Whale Watching

Discover the joy and exhileration of Whale Watching.

Spotting different whale species along the Great Barrier Reef and Coast is a common occurence.

Humpback whales and Minke Whales are two most common species of whale to be seen along the coast.

Going on a Whale Watching cruise is one of the most exhilerating things you can do. It is an undescribable experience and something you really have to experience first hand.

Between the months July and November the magnificent Humpback whales migrate in Pods (groups), moving out of the cold southern waters of the Antartica into the warmer, tropical ocean of the Great Barrier Reef. Here they spend the Australian winter where they mate, calve and frolic before returning to the south for summer.

One of the best places to experience whale watching is from Hervey Bay, on the Fraser Coast, towards the southern end of the reef.

From here you can catch Whale Watching Cruises and experience the whales up close and personal. And with more than 7,000 humpback whales migrating each year, you are sure to experience them.

Whales measuring from 12 to 16 metres (36 to 48 ft) in length, and weighing up to 45 tonnes will swim in close to take a look at you. These enormous but gentle creatures will frolic and play, quite happy for you to watch.

Watch out for a spray of water. The whales will spirt water from their blowhole (nostril on the top of their heads), as they break the surface of the ocean for fresh air. Then be amazed at their power as they propel themselves out of the water and crash back down into the ocean again.

If you are planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef then you must put Whale Watching at the top of your list of things to do and see.

For more information about the marine animals of the Great Barrier Reef take a look at our pages on the Dangerous Great Barrier Reef Animals; the Endangered Animals of the Reef; and the Hammerhead Shark.