Best of · AUSTRALIA WHALE WATCHING TOURS

15 Australian Whale Watching Trips Worth Booking

60 tours  ·  from $45 a head

The humpback highway runs both ways past the whole east coast between May and November, with Hervey Bay as the one place the animals stop. These 15 cover Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Newcastle and the west.

Sydney: Whale Watching Adventure Cruise - The 40-minute run toward the whales
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Sydney Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

Sydney: Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

1.Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,790 reviews · 2h 45m · from $63Our pick

Join Sydney Harbour Attractions at Circular Quay for a 165-minute whale-watching cruise along the coast. A live English-speaking guide explains whale behavior as you search from spacious decks and comfortable seats. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, toilets, and a licensed bar are onboard. Bring warm layers and seasickness tablets.

“We enjoyed our excursion. The naturalist was very interesting and we learned a few things we didn't know about humpback whales. The beautiful weather and scenery made it a lovely outing on its own, but seeing whales, including a mother and offspring, was wonderful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise from Redcliffe or Sunshine Coast - Five hours aboard the Eye Spy
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise from Redcliffe or Sunshine Coast

2.Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise from Redcliffe or Sunshine Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 997 reviews · from $114Top rated

Set out from Redcliffe aboard the purpose-built Eye Spy for a five-hour Moreton Bay whale cruise, available June through November. Watch for humpback whales, calves, dolphins, turtles, and breaching whales while the crew explains what you are seeing. Your ticket includes a gourmet picnic lunchbox, live commentary, and guaranteed whale sightings, with Brisbane and Sunshine Coast pickup available.

“This was an absolutely amazing trip. To see the whales up close like that is just spectacular. I was concerned about how engaging in a tour like this may adversely affect the whales, but the crew were very clear (and proud!) about how their boat is specifically designed to not disturb the whales, and once you are out there you see that the whales if anything are just as interested in us as we are in them. We were not chasing them and they could have easily gotten away from us if they wanted. The person providing commentary helped you to spot the whales easily and provided a lot of…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise - Watching humpbacks in their seasonal home
4-Day Experiences, Australia Whale Watching Tours, Hervey Bay Whale Watching Tours, Luxury Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise

3.Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · from $125

Join Freedom Whale Watch at Great Sandy Strait Marina for a six-hour catamaran cruise into Platypus Bay. Skipper Toni and the crew explain whale behavior as you watch humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. The day includes hotel transfers, morning tea, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, indoor and outdoor seating, and a whale-sighting guarantee from 15 July to 10 October.

“Five stars to the crew of Freedom III - a truly memorable day on the water cruising with the whales out from Hervey Bay. This is the only way to experience extended time interacting with the migrating whales . Both morning and afternoon tea Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast - Watching Humpbacks From Two Decks
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast

4.Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 884 reviews · from $53

Meet at Aqua Adventures in Southport for a roughly 2.5-hour cruise aboard the Spirit of Gold Coast. A marine biologist explains humpback behavior while the crew searches for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. You can watch from enclosed lower areas or open upper decks, with morning tea, toilets, and a licensed bar on board.

“Nice friendly staff and good commentary about the whales. Would recommend this tour to any travellers. as a solo traveller, the staff made me feel welcome. got to see a few dolphins as well.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast - Sydney Harbour views before the whale search
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Lunch Experiences, Sydney Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast

5.Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 878 reviews · from $74

Cruise from Sydney Harbour past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Manly Beach, Watsons Bay, and The Gap before searching for humpback whales in the Pacific. Choose breakfast or a BBQ lunch, listen to live commentary, and keep motion-sickness medicine close. The cruise runs May to November and returns to the starting point.

“Had a wonderful boat trip from Sydney harbour in November. Very well organised and for all ages. Staff so helpful and informative. I knew the migration season was ending but was still hopeful of seeing some and this trip didn’t disappoint.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sydney: 2-hour Express Whale Watching Cruise - The first 20 minutes: harbour views and open ocean
2-Hour Experiences, Australia Whale Watching Tours, Sydney Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

Sydney: 2-hour Express Whale Watching Cruise

6.2-hour Express Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 756 reviews · 2 hours · from $63

From Circular Quay, Fantasea Crystal reaches the open ocean in about 20 minutes, leaving roughly 90 minutes to look for humpback whales, dolphins, and seals. Choose the open sun deck, covered rear deck, or air-conditioned cabin. Guides such as Josh, Wayde, and Kate have added lively commentary on some departures. No whale sighting means a free return cruise.

