Whale Watching on the East Coast of Australia
Whale watching on the East Coast of Australia explores 10 wonderful whale watching locations where you can marvel at the gentle giants from land or sea. Plus tips on how to avoid seasickness when you go on a whale watching cruise.
This guide follows the 10,000km migration of the playful humpback whales from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the breeding grounds in sub-tropical waters. Whales can swim up to 8km/hr but during the migration cruise at an average leisurely 1.6km/hr. This is affectionately known as the humpback highway.
Humpback whales measure 16-17m in length and weigh up to 40 tonnes. That’s a bit bigger than a bus! So, when they breach, that is when they throw their entire body out of the water, in an action of pure joy, it’s truly impressive. Humpback whales can live up to 50 years. They eat krill and small fish and practice the techique called bubble netting where they swim in circles blowing bubbles which compress the krill or fish together, then they will swim up through the bubble net and open their enormous mouths to engulf their meal. Humpback whales can eat 1360kg of krill per day during feeding season.
The trip south later in the year is slower as the new mums swim with their 4-5m long, 2 tonne calves. Humpback whales are the most playful whale species. Look out for spouts, spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and if you are lucky, breath-taking breaches where the 40 tonne mammals launch themselves skyward in a display of pure power and joy.
If you are lucky, you might even see Migaloo, the famous white whale.
Merimbula
Merimbula is a delightful coastal town of 3,800 people located on the shores of Lake Merimbula on the Sapphire Coast (far south coast) of NSW. It’s a great little spot with great beaches, fantastic fishing and of course whales. Spend the weekend or a week and feel refreshed.
When do the whales visit?
Humpback whales visit Merimbula from May to November.
Getting there
Merimbula is located on the south coast of NSW, 460 kms south of Sydney.
Drive
From Sydney – 460kms, 5 hrs 45mins. It is the same time along the coast road or via Canberra. Personally I prefer the coast road as it is more picturesque and more places to explore on the way.
From Canberra – 245kms, 3 hours
From Melbourne – 580kms, 7 hours. This route passes through a massive expanse of untouched forest. There is almost nothing, including phone reception, except the trees from Lakes Entrance to Eden.
Fly
Sydney to Merimbula. It will take 3 1/2 hours with Rex.
Melbourne to Merimbula will take 1 hr 20 mins with Rex.
Public Transportation
You can catch a bus down the south coast from Sydney. This will take you 9 1/2 hours.
Alternatively, catch a train to Canberra then catch a bus. This will take just over 9 hours and is the cheapest option. The bus ride from Canberra takes 4 hours.
Use this link for public transport to Merimbula.
Trip Planner | transportnsw.info
Where to stay
Luxurious – Sybella
Mid range –Nautilus Apartments Merimbula
Budget – Pambula Beach Discovery Park
Whale watching tours
Embark on an exhilarating 2 hour whale watching adventure with Sapphire Coastal Adventures that will bring you eye to eye with whales in the wild. With waterline viewing, be amazed at their size and learn about how incredible these creatures are. These guys are so confident that you will see whales that they offer a whale sighting guarantee.
Merimbula Whale Watching Tour | Sapphire Coastal Adventures
Land based whale watching
- Short Point Beach complete with wooden deck chairs that overlook the sea, sand and sky.
- Green Cape Lookout, Ben Boyd National Park is located 70km south of Merimbula.
- Kangarutha Walking Track, Bournda National Park is a challenging coastal walk with many whale watching vantage points is located 30 mins north of Merimbula.
- Wajurda Point Lookout in the Mimosa Rocks National Park is a wheel chair accessible lookout with one of the best ocean views in the region (35 mins north of Merimbula).
Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay Marine Park is a huge oceanic bay covering 102 square km. Towns along the shoreline include Vincentia, Huskisson and Callala Bay and Hyams Beach (yep, that’s the one with the whitest sand in the world according to the Guiness Book of Records). I’ve raced sailing dinghies out of HMAS Creswell several times and the sailing is fantastic. It’s also great for snorkeling, swimming, stand up paddle boarding and fishing. The marine park is home to fur seals, penguins and dolphins as well as the passing whales.
Jervis Bay is a beautiful place to get back to nature and relax. Stay for a weekend and you will wish you stayed for a week.
When do the whales visit?
Humpback whales visit Jervis Bay from May to November.
Getting there
Drive
From Sydney – 190 kms, 2 hours 45 mins. This is your cheapest option if you have a car.
