the tour, this reply took out any doubt that this swim with whales tour with SunReef wasn’t worth it.
I do understand this tour is on the whales’ terms, but to see them around the boat, with perfect weather and not be able to jump into the water, and come back home without a swim is not acceptable. We booked a SWIM with whales tour (we paid $155) and the only thing that we got was whale watching (price: AU$75,00) as well as rude and dismissive treatment by staff. Soooo disappointed!!!
Put some jacket on, get your binoculars and go to spot these fantastic animals that visit us during the winter!
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Gabriela is a journalist and the publisher at Vitamin Sea. She’s passionate about the ocean and sharing inspiring stories.
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