Australia is one of the best places in the world to witness the majestic whales in their natural habitat. From the sunny coasts of Queensland to the rugged shores of Western Australia, you’ll find countless whale watching experiences throughout the country that are guaranteed to blow you out of the water (not literally; don’t worry!).
Discover the 15 best whale watching tours across Australia for 2024 with Backpacker Deals and allow our team to help you plan the ultimate ocean adventure today!
Whale Watching in Queensland
1. Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watch
If you ask us, there’s no better place to see humpback whales than Hervey Bay, the whale watching capital of Australia, and this tour ensures the best experience possible!
This small group tour is led by marine experts aboard a comfortable modern vessel, offering intimate whale encounters, insightful commentary, and unforgettable memories.
2. K’gari (Fraser Island) Whale Watching Encounter
Combine the beauty of K’gari with the excitement of whale watching and what do you get? An ocean adventure like no other!
Departing Hervey Bay, this whale watching tour will take you across the Great Sandy Strait in a purpose-built tour boat with a specially designed viewing platform and an underwater observatory for optimal whale spotting!
There’s even a hydrophone on board that lets you listen to the whales singing while they swim alongside you. What more could you ask for?!
3. Noosa Whale Watch
Join this epic Noosa whale watching adventure to see these gentle ocean giants swimming along the stunning Sunshine Coast.
Led by an experienced skipper, this eco-friendly tour emphasises whale conservation efforts, offering informative commentary on the whales and their environment as they swim and play alongside the boat.
As well as spotting whales, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy Noosa’s scenic coastal landscapes and spot a wealth of other marine creatures, including dolphins, turtles, and migratory seabirds.
4. Mooloolaba Whale Watching Experience
This 2-hour tour from Mooloolaba offers a unique perspective on whale migration, with underwater HD cameras and a brand-new hydrophone live streaming the whales as they sing and play.
The state-of-the-art vessel comfortably holds 20 passengers, with uninterrupted ocean views from every seat for optimal whale watching opportunities. As you observe these magnificent creatures up close, you’ll enjoy expert commentary from your knowledgeable skipper, promising an entertaining, informative, and immersive experience.
5. Brisbane Whale Watching Adventure
Embark on a Brisbane whale watching adventure and marvel at humpback whales frolicking in Moreton Bay. Departing from Redcliffe, this trip provides a comfortable and educational experience for all ages.
Whale sightings on this tour are guaranteed, meaning if you don’t see any whales, you’ll get a chance to see them on a complimentary second trip!
If that wasn’t enough, a portion of the ticket sales for this tour is donated to various whale organisations to fund their ongoing research. Pretty incredible, right?
6. Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise
Cruise along the beautiful waters of the Gold Coast and witness the awe-inspiring sight of humpback whales in their natural habitat!
This 3.5-hour tour guarantees whale sightings, meaning you’ll either see some whales on your trip or you’ll get to return free of change until you do!
With plenty of photo opportunities, unobstructed views, expert insights into humpback behaviour, and a fully licensed bar onboard, this cruise is by far one of the best whale watching tours on the Gold Coast. Experience the adventure for yourself and book your trip today!
Whale Watching in NSW and Victoria
7. Byron Bay Whale Watching Tour
Byron Bay is a prime location for whale watching, and this eco-friendly tour ensures you get the best views possible views throughout your adventure.
Gaze out at the scenic coastline and watch on as humpback whales frolic and play with their young on their annual migration.
Led by knowledgeable guides who share interesting facts about the whales and the local marine ecosystem, this tour promises a fun and educational experience for all.
8. Whale Watching Cruise from Ballina
Starting from Ballina, this 2-hour cruise takes you to the whale-rich waters around Byron Bay, offering a relaxing journey with ample opportunities to see and photograph these majestic creatures.
The tour is led by an experienced marine biologist who will share their knowledge with you as you explore.
You’ll also receive free professional photos at the end of your tour, providing the perfect memento of your incredible whale watching adventure.
9. Port Stephens Whale Watch Express
Experience the thrill of whale watching in Port Stephens with this fast and fun express tour!
Known for its diverse marine life, Port Stephens offers premium sightings of humpback whales as they migrate along the coast with their young.
This fast-paced tour lasts for 1.5 hours in total, making it the perfect choice if you’re short on time but still want to witness these incredible creatures up close.
10. Jervis Bay Whale Watching Tour
Jervis Bay is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a prime whale watching spot.
As one of the best whale watching tours in the area, this thrilling adventure provides breathtaking views of humpback whales as they migrate along the coast.
As well as promising premium whale watching opportunities, this tour includes informative commentary and stunning views of Point Perpendicular’s towering cliffs and Honeymoon Bay’s gorgeous lagoon.
11. Sydney Whale Watching Adventure Cruise
See majestic humpback whales playing along the Sydney coastline with this action-packed adventure cruise from Circular Quay.
Journeying along the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll leave Sydney’s iconic cityscape behind for a tranquil whale watching experience.
Gain fascinating insights from an onboard naturalist and cruise in comfort aboard a modern vessel that provides excellent viewing opportunities, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action.
12. Phillip Island Winter Whale Cruise
Phillip Island is a haven for all kinds of incredible marine creatures, from tiny fairy penguins to gigantic whale species.
With fantastic whale watching opportunities for both humpback and southern right whales, this spectacular island is an especially unique spot for wildlife adventures.
On this particular cruise, you’ll circumnavigate Phillip Island and witness these incredible ocean giants exhibiting a range of whale behaviours, with regular dolphin and seal sightings often adding to the overall experience.
Whale Watching in Western Australia
13. Augusta Whale Watching
If you thought all of Australia’s whale watching action happened along the East Coast, think again!
Located at the southern tip of WA, Augusta boasts some of the best whale watching tours in the country, offering countless opportunities to see southern right whales as they make their annual journey along the coast.
This tour offers a close look at these giants in the pristine waters of Flinders Bay, with unobstructed views around the boat.
Whether you’re enjoying close encounters on the spacious stern or bow or getting a birds-eye view of the action on the flybridge, you’re sure to have a whale of a time!
14. Whale Watching Tour from Perth
Enjoy watching humpback and southern right whales migrating along the coast of Perth and hop aboard the Steep Point, a purpose-built catamaran with five viewing decks across three levels.
With luxury seating, a large-screen TV to capture the underwater action, and unlimited tea, coffee, and biscuits, this tour guarantees a comfortable and informative experience.
If you’re extra lucky, you may even see the rare blue whale on your journey, so keep your eyes peeled!
15. Broome Whale Watching and Sunset Cruise
Experience 4.5 hours of whale watching, enjoy a delicious spread of fruit, tea, and coffee, and watch the sunset over the horizon on this unforgettable cruise.
Known as the “Humpback Highway”, Broome is one of the best whale watching spots in Western Australia, with over 35,000 humpback whales travelling along its coastline every year from June to September.
See the action up close from several vantage points aboard the catamaran and enjoy informative commentary from the crew as you travel right next to these majestic creatures. This tour even includes an educational program for kids, promising a fascinating and fun day out for the whole family.
Book Online with Backpacker Deals Today!
Are you ready to have a whale of a good time? Choose your favourite whale watching adventure from our top 15 picks above and book online with Backpacker Deals today to receive 10% cashback to use on any future tour you book with us!
Looking for even more wild ocean adventures? Feel free to check out our entire range of whale and dolphin watching tours throughout Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand for extra inspiration! With so many flipping fin-tastic adventures to choose from, you’re sure to be over-whale-med with choice!
