Whale Watching Tours Australia
Showing 22 whale watching tours across Australia
Where to Go Whale Watching in Australia
Hervey Bay
The undisputed whale watching capital of Australia — and arguably the world. Hervey Bay's sheltered waters create the perfect resting spot for humpback whales during their annual migration. Whales often approach boats here, offering incredibly close encounters.
17 tours availableNoosa
Combine whale watching with the stunning Noosa coastline. Tours depart from Noosa and offer the chance to spot whales migrating past the headlands, often with dolphins swimming alongside.
2 tours availableRainbow Beach
A hidden gem for whale watching. Rainbow Beach's position near the Great Sandy Strait makes it an ideal launching point for tours, with fewer crowds than larger centres.
1 tours availableSouth Australia
Southern right whales and their calves can be spotted in the Great Australian Bight near Ceduna, offering a completely different whale watching experience from the east coast humpback tours.
2 tours availableThe Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in Australia
Australia offers some of the best whale watching experiences on the planet. Every year from June to November, around 40,000 humpback whales migrate along Australia's east coast — from their Antarctic feeding grounds to the warm tropical waters of the Coral Sea, where they breed and calve before heading south again.
Why Hervey Bay is the World's Best
Hervey Bay, located on Queensland's Fraser Coast, is recognised as one of the top whale watching destinations globally. The bay acts as a natural resting area — sheltered by the World Heritage–listed K'gari (Fraser Island) — where migrating humpbacks stop to rest, socialise, and nurse their young. Unlike other locations where whales simply pass by, Hervey Bay whales actively approach boats, making for unforgettable close encounters.
Best Time to Visit
The whale watching season runs from mid-June to early November, with peak sightings in August and September. During these months, the likelihood of spotting humpbacks is extremely high — most operators offer sighting guarantees. Early season (July) tends to see more adult whales, while late season (October) offers mother-and-calf pairs and playful juveniles.
Beyond the East Coast
While the east coast gets most attention, South Australia's Head of Bight near Ceduna is a world-class viewing spot for southern right whales — a different species from the humpbacks seen in Queensland. Between May and October, up to 100 southern right whales gather in the Great Australian Bight to calve, visible from cliff-top viewing platforms.
What to Expect on a Tour
Most whale watching tours last 3–4 hours and depart in the morning when waters are calmest. You'll board a purpose-built vessel with expert marine naturalists who provide commentary about whale behaviour, migration patterns, and marine ecology. Expect to see breaching, tail slapping, spy hopping, and pec slapping — and if you're lucky, a curious whale may come right up to the boat.
Book with Confidence
At Dundee Adventure, we partner with Australia's best whale watching operators — including Pacific Whale Foundation, Spirit of Hervey Bay, Blue Dolphin, Tasman Venture, and more. Every booking comes with our best price guarantee, live availability, and instant confirmation. Compare tours, check departure dates, and book securely online.