“Great afternoon out got to see some whales and dolphins.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour - How the 150-minute whale search works
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

7.Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 703 reviews · 2h 30m · from $52Best value

Cruise from Southport’s Broadwater between June and October to watch migrating humpback whales in open water. A marine biologist and captain Dean provide commentary, while the Spirit of Gold Coast offers 360-degree viewing decks, tea, coffee, biscuits, and a free return trip if whales do not appear.

“The best activity we did on our trip to Gold Coast. The sea was very rough, however the Captain made sure to show us as many whales as possible. Unfortunately some of us got wet in the bargain but it was all worth it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hervey Bay: Ultimate Whale Watching Experience - The scenic ride toward Platypus Bay
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Hervey Bay Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Hervey Bay: Ultimate Whale Watching Experience

8.Ultimate Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 656 reviews · 3 hours · from $84

Cruise Platypus Bay aboard the 12-metre Ocean Defender, a low, comfortable boat built for small groups and water-level whale views. Marine scientists explain humpback behaviour, while underwater hydrophones let you hear live whale songs. Expect snacks, soft drinks, shade, a toilet, and a Junior Naturalist booklet for children.

“Great boat with a great crew. Super comfy seats and way to see all around the boat. Don’t underestimate how cold it can get while cruising. Bring a jacket!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching Boat Trip in Sydney - Beyond Sydney Heads, where the real search begins
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Sydney Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Watching Boat Trip in Sydney

9.Whale Watching Boat Trip in Sydney

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 571 reviews · from $99

Meet Whale Tales at King Street Wharf for a 2.5-hour cruise under the Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House, then out beyond Sydney Heads with a small crew. Guides such as Rex, Mette, Alex, and Isaac share whale facts, help spot dolphins and humpbacks, and may send complimentary photos after the trip.

“It was awesome, ans i decommend it yku tontry it! All.the staffs were helpful and they even semt ua some pics after.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hervey Bay 4-Hour Whale Watch Encounter - From your accommodation to Hervey Bay Marina
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Hervey Bay Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Hervey Bay 4-Hour Whale Watch Encounter

10.Hervey Bay 4-Hour Whale Watch Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 562 reviews · 4 hours · from $109

Spend four hours aboard Tasman Venture, a 20-meter catamaran built for whale watching in Hervey Bay. Cruise the Great Sandy Strait toward K’gari, using open decks, underwater windows, and a water-level platform to watch humpbacks. Guides such as Vicky and Rachel have led departures, with tea, coffee, biscuits, and an antipasti platter included.

“The on-board guide, Vicky, was absolutely fabulous. Clear voice, friendly, professional and super knowledgeable. Tour time-frame was perfect, morning tea and snacks plentiful, easy to move around the boat, great viewing opportunities, captain & crew all friendly & fabulous. Lost count of how many whales we saw in crystal clear water on a perfectly clear day. Seriously, what wasn’t to love! Smaller operator, great attention to detail & needs, easy day. Loved it. Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience - Platypus Bay and the main whale encounter
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Hervey Bay Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience

11.Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 557 reviews · from $111

Cruise from Hervey Bay’s Great Sandy Straits Marina into Platypus Bay, where humpback whales rest and play beside K’gari. Choose a five-hour morning trip with tea and lunch, or a four-hour afternoon cruise with sunset, antipasto, and dinner. Expect multi-level decks, underwater cameras, a hydrophone, multilingual commentary, and hotel pickup.

“Absolutely loved the experience would do again next year. Only one change would make sure we had warmer clothes it was fresh on the water Great tour great staff definitely worth every cent spent for the day”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise - The ride out and the first whale search
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Hervey Bay Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

12.Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 553 reviews · from $111

Join Tasman Venture’s four-hour Hervey Bay catamaran cruise for guaranteed humpback sightings, live commentary, underwater windows, hydrophones, tea, snacks, and hotel pickup. The crew, including guides such as Rachael, explains whale behavior in clear detail, while children have toys and DVDs to keep busy. Views toward K’gari add to the trip.