Public Transportation
From Sydney Central Station, catch the train to Kiama. Change trains to Bomaderry. Get a taxi to Jervis Bay. This will take approx. 4 hours and cost from $110.
Alternatively, you can catch a bus (once daily) to Bomaderry Station then change and catch the bus to Vincentia. This option will take approx. 5 1/2 hrs and cost from $60.
Use this link for public transport to Jervis Bay.
Trip Planner | transportnsw.info
Where to stay
Luxurious – Erowal Bay Guesthouse, Jervis Bay A sensational 1 bedroom Villa with its own pool.
Mid range – Huskisson Bayside Resort Huskisson Bayside Resort is just 5 minutes’ walk from the popular Huskisson Shopping Village, and 5 minutes’ drive from Jervis Bay National Park.
Budget – Jervis Bay Holiday Park We loved our stay here and couldn’t get the kids out of the solar-heated outdoor pool. Jervis Bay Holiday Park is located on the river in Huskisson, 12km from Jervis Bay Village. This is a great option for families.
Whale watching tours
The Winter Whale Cruise operated by Jervis Bay Wild gives you the rare opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of our migrating Humpback Whales. On the Northern migration we sight Whales within a few miles off the towering sea cliffs on Jervis Bay’s peninsula which makes it one of the most exciting Whale watching experiences on the East coast of Australia. During the Southern migration mothers and their new born calves start to come inside Jervis Bay. This time offers the most unique viewing of the mothers nursing their calves in sheltered waters off the bay.
Book your cruise with Jervis Bay Wild
Land based whale watching
- Point Perpendicular is located at the southern end of Beecroft Peninsular. The lighthouse is open on the weekend so you can check it out at the same time.
- Penguin Head, Culbarra Beach.You need to start at Crookhaven Heads and walk down the beach to Penguin Head. You can see a lot of the coast from there. Most accommodation homes in Culburra Beach have great ocean views so that you can see whales from your room!
- Cape St George Lighthouse is a ruined lighthouse but the high ground provides a great vantage point to spot whales.
Wollongong
Wollongong is home to just over 300,000 Australians and is the third largest city in NSW after Sydney and Newcastle. It is nestled between the Illawarra Escarpment and the Pacific Ocean providing dramatic coastline and ideal whale watching opportunities.
When do the whales visit?
Humpback whales visit Wollongong from May to November.
Getting there
Drive
Wollongong is located 80kms south of Sydney and takes approx 1 hour and 10 mins. I recommend you take the scenic Grand Pacific Drive, which takes you through the Royal National Park and along the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge.
Public Transportation
Catch the train from Sydney to Wollongong. The journey will take between 1 1/2 hours – 2 hours depending on the time of day and will cost approx $10.
Use this link for public transport to Wollongong.
Trip Planner | transportnsw.info
Where to stay
Luxurious – Ocean Vista Escape This luxury 5 bedroom penthouse offers direct beach access and stunning sweeping ocean views.
Mid range – Argo Apartments The hotel is a short walk from Wollongong City Beach and only 1 minute from WIN Stadium. You might be lucky to see the Dragons play at home in the evening during NRL season.
Budget –Coastal Nest is located just 2 mins from gorgeous Towradgi Beach. Fall asleep to the sound of waves breaking in this single bedroom apartment.
Whale watching tours
Aquilla Fishing Charters is Wollongong’s first whale watching cruise. With a maximum limit of 22 guests aboard our 60-foot vessel, you’ll have front-row views, plenty of space to roam, and a truly personal connection to the migrating Southern Humpback Whales. Enjoy a 3-hour weekend adventure with a whale-sighting guarantee or come back for free this season. Plus, we provide morning tea and a delicious sausage sizzle to keep the good vibes going.
This 1.5 hour Whale Watching Cruise gives you the rare opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of our migrating Humpback Whales.
Land based whale watching
- Bald Head Lookout – Located in Stanwell Tops, the views from here are incredible. It’s a little way off the coast so bring your binoculars to spot whales.
- Wollongong Lighthouse – Located on Flagstaff Point this vantage point is excellent for spotting whales. Take the time to enjoy the Blue Mile Walk arounfd the harbour whilst you’re there.
- Sublime Point Lookout – Located in Bulli Tops provides epic views of the coast. You’ll probably only see the big breaches from here as it is a distance from the coast, but the view is worth the effort even if you don’t see whales.
- Sea Cliff Bridge. There are parking areas either end of the Sea Cliff Bridge where you can marvel at this engineering masterpiece and spot a whale or two.
