The 6 Most Popular Humpback Whale Tours in Australia

1.Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · from $89Our pick

Join CoastXP at Newcastle Harbour for a two-hour whale-watching cruise capped at 20 people. Guide Jane and the team explain humpback behavior as you search the Hunter Coast for whales, dolphins, and seals. The boat provides weatherproof jackets, a marine toilet, photos, and a free return trip in the same season if no whale appears.

“Highly recommend this to families . Everything was well organised and the tour guide was very informative and helpful”

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2.Humpback Whale-Watching Half-Day Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 153 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $84

Sail from Hervey Bay aboard Quick Cat II, a purpose-built catamaran with five viewing decks, three levels, and open 360-degree sightlines. Your English-speaking crew shares live commentary, serves tea and light refreshments, and uses a hydrophone so you can hear whale song underwater. Optional whale swimming may be available, subject to conditions, fees, and space.

“Amazing tour on an amazing boat with amazing people. We saw a lot of whales (end of September)”

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3.Noosa Whale Watching Cruise – Humpback Whale Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $71

Join Noosa Oceanrider for a two-hour small-group cruise from Noosa Marina. The boat carries up to 12 people and heads through the river and Noosa Heads in search of humpback whales. Skippers including Mike and Christian share facts about local wildlife, while binoculars, raincoats, life jackets, and action goggles are provided.

“Fantastic experience, great guide & made sure we saw the whales! 🐋 He had excellent knowledge of the whales, their habits & what they were up to.”

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4.Humpback Whale Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $466

Set out from Coral Bay at 7:30 am for an 8-hour humpback whale safari along Ningaloo Reef. Between June and October, you may watch migrating whales from the boat or enter the water when guides judge conditions safe. Lunch, snacks, sparkling wine, and a photography package are included, with space for up to 14 guests.

“We would put down 6 stars if we could! A lot of the tour is up to the animals but the staff/ crew do their best to give you a wonderful experience! The humpbacks were so active on the day we went, so swimming with them was difficult but the crew did their best and wRead more”

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5.Small Group Humpback Whale Encounter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 41 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Leave Newcastle’s Honeysuckle Foreshore on CoastXP’s two-hour whale cruise, limited to 20 people. Your English-speaking guide, such as Dom, Glen, Jane, or Dominic, explains whale behavior, coastal landmarks, and geology while you search for humpbacks, dolphins, and fur seals. Jackets, a marine toilet, and a free return trip if no whales appear are included.

“Absolutely fantastic day. We were travelling with a pod of 50 - 70 dolphins all around the boat.”

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6.Humpback Whale Watching Cruise and Harbor Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 30 reviews · 2h 30m · from $60Best value

NOVA Cruises takes you from Newcastle Harbour into open water on a 2.5-hour, 16-meter catamaran cruise. You’ll scan for humpback whales, hear live English commentary, enjoy harbor and outer beach views, and use indoor or upper-deck viewing areas. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and morning or afternoon tea are included.

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