Aboard · WHALE WATCHING TRIPS IN AUSTRALIA
Every trip has one free day too few. These 12 whale watching trips in Australia justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
From Circular Quay, you’ll cruise Sydney Harbour and the open coast for 165 minutes aboard a spacious catamaran. A live English-speaking guide explains humpback behavior while you watch for whales, dolphins, and possible breaches. Bring warm layers and motion-sickness tablets for rougher seas.
“Fantastic boat ride and lots of whales spotted! Great value for money”
Sail from Redcliffe aboard the high-speed catamaran Eye Spy for about five hours of humpback whale watching in Moreton Bay. Captain Kerry and the crew provide live commentary, while your ticket includes a fresh picnic lunchbox. Hotel pickup from Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast is available on selected bookings.
“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…”
Join Freedom Whale Watch at 9:30 am for a six-hour catamaran cruise from Hervey Bay into Platypus Bay. Skipper Toni and the crew explain whale behavior as you watch humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, with buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and three viewing levels.
“Amazing day so much so we went twice!! Fantastic boat and crew and AWESOME whales 🐳 ♥️. Truly wonderful”
Spend about four hours on a Sydney Princess Cruises vessel, starting with breakfast or a BBQ lunch on Sydney Harbour. See the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then head beyond Sydney Heads to look for migrating humpback whales. Guides such as Devlin and David have been praised for clear spotting help and marine-life commentary.
“A must do for anyone visiting Sydney. It was exciting to watch the whales in their natural habitat splashing out like dolphins. I loved it and will do it again.”
Leave Circular Quay aboard Fantasea Crystal and reach the open ocean in about 20 minutes, leaving most of this two-hour cruise for whale watching. Choose the sun deck, covered rear deck, or air-conditioned cabin. English guides, onboard commentary, snacks, and a free return cruise if no whales are seen.
“It was a 2 hour whale trip, which was all the time we had. So perfect. We saw lots of humpback whales and the commentary was wonderful (photographer that works for ship, very knowledgeable). Highly recommend.”
Join Whale Tales at Darling Harbour for a 2.5-hour cruise beneath the Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House, then head beyond Sydney Heads in search of humpback whales. Crew members such as Rex, Mette, Alex, Isaac, and Mawi share whale facts, help with sightings, and may send onboard photos afterward.
“I really enjoyed this tour and the weather wasn’t what we had hoped but we had a great time. The crew was fantastic and it’s well worth the day. Had a lot of fun and would recommend.”
From Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, you’ll spend two hours aboard Steep Point, a three-level catamaran with five viewing decks, heated lounge seating, and live commentary from marine mammal experts such as Niamh. Expect humpback whales, family pods, and helpful crew support if the sea gets rough.
“It was great. We were out for a longer time to try and see extra whales/dolphins. Great trip and very informative”
Join Captain Kerry Lopez aboard the MV Eye Spy catamaran for a five-hour Moreton Bay cruise with guaranteed whale sightings and a fresh picnic lunchbox. Optional Brisbane hotel pickup is available, and the crew shares clear guidance on whale behavior throughout the trip.
“What an amazing day. All the crew were amazing, the food was so fresh and tasty, but obviously we were there for the whales and they did not disappoint. A pod of Mother, Aunty and baby stayed with us the whole time and the baby was showing off his new skills. There are not enough worlds to describe the feeling.”
Cruise from Main Beach aboard Spirit of Migaloo II toward the Humpback Highway. Captain Wayno and marine naturalist guides explain whale behavior while you watch for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. The boat has underwater microphones, a bar, exhibits, and accessible viewing areas.
“We enjoyed the whale watching tour, didn’t have to go very far to find several pods. Was very enjoyable.”
Cruise from Busselton, Augusta or Dunsborough with an experienced skipper, marine biologist and a small group. Watch humpback whales, dolphins, seabirds and possible blue or southern right whales from a purpose-built two-level boat with walk-around viewing.
“It was very relaxed and a great atmosphere. Loved the way the captain negotiated with other charters to ensure we all got to see the whales. Would be nice to have the info booklets as A4 facts round the boat. Thanks guys. Really enjoyed it.”
Join the Amaroo from Hervey Bay for a four-hour whale cruise with Captain Phil and an experienced crew. You’ll scan for humpbacks, learn about their behavior, and watch from three open decks. Morning or afternoon tea, parking, marine park fees, and Boat Club dining discounts are included.
“Awesome, outstanding experience. The whales didn’t disappoint very interactive moments with the boat.”
Join a marine biologist and skipper for a 150-minute whale watch from Ballina to Cape Byron Marine Park. Small eco vessels carry 20 or 25 people, with 360-degree views, onboard whale song, ponchos, and a free return trip if whales stay hidden.
“Oh my what an experience!! It was well worth it and we had an amazing guide and an experienced driver . Must do this experience!!”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