Sydney
Sydney is home to 5 million Sydneysiders and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The city hosts 3.5 million international visitors each year, but did you know that each year, whales also enter the harbour to check out what all the fuss is about.
When do the whales visit?
Humpback whales visit Sydney from May to November.
Getting there
Whale watching tours depart from Circular Quay in Sydney. Circular Quay can be easily accessed by train, bus or ferry.
Use this link for public transport to Circular Quay.
Trip Planner | transportnsw.info
Where to stay
Luxurious – West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton The contemporary designed hotel located 2km from Circular Quay and the Opera House features an open air garden Atrium, which features lush, green foliage. Featured in the heart of this oasis is the Solander Bar serving a variety of international and Australian wines, craft beers and botanical cocktails.
Mid range –Novotel Sydney Novotel Sydney is located at Darling Harbour close to a vibrant restaurant scene.
Budget – YHA Sydney Central This award-winning hostel, with indoor pool is housed in a heritage listed building opposite Central Station in Sydney CBD (Central Business District). Guests enjoy panoramic views of the city from the rooftop outdoor area.
Whale watching tours
All whale watching cruises in Sydney leave from Circular Quay. Check out the links to choose your favourite.
2hr Express Cruise – Whale Watching Sydney
2.5hr Discovery Cruise – Whale Watching Sydney
2.5hr Adventure Cruise – Whale Watching Sydney
Sydney Harbour Cruises – Whale watching
Land based whale watching
Sydney has many vantage points to spot whales. Here are some of my favourites.
- The Gap Bluff Walking Trail – catch the 324 bus from Town Hall to Robertson Park, Military Road, Watsons Bay (approx 40 mins) and walk from there.
- North Head – catch the 161 bus from Manly Wharf (leaves every 20 mins) to Quarantine Station, North Head then it is a 4km walk to the lookouts or drive to the Fairfax Track head carpark (10 mins from Manly).
- Anywhere along the Bondi to Bronte Walk.
- Long Reef Headland – this is a great option for the kids as there is a huge rock platform where you can explore the rockpools at low tide. It is also a popular hangout for hang gliders. Catch a bus along Pittwater Road and get off at Anzac Ave, then walk along the edge of the golf course to join the Bicentennial Coastal Walk Long Reef to the lookout. Alternatively, you can drive and park in the many carparks, however these can become very busy on the weekends.
- Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach. Catch the bus or drive to the very end of Pittwater Road at Palm Beach. After ditching the car or bus, walk north along the Pittwater side of the spit (the flat water side) where you will find a walking trail to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse where you can see across the water where Brisbane Waters, Pittwater and the Hawkesbury River merge at Lion Island before joining the ocean. Look familiar? This is where Home and Away is filmed.
Port Stephens
Awarded Australia’s Best Town for 2025, Port Stephens boasts 26 beaches and a harbour larger than Sydney Harbour. It’s also a place protected by offshore islands and provides calmer waters for whales to have a rest on their annual migration.
When do the whales visit?
Humpback whales visit Port Stephens from May to November.
Getting there
Port Stephens is located 2 ½ hour drive north of Sydney or 1 hour drive from Newcastle and a 30 minute drive from Newcastle Airport.
Flying
Newcastle Airport has direct flights from Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Gold Coast and Melbourne and Perth. If you fly, make sure you book your taxi, Uber or airport transfer in advance.
Driving from Sydney
When driving from Sydney, head up the M1 to Newcastle and then follow the signs to Port Stephens. Keep an eye out for the dinosaur at Somersby on the motorway.
Driving from Coffs Harbour
Port Stephens is a 4 hour drive south from Coffs Harbour, follow the M1 south and turn left at Medowie Road, just after the truck weigh station. Follow Medowie Road until you reach Richardson Road where you turn left. If you come through in the late afternoon, you can see kangaroos at the Alexander Park Dressage Club just before you reach the BP. Turn left at the BP and follow Nelson Bay Road until you reach your destination.
Public Transport
Public transport is limited but it is possible to catch a train to Hamilton Station in Newcastle. From there, jump on the 130 bus (Fingal Bay). Trip Planner | transportnsw.info for timetable information.
Where to stay
There are many accommodation options in Port Stephens. Here are some options for different budgets.
Luxurious – Anchorage Port Stephens
Mid range – Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites
Budget – Halifax Holiday Park
Whale watching tours
Port Stephens is in the middle of the humpback highway. Winter is the perfect time to go for a cruise to see the gentle giants (May to November).