“This is an absolute must do. Great end to our honeymoon. We saw plenty of whales and the staff were very friendly.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise - The ride out and the first whale search
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Fraser Island Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

13.Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 538 reviews · from $105

Join Tasman Venture at Great Sandy Straits Marina for a four-hour catamaran cruise among Hervey Bay’s humpback whales. Watch from the outdoor platform or underwater windows, hear whale song through hydrophones, and enjoy tea, coffee, cake, biscuits, and an antipasto platter. Hotel pickup, children’s activities, and a free return cruise if no whales appear are included.

“What a wonderful day you managed to tick off 1 of my bucket lists. It truly was a magical experience to see such giants gracefully play”

Check availability →Read our full review

Fraser Island Whale Watch Encounter - Starting at Great Sandy Straits Marina
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Fraser Island Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Fraser Island Whale Watch Encounter

14.Fraser Island Whale Watch Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 466 reviews

Join Peter, Jodie, and the Blue Dolphin crew for an eight-hour whale watch from Hervey Bay to Platypus Bay. You’ll travel aboard a 12-meter catamaran limited to 24 people, watch whales from a submerged viewing platform, hear their calls through a hydrophone, and enjoy buffet lunch, tea, and refreshments.

“WE had an exceptional day out with Blue Dolphin. A whole day tour with so may whales up close cavorting and staying with the boat. Truly stunning, we will come again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Fremantle: 2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise - Searching Perth’s sheltered waters for humpbacks
2-Hour Experiences, Australia Whale Watching Tours, Luxury Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

From Fremantle: 2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise

15.From Fremantle: 2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 455 reviews · 2 hours · from $67

From Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, you’ll spend two hours aboard the Steep Point, a purpose-built catamaran with five viewing decks, warm indoor seating, and live commentary from marine mammal experts. Look for humpback whales resting, breaching, tail slapping, and socializing in Perth’s sheltered waters. Mothers and calves are often seen from October.

“We saw a lot of whales ! Very very nice experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Australia Whale Watching Tours

★ 5.0Broome Sunset & Whale Watching CruiseFrom $1192 reviews
★ 4.6Bremer Canyon Orca Experience from Bremer BayFrom $28235 reviews
★ 4.9Bremer Bay: Bremer Canyon Killer Whale ExpeditionFrom $282114 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching TourFrom $749 reviews
★ 5.0Albany’s Whale StoryFrom $994 reviews
★ 5.0Port Stephens 3 Hour Whale and Dolphin Watch CruiseFrom $6253 reviews
★ 4.7Moreton Island: Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin FeedingFrom $16257 reviews
★ 4.4Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale CruiseFrom $9548 reviews
★ 4.6Nelson Bay: Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran CruiseFrom $6347 reviews
★ 5.0Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) ExpeditionFrom $286215 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching Cruise from MooloolabaFrom $71120 reviews
★ 5.0Noosa Ocean Adventures: Whale WatchFrom $6865 reviews
★ 5.0AAA NOOSA Whale watching experience in Noosa WhalesongsnoosaFrom $8237 reviews
★ 3.8Humpback Whale Watching Cruise and Harbor TourFrom $6030 reviews
★ 4.5Port Stephens: Whale Watching CruiseFrom $54108 reviews

Keep browsing

USA Whale Watching Tours98Canada Whale Watching Tours37Mexico Whale Watching Tours30Iceland Whale Watching Tours41Spain Whale Watching Tours63Portugal Whale Watching Tours40
Scroll to Top

Go looking for a whale

Pick a hull, a species or a month.

By boat

Cruise BoatsZodiacs and RIBsCatamaransUnder SailPrivate Charters

By species

HumpbacksOrcasGrey WhalesWhale and DolphinWildlife Cruises

Closer in

In-Water SwimsSnorkelling TripsKayak TripsWith a BiologistSmall Groups

Ways to go out

Luxury BoatsSunset SailingsPhotography TripsHalf-Day TripsGuided Trips