A World-Class Whale Watching Destination
Australia's vast coastline traces one of the planet's great migratory superhighways. Each winter, tens of thousands of humpback whales travel north from Antarctic feeding grounds to breed in warm tropical waters — then return south with their calves through spring.
Add resident populations of southern right whales along the southern cliffs, the world's largest congregation of whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, and occasional sightings of blue whales, orcas, and minke whales, and you have a destination that rivals anywhere on earth.
Whether you prefer boat-based encounters just metres from breaching humpbacks, regulated swim-with-whale experiences, or peaceful land-based lookouts perched atop coastal headlands, Cooee Tours will connect you with Australia's best whale watching moments.
Species & Peak Seasons
Humpback Whales
Northbound migration May–Jul. Southbound with calves Aug–Nov. Best at Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, and Sydney.
Southern Right Whales
Breed in sheltered bays along southern Australia. Top spots include Albany (WA), Warrnambool (VIC), and Head of the Bight (SA).
Whale Sharks
The world's largest fish gathers at Ningaloo Reef, WA. Regulated swim-alongside tours available with eco-certified operators.
Blue Whales & Orcas
Blue whales sighted off southern WA and SA. Orca pods spotted near Bremer Canyon, WA — one of Australia's newest wildlife frontiers.
Australia's Top Whale Watching Destinations
Six spectacular regions, each offering a unique encounter. Combine multiple destinations in a single Cooee Tours itinerary.
How You'll Experience the Whales
Multiple ways to witness the migration, from adrenaline-filled boat encounters to serene clifftop lookouts.
Half-Day Cruises
3–4 hour boat tours departing mornings or afternoons. Get within regulated distances of breaching humpbacks and playful calves.
Sunset Whale Cruises
Golden-hour departures combining whale sightings with spectacular ocean sunsets. Perfect for photographers and couples.
Swim-With Experiences
Regulated, eco-certified programs at Ningaloo Reef. Swim alongside whale sharks and humpbacks under expert supervision.
Photography Tours
Small-group tours with optimal positioning, stabilised platforms, and expert guidance for capturing the perfect breach shot.
Land-Based Lookouts
Guided walks to Australia's best headland vantage points — North Head, Cape Byron, Logan's Beach, Head of the Bight, and Bruny Island.
Eco-Interpretation Tours
Marine biologist-led experiences with hydrophone listening, species identification, and conservation briefings aboard.
Multi-Day Packages
Combine whale watching with K'gari (Fraser Island), Great Barrier Reef, Barossa Valley wine, or coastal hiking for the ultimate itinerary.
Family-Friendly Options
Calm-water tours in Hervey Bay and the Gold Coast designed for all ages, with onboard commentary that kids love.
7 Days on the East Coast Whale Trail
A curated week following the humpback migration from the Gold Coast to Hervey Bay and the Sunshine Coast. Fully customisable.
Arrive Gold Coast
Airport transfer, coastal hotel check-in, and a sunset orientation walk along Burleigh Heads with your Cooee guide.
Gold Coast Morning Whale Cruise
Half-day cruise on the Humpback Highway. Expect breaches, pec-slaps, and mother-calf pairs within metres of the vessel. Afternoon free for hinterland rainforest walks.
Travel to Hervey Bay
Scenic coastal drive or short flight north. Afternoon at leisure in the whale-watching capital. Evening seafood dinner on the Esplanade.
Hervey Bay — Extended Whale Encounter
Full-day eco-interpretation cruise in the sheltered bay. Whales here are famously curious, often approaching the boat for prolonged interactions.
K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Trip
4WD adventure on the world's largest sand island — rainforests, crystal creeks, dingoes, and the stunning Lake McKenzie.
Sunshine Coast — Coastal Walks & Wildlife
Drive south to Noosa. Guided coastal walk through Noosa National Park with dolphin and turtle spotting. Farewell dinner at Hastings Street.
Departure
Morning at leisure before transfer to Sunshine Coast or Brisbane Airport. Depart with a lifetime of ocean memories.
Practical Tips & Packing Checklist
🎒 What to Bring
- Layered clothing — it's noticeably cooler offshore, even on warm days
- Sun protection: wide-brim hat, polarised sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen
- Camera with telephoto lens (200 mm+ recommended); use burst mode for breaches
- Binoculars for scanning the horizon from headland lookouts
- Refillable water bottle and light snacks
- Motion sickness tablets — take 30 minutes before boarding if prone
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
💡 Viewing Tips
- Book morning cruises for calmer seas and better light
- Sit mid-ship for the smoothest ride; stand on the upper deck for the best photos
- Watch for "blow" spouts on the horizon — your first clue a whale is nearby
- Keep cameras ready at all times; breaches happen fast and without warning
- Follow crew instructions on approach distances and noise levels
- Choose eco-certified operators for responsible, low-impact encounters
- Land lookouts at dawn and dusk often yield the most dramatic sightings
What Our Travellers Say
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 154 verified reviews.
"A humpback and her calf swam right under our boat in Hervey Bay. My daughter was speechless. Hands down the highlight of our entire Australian holiday."
"Swimming alongside a whale shark at Ningaloo was the most humbling experience of my life. Cooee arranged everything — flights, permits, accommodation — flawlessly."
"We saw 30+ whales on the Gold Coast cruise and then spent two days in the Hervey Bay nursery. The marine biologist guide made it incredibly educational and fun."
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best season for whale watching?
May to November for humpback whales (northbound May–Jul, southbound with calves Aug–Nov). Southern right whales peak June–August. Whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef are best March–July.
Can you swim with whales in Australia?
Yes — but only at strictly regulated locations with licensed operators. Ningaloo Reef offers whale shark swims (Mar–Jul) and humpback swim programs (Jul–Nov). Strict group sizes and approach distances apply.
Are tours suitable for families with young children?
Absolutely. Calm-water regions like Hervey Bay and the Gold Coast are ideal for families. Most operators welcome children, though some swim experiences have minimum age requirements. Land lookouts are perfect for little ones.
How much do whale watching tours cost?
Half-day boat cruises typically cost $80–$160 AUD per adult. Premium photography or small-group eco tours range from $180–$350 AUD. Multi-day Cooee Tours packages with accommodation start from around $990 AUD pp.
What if I get seasick?
Take motion sickness tablets 30 minutes before boarding. Choose calm-water locations like Hervey Bay, sit mid-ship, and focus on the horizon. Land-based lookouts are a great alternative for very sensitive travellers.
How do I choose a responsible operator?
Look for eco-certification (e.g., Ecotourism Australia), adherence to national whale approach guidelines, and operators who contribute to marine research or conservation programs. All Cooee Tours partners are fully certified.