Look up above Cabbage Tree Island to see awesome white bellied sea eagles souring in the breeze. They are easily identified by their wings forming a U shape. With a wing-span of 2.2m and standing height of 90cm, these are impressive creatures are the second biggest bird of prey in Australia behind the wedge tailed eagle.
Port Stephens: 2.5 hour Whale Watching and Outer Island Cruise
Whale Watching – Nelson Bay, New South Wales | Moonshadow – TQC Cruises
Cruise on a 30m catamaran through the stunning scenery of Port Stephens and the outer islands. Along with whales, you also have the chance to see huge pods (100 to a pod) of oceanic dolphins, offshore sea birds and other species of whales including pilot, minke and brydes.
Land based whale watching
There are lots of great land based vantage points for whale watching. These are my favourites.
- Tomaree Headland
- Boat Harbour Whale Watch Lookout
- Barry Park Lookout, Fingal Bay
Port Macquarie
When do the whales visit?
Humpback whales visit Port Macquarie from May to November.
Getting there
Fly
From Sydney it is a short 1 hour flight with QANTAS. Rex also fly to Port Macquarie.
From Brisbane a flight takes 3 hours and 40 mins by QANTAS/Jetstar.
Drive
Port Macquarie is 380kms north of Sydney and will take just over 4 hours to drive.
Port Macquarie is 540kms south of Brisbane and a non-stop trip will take approx 5 3/4 hrs.
Public Transport
A bus from Central Station in Sydney is your cheapest option but will take you 6 1/2 hours.
A bus from Brisbane will take just on 11 hours! No thank you.
Travelling by train from Sydney will get you as far as Wauchope where you will need to change to a bus to Port Macquarie. The trip will take 7 hours. Similarly, from Roma Street Station, Brisbane take the train to Wauchope and transfer to the bus. This will take almost 9 hors with transfer time. Train is your cheapest option.
Use this link for public transport to Port Macquarie.
Trip Planner | transportnsw.info
Where to stay
Luxurious – Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges
Mid range –Club Wyndham Flynns Beach located just out of town, Club Wyndham Flynns Beach is my go to accommodation in Port Macquarie. It’s so relaxing with drink service poolside set in a tranquil leafy oasis.
Budget – Ingenia Holidays Bonny Hills is a Big 4 beachfront holiday park 18kms south of Port Macquarie. Perfect for the family.
Whale watching tours
Port Jet Cruises operates 2 boats during whale watching season.
The Waverider is an open rib boat with a protective roof. It shields you from the sun and rain, while offering an intimate encounter with stunning marine life. This cruise is approximately 90 mins.
The Essence has three different viewing decks, and even has UNDERWATER VIEWING WINDOWS. Just a short trip on our boat and our spotter on the hill will direct the skipper to the best sightings. This cruise is also 90 mins.
Book your cruise here Port Jet Cruises
Land based whale watching
- Tacking Point Lighthouse – The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk begins at the Town Green Foreshore and follows the coast past Town Beach, Rocky Beach Lookout, Nobby’s Beach, Harry’s Lookout to Sea Acres which is a popular hang gliding hangout. The walk ends at Tacking Point Lighthouse, built in 1879 and a great spot to relax on a picnic rug a spot a whale or more.
- Grant’s Beach is a popular whale watching spot accessed via a pretty coastal walk through native forest.
- Perpendicular Point is located 40 mins south of Port Macquarie in the Kattang Nature Reserve, Camden Haven. The spectacular vertical cliffs plummet 40m to the ocean below and provide the perfect vantage point to spot whales.
- Charles Hamey Lookout is a short walk from the carpark and wheelchair accessible. From Charles Hamey lookout admire the magnificent views overlooking Gogleys Lagoon, with North Brother Mountain in Dooragan National Park providing a dramatic backdrop. Change direction and gaze across the golden sands of Dunbogan Beach as it sweeps around to Diamond Head in Crowdy Bay National Park. Don’t get distracted by the view as you are looking for whales.
Coffs Harbour
When do the whales visit?
Humpback whales visit Coffs Harbour from June to November.
Getting there
Driving
Coffs Harbour is located 6 hours north of Sydney or 4 hours south of Brisbane and is a great town to break up the drive up the NSW coast.
