The Best Time to See Whales in Queensland

Did you know Brisbane is located right on the edge of the Humpback Highway!?

Every year, thousands of majestic humpback whales pass right by us on their annual migration through Queensland waters from the Antarctic. With whale numbers now increasing year after year, chances of seeing these amazing creatures are better than ever.

Read on to find out the best time to see whales, including when best to spot mums and calves, the best places for seeing whales, and more about the amazing recovery of our local whale population.

When to See Whales in Queensland

The whale watching season in Queensland generally runs from mid-June to October, which is also when the whale-watching cruises start heading out. 

Use the following timeline to plot the whales journey and work out when you want to go whale watching, depending on whether you want to spot a huge mature male up to 16 metres long, or you dream of seeing a mother whale with her gorgeous new calf. 

November – January: The whales feed on krill in the Antarctic to stock up on blubber that will sustain them during their annual migration north.

February: Last year’s mothers and calves head off first, followed a couple of weeks later by the immature whales, then the mature males and females after that. 

April: The pregnant female whales follow the others after having fed for longer to support themselves and their young throughout the journey.

June/July: Last year’s mothers and calves and the immature whales reach Queensland waters first, followed by the mature whales then the pregnant females.

July – September: This is when mating takes place, and is a great time for whale watching as the males often put on great displays of beaching and fin and tail slapping to impress potential mates.

Males have also been known to gather in groups to sing to and attract females.

July – August: Pregnant females give birth to their babies in the warm northern waters, and head south with them by the end of August.

August: Whales heading south begin to arrive in our waters. The mature whales arrive first, with some still courting and mating.

September: The immature whales arrive on their journey south.

Mid-September – October: The mothers and new calves arrive. This is a great time to go whale watching if you want to spot a beautiful baby humpback swimming along and suckling with its mother.

November: The whales arrive back in the Southern Ocean: first the pregnant females, then the immature whales, followed by the mature whales, and finally the mothers and calves.

If you are keen to learn more facts about these amazing creatures check out our Humpback Whale Facts for Kids.

The Best Places to See Whales

One of the best ways to see whales and get guaranteed whale sightings is on a whale watching cruise. With cruises leaving from Pinkenba, Redcliffe, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, there are several options to choose from. 

For inspiration check out the following whale watching tour companies in and around Brisbane:

• Brisbane Whale Watching
• Tangalooma Island Resort Whale Watching Cruise
• Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching
• Whales in Paradise
• Whale One Mooloolaba
• Noosa Thriller Ocean Adventures

You can also try to spot whales from land. The following spots offer great vantage points for whale watching:

• North Stradbroke Island – The North Gorge, Point Lookout
• Moreton Island – Cape Moreton
• Coolum – Point Perry, Point Arkwright, or Coolum Beach Surf Club
• Tweed Heads – Point Danger
• Gold Coast – high rises including SkyPoint Observation Deck
• Byron Bay – Cape Byron Lighthouse

Visit this link for full information on Whale Watching from Brisbane.

The Humpback Whale Population

It is estimated there used to be around 40,000 humpback whales that migrated along the eastern coast of Australia. However, whaling decimated the population.

There were whaling stations at Tangalooma, Byron Bay and Norfolk Island, killing whales for use in pet food; oil for glycerine, soaps, lamps and margarine; gelatine; medicines; fertiliser; tennis racket strings and much more. Added to that, there was illegal Russian whaling that is believed to have taken tens of thousands of whales in the early sixties alone. As a result, the whale population plummeted to as few as 500 left.

Since the end of the major whaling operations in 1962, the whale population is back on the rise. So much so we are seeing increasing numbers each year, which is amazing. It also means our chances of spotting these stunning creatures are getting better and better.

Here’s hoping the whale population continues to soar and their journey continues to delight Brisbane Kids and adults for many years to come!

For more information, you can read Whale Watching from Brisbane, with details of the whale migration, whale watching tours and where to spot whales around Brisbane.