You can catch these majestic mammals frolicking along the coast on their annual migration. Spectators on the south and east coast have the chance to enjoy their own whale show, twice a year, as whales journey along their annual migration path to and from Antarctica. Southern right whales journey to the temperate breeding waters off South Australia and Victoria, while energetic humpback whales continue north to the Great Barrier Reef and the Kimberley. Here are the best whale-watching spots in the south and east of Australia:
Queensland
When: May–November
Where: Hervey Bay is protected by Fraser Island, affording humpback whales the ideal location to breed. Time your visit around the first week of September to increase your chances of seeing calves. Each year in July and August, the arrival of the humpback whales is celebrated at the Hervey Bay Whale Festival, with concerts, street parades and displays. Travel north to the Whitsunday Islands, to see humpback whales between May and September, enjoying the shallow, sheltered waters while they nurse their newborn calves.
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Bourbong Street Motel
Bundaberg, QLD
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Bororen Motel
Bororen, QLD
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Citywalk Motor Inn
Rockhampton, QLD
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Mackay Motor Inn
West Mackay, QLD
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A & A Motel
Proserpine, QLD
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New South Wales
When: May-late November
Where: The best time is the last week of June and the first week of July from Narooma, Sydney and Newcastle, then early September, with mothers and calves passing by as they head back south. At Jervis Bay you’re almost guaranteed a whale sighting. Head south to Merimbula for both shore-based whale watching and charters. Eden celebrates their arrival each year with the Eden Whale Festival, with live shows, a parade and stalls. You can also see whales from June in Byron Bay, playing just offshore from the Cape Byron Lighthouse.
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Tweed River Motel
Murwillumbah, NSW
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Mayfield Motel
Mayfield West, NSW
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Motel Farnboro
Narooma, NSW
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Victoria
When: May–September
Where: Head to Logans Beach in Warrnambool, to the viewing platform on the sand dunes and watch southern right whales calve in a nursery close to shore. They stay here for several weeks, helping their young build strength for the long journey back to sub-Antarctic waters. Also try Lady Bay in Warrnambool, where the new mums often come close enough to spray you with breakwater. Travel further along the Great Ocean Road to see rare blue whales at Cape Nelson near Portland, and watch for the yellow flag flying outside the Portland Visitor Information Centre.
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Admiral Motor Inn
Rosebud, VIC
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Bellbrae Motel
Torquay, VIC
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Raglan Motor Inn
Warrnambool, VIC
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William Dutton Motel
Portland. VIC
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Tasmania
When: May-July, September–December
Where: Tasmania’s east coast is still one of the best places to spot humpback and southern right whales on their annual migration, coasting through Great Oyster Bay off the Freycinet Peninsula. Southern right whales and humpback whales often travel past Frederick Henry Bay on the way to their breeding areas, but occasionally will give birth in Tassie, giving you the chance to see them from shore. You may also glimpse whales with their calves in Mercury Passage off Maria Island, a natural wildlife sanctuary.
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Marquis Hotel Motel
209 Brisbane St, Hobart, TAS 7000
Burnie Ocean View Motel
253 Bass Hwy, Burnie, TAS 7320
The Menai Hotel Motel
20 Edwardes St, S. Burnie, TAS 7320
South Australia
When: June–September
Where: Southern right whales come to Victor Harbor every year to breed. Head to Encounter Bay to watch whales frolic in the calm waters below, or book a tour to see them play with their calves in the waters of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Further along South Australia’s coastline in Ceduna, you can watch the whales do slow-motion somersaults from the viewing platform or beach.
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