Flying
Coffs Harbour Airport has direct flights from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Public Transport
Trains run twice daily from Brisbane leaving from Roma Street Station to Coffs Harbour and take about 5 hours. There are also 2 train services daily from Central Station, Sydney to Coffs Harbour and takes almost 9 hours.
There is a decent bus service in and around Coffs Harbour.
Visit Trip Planner | transportnsw.info for timetable information.
Where to stay
Luxurious – Pacific Bay Resort This resort is located to the north of Coffs Harbour and is located on a stunning golf course. The onsite restaurant is fantastic.
Mid range – Coffs Harbour Holiday Apartments
Budget – Country 2 Coast Motor Inn Coffs Harbour The motor inn is located right next to the Big Banana. We stay here quite regularly and the onsite restaurant is quite good.
Whale watching tours
Coffs Harbour is located just to the south of the Solitary Islands Marine Park where the humpback whales meet to continue their journey north. There is no sand bar at the harbour so cruises can generally depart in most conditions. Whales are often seen with just 15 minutes of leaving the harbour! Choose you cruise below.
Whale Watching Coffs Harbour – Jetty Dive Centre
Whale Watching Coffs Harbour – Whale Watch Experience
Land based whale watching
There are many headlands and lookouts around Coffs Harbour overlooking the Solitary Islands Marine Park which provide excellent whale watching opportunities.
- Muttonbird Island – is accessed via Coffs Harbour Jetty. At the end of the jetty there is a short steep climb onto the island. There is an elevated walkway to the eastern lookout where you can watch for whales.
- Macauleys Headland (Park Beach) – walk up to the headland from the beach carpark.
- Sawtell Headland, Sawtell – Sawtell is a lovely coastal village located just to the south of Coffs Harbour. There is easy access for parking plus several benches and grassy areas for picnics.
- Boambee Headland, Sawtell – this rugged headland has carparks at the top of the headland and halfway up. Choose one of the walking trails around the headland to view the whales.
- Look At Me Now Headland, Emerald Beach is accessed from a carpark at the top of the headland. Relax on the grassy headland with a picnic but be prepared to share the grass with the mob of resident kangaroos.
- Sealy Lookout, Coffs Harbour. Sealy Lookout and its Forest Sky Pier provides stunning views over Coffs Harbour and the Solitary Islands. It’s a fair way from the coast so binoculars are recommended.
- Woolgoolga Headland, Woolgoolga is located to the north of Coffs Harbour. The headland is accessed from a carpark at the top of the headland. After whale watching, explore the seaside village of Woolgoolga.
Byron Bay
When do the whales visit?
Whales visit Byron Bay from June to November.
Getting there
Byron Bay is located approximately 2-hour drive from Brisbane or an 8-hour drive from Sydney. Just drive along the M1 and follow the signs. Alternatively, you can jump on board the Greyhound coach or take a direct flight from Sydney.
You can also fly from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Where to stay
Luxurious – The Villas of Byron Each villa is a secluded haven, meticulously crafted to provide an unparalleled indoor/outdoor living experience. From private courtyards boasting mineral pools, waterfalls, and heated spas to sumptuous furnishings, spacious bedrooms, opulent ensuite bathrooms, and modern galley kitchens, every detail is curated to elevate your stay.
Mid-range – The Lord Byron is located in the very centre of Byron Bay. Enjoy the tranquility of a property surrounded by lush foliage, a divine swimming pool and spa with wraparound decking, spacious cabana, and tennis court.
Budget – Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay Located only five minutes’ drive from downtown Byron, you’ll be close enough to the action, yet far enough away to feel like you can truly unwind. Choose from a range of accommodation across the park’s 28-acre beachfront location, from campsites to cabins, villas, glamping tents and even the luxurious Fig Tree House.
Whale watching tours
The only whale watching tour operator departing directly from The Pass, Byron Bay. So there are no long boat rides to and from whale watching sites and your 2-hour on water adventure.
Out of the Blue Adventures Whale watching tours depart from the Richmond River, Ballina and cruise the pristine waters of Cape Byron Marine Park. Their onboard marine biologist will share their in-depth knowledge of the area and drop a hydrophone into the water so you can hear the underwater whale songs.
Whale Watching Safari with Wild Byron
Wild Byron operate out of Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour just 15 mins north of Byron Bay. With a maximum of 12 passengers, you will enjoy an intimate experience with the whales. Marine experts and researchers will guide you through the cruise with in-depth knowledge of the whales and their behaviours, while listening to the Humpback Whale song via our underwater hydrophone.
