Queensland Holidays - Marine Life Seasonal Calendar - Whales

Whale Watching

Whale watching is an experience not to be forgotten. Humpback whales travel along the Queensland coast from mid July to early November each year on their southern migration. They are best seen in the shallow coastal waters of the Great Barrier Reef, in Tropical North Queensland and the Whitsundays, and in Southern Queensland in Hervey Bay and Moreton Bay. Hervey Bay is used as a resting ground by the whales on their long journey south and is recognised as the Whale Watching capital of Australia. Mainland and island sightings are also common in a number of coastal regions.

When: Mid July - early November
Where: Hervey Bay, Moreton Bay, Brisbane/Gold Coast, Whitsundays, Tropical North Queensland

Minke Whale Swim Programs

Dwarf Minke whales are commonly seen along the Ribbon Reefs north of Cairns between May and August. In June and July there are Minke Whale Expeditions which allow you to snorkel with these very curious creatures. Trips are usually 3 or 4 nights in duration to allow time to travel to the sites.

When: June - July
Where: Cairns/Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland, Townsville