Photo courtesy: Sea World Whale Watch
As far as wildlife encounters go, whale watching rates as one of the most exhilarating experiences on offer. And the great news is that you don't have to travel far to see majestic humpback whales in the wild. A number of whale watching vessels offer day-long trips from Brisbane during the whale watching season (June-November). So pack up your camera, hat and sunscreen and enjoy the cruise. One thing's guaranteed: you're sure to have a whale of a time!
Redcliffe
Of all the great whales, humpbacks are the most surface active. Their antics provide awesome viewing: they blow, slap their tails and show off with full breaches. And one of the best places to witness all this activity is Moreton Bay during the whales' annual migration (June-November).
- Brisbane Whale Watching
Brisbane Whale Watching has been successfully operating whale watching tours from Redcliffe, just 30 minutes drive north of Brisbane, for more than eight years. The outfit's purpose-built luxury vessel, Eye-Spy, cruises to the eastern side of Moreton Island. The 30-metre catamaran is fully air-conditioned and can carry more than 300 passengers. Six outdoor viewing decks and indoor floor-to-ceiling glass provide uninterrupted views of the seascape so you won't miss any of the action.
Curious dolphins leap and play alongside the boat and it's a good idea to keep your eyes peeled for other marine living in Moreton Bay. While you keep lookout, Eye-Spy's onboard expert and captain, Kerry Lopez, gives you the low down on these huge mammals.
If you're staying in Brisbane, the company offers a bus transfer package that picks up from all major hotels. Passengers board at 9.30am for a 10am departure from the Redcliffe Jetty, returning at approximately 3pm. Tours are offered seven days a week, weather permitting.
Sunshine Coast
- Australia Zoo Whale Encounters
Enjoy Australia Zoo Whale Encounters on the luxurious Steve's Whale One named by Bindi Sue and Robert Irwin, children of Steve and Terri.
Relax onboard as you look for humpback whales from a 360 degree observation deck while cruising along the Sunshine Coast. Guests have access to marine educators, a professional photographer and an exclusive onboard retail shop.
Steve's Whale One departs from The Wharf, Mooloolaba, during whale watching season from early June to November.
Gold Coast
If you're staying on the Gold Coast, there are several whale watching operators from which to choose:
- Sea World Whale Watch
Sea World Whale Watch has introduced a new level of education and entertainment to whale watching with their state of the art vessel - the newest on the Gold Coast and custom designed to be environmentally friendly.
Sea World Whale Watch's onboard interactive education technology is a first for Australia offering a unique whale watching experience. Marine tour hosts control an amazing array of 3D animation presentations and the use of advanced whale location technology enhances interactivity.
- Australian Whale Watching
Australian Whale Watching operates the newest and fastest catamaran on the Gold Coast - Eclipse. You can get up close and personal with majestic humpbacks from one of the three viewing decks or the air-conditioned saloon and listen to whale songs via an innovative hydrophone.
Cruises operate between 9am and 12pm, seven days a week (weather permitting) between June and November. All cruises depart from Marina Mirage, near Sea World.
- Whales in Paradise
Join Whales in Paradise for an unforgettable cruise past the homes of the rich and famous to the deep blue waters of the “Humpback Whale Highway”. The tour begins with a scenic canal cruise along the Nerang River, passing the spectacular homes of well-to-do Gold Coast denizens. It then continues past South Stradbroke Island to the nearby waters of the Australian Whale Sanctuary.
Be prepared to encounter not only humpback whales but bottlenose dolphins, giant loggerhead turtles, killer whales and a variety of sea birds. Morning cruises depart from Surfers Paradise at 9am, returning 12.30pm while sunset cruises depart at 2pm, returning 5.30pm. All cruises operate seven days a week between June and November.
Other Gold Coast whale watching operators include:
When your cruise is over, why not check out other attractions on the Gold Coast.