Land based whale watching
- Cape Byron Lighthouse is the go-to location for whale watching. It’s also the most easterly point in Australia so tick that one off your bucket list.
- Captain Cook Lookout. Follow the Cape Byron walking track and you will come to the Captain Cook Lookout. Follow the trail further and there are other vantage points with less people.
Gold Coast
When do the whales visit?
Whales visit the Gold Coast from June to October.
Getting there
The Gold Coast really doesn’t need an introduction. You can basically fly here from anywhere in the world!
You can drive the 70kms from Brisbane to the Gold Coast but beware of the traffic! The trip can take 50 mins in good conditions but on the Friday evening could take 4 hours!
The cheapest and most reliable (no fighting with the traffic) is to catch the train to Helensvale then hop on the light rail to the Gold Coast. This trip will take 1 hour 20 mins.
Where to stay
There are so many accommodation options on the Gold Coast. Choose your preferred style here
Whale watching tours
Whale Watching Gold Coast Tours & Cruises | Aqua Adventures
Aqua Adventures offers the option to jump in the water and swim with the whales and listen to their amazing songs and clicks under the water.
Whale Watching Gold Coast Tickets | Sea World Cruises
Departing from the Sea World Cruises Terminal, Sea World Cruises are voted the #1 whale watching operator on the Gold Coast. Sea World is also the organisation that rescues trapped whales from fishing nets.
Whale Watching Tours & Packages | Whale Watch Queensland
Whale Watch Queensland offers departures from Surfers Paradise (3 hours) or Santuary Cove (4 hours).
Land based whale watching
- Burleigh Point, Burleigh Heads. Just a perfect place to have a picnic and spot a few whales.
- Cabarita Headland is located just south of the border.
- Point Danger Lookout, Coolangatta sits right on the NSW/QLD border and overlooks Duranbah Beach, a surfing hotspot.
- Kirra Hill, Kirra. You can drive or walk up (it’s quite steep) the top for amazing coastal views. Enjoy lunch at one of the many eateries on Marine Parade.
- Tumgun Lookout, Burleigh Heads is located in the National Park above Burleigh Point. It’s higher up so a different perspective but you will need binoculars.
- Miami Hill, Miami is located between North Burleigh Surf Club and Miami Surf Club. After your whale watching, head to North Burleigh Surf Club for a drink or meal. I’m a big fan of supporting surf lifesaving clubs ever since they rescued me from a rip when I was 12. Not to mention, they have prime real estate and amazing views. And remember – always swim between the flags.
Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay is a unique spot on the humpback whale migration and is the world’s first Whale Heritage Site.
When do the whales visit?
Humpback whales visit Hervey Bay from July to October. This is where they rest and play at the northern end of their migration.
Getting there
Hervey Bay is a 293km (3.5 hour) drive north of Brisbane up the Bruce Highway. A bus trip will take 6 hours and 20 mins or you can fly from Brisbane Airport (2 hours 40 mins). Personally, by the time you have arrived at the airport, checked in, sorted your luggage then sorted your land based transport in Hervey Bay, I find it quicker and overall more convenient to drive.
Where to stay
Luxurious – Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
Mid range – The Beach Motel, Hervey Bay
Budget – Hervey Bay Holiday Park | Tasman Holiday Parks
Whale watching tours
Hervey Bay Whale Watch Hervey Bay has become world famous for its incredible whale encounters, in particular, a behaviour called “mugging” where the whales lift their heads out of the water to take a good look at you!
Land based whale watching
Take a walk along one of Australia’s longest piers. The historic timber Urangan Pier stretches an impressive 868m into Hervey Bay providing a perfect spot to watch the whales playing in the bay.
Tips to avoid sea sickness
- Eat a good breakfast – not too fatty
- Stay hydrated – nothing worse than heading out to sea with a hangover!
- Take seasickness tablets before you leave. They take 15 minutes to start working. There are 2 types of Travacalm available from the chemist. (They are not sold in supermarkets. Grrrrr.) The original blue one, I find works best. There is also a ginger based one, but this doesn’t work so good in my opinion. The cruise operators should also have sea sickness tablets available on board.
- Stand outside with the breeze in your face. Front of the boat is the best spot anyway for spotting wildlife.
- Look out to the horizon and look for whales and dolphins. This will help you brain, eyes and ears to figure out which way is up.
So what are you waiting for? Book your winter whale watching holiday now, or if you are a local, take a day off and spend the day with these gentle giants. You won’t regret it.
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