Sealink highlights Australia’s top whale watching destinations for 2026 | Holiday & Travel | Lifestyle
Each year, tens of thousands of humpback whales travel up to 10,000 kilometres along Australia’s coastline in one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife migrations.
Stretching from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef, this route, often called the “humpback highway”, sees whales travel thousands of kilometres to breed, calve and rest, creating some of the best whale watching opportunities in the world from May through November. From close-up encounters with mothers and calves in Queensland’s calm nursery waters to dramatic coastal sightings in southern Australia, SeaLink Marine & Tourism is connecting guests to these unforgettable experiences across the country.
SeaLink offers a range of on-water and land-based experiences across Australia’s most iconic whale watching destinations.
Here’s where to whale watch with SeaLink in 2026:
Bruny Island, Tasmania (May to July and September to November): Bruny Island offers excellent watching, with humpback and southern right whales as well as Orcas frequently spotted in the surrounding waters via a Pennicott Wilderness Journeys cruise, accessible by the SeaLink ferry from the Kettering terminal.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia (May to September): Southern right whales can often be spotted along Kangaroo Island’s southern coastline, with some of the best viewing opportunities found around Penneshaw, Cape Willoughby, Pennington Bay, Vivonne Bay and Kingscote.
Sydney Harbour, New South Wales (May to November): Captain Cook Cruises offers a 5-hour whale watching experience departing Circular Quay. After cruising past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, guests head out through the Heads to spot humpbacks breaching and tail-slapping just offshore.
North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), Queensland (June to November): Just a short ferry journey from Brisbane, Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island offers some of Australia’s best land-based whale watching, with sweeping ocean views and regular sightings from the headland.
K’gari (Fraser Island), Queensland (July to October): Hervey Bay’s Western waters become a nursery for humpback whales and their calves. These calm, sheltered waters offer some of the most intimate whale encounters in the world, with opportunities to witness playful calf behaviour and relaxed whale interactions.
Whitsundays, Queensland (July to September): Humpback whales migrate through the Whitsundays each year, with sightings possible across a range of SeaLink experiences, from island tours and reef trips to jet ski adventures, as guests explore destinations including Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and the surrounding island waterways, set against the backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef.
Magnetic Island & Townsville, North Queensland (Mid-July to August): Whale watching cruises depart Townsville, offering 3-hour tours in warm tropical waters where humpbacks are often seen breaching close to the vessel.
Rottnest Island, Western Australia (September to November): Humpback and southern right whales can be spotted during their southbound migration, both from the ferry journey and from land-based vantage points including Cape Vlamingh, Cathedral Rocks and West End Lookout.
In Queensland’s northern waters, whale encounters are often slower and more intimate, with mothers and calves resting and building strength. Further south, sightings tend to be more dramatic and energetic, with frequent breaches and displays along open coastlines.
“Watching whales in the wild is a truly moving experience; one that reminds us of the power and beauty of the natural world,” said Donna Gauci, CEO of SeaLink Marine & Tourism.
“Through our experiences across Australia, we’re proud to help guests connect with these incredible animals in some of the country’s most spectacular marine environment.” SeaLink Marine & Tourism is committed to responsible and sustainable whale watching practices, working within strict guidelines to minimise disturbance while delivering educational and memorable experiences.
To plan a whale watching adventure with SeaLink Marine & Tourism, visit the website for tour details, schedules and bookings across Australia’s top whale watching destinations.
