Explore Breathtaking Whale Watching with SeaLink

SeaLink Marine & Tourism welcomes nature lovers to partake in magnificent whale watching adventures across Australia’s spectacular coastal areas.

From the rugged shores of Bruny Island to the crystal-clear waters of the Whitsundays, SeaLink provides an exceptional opportunity to witness the incredible migration of humpback and southern right whales.

SeaLink’s chief executive, Donna Gauci, shared, “Watching whales in the wild is a truly moving experience: one that reminds us of the power and beauty of the natural world. At SeaLink, we’re proud to offer so many ways for guests to experience this firsthand, across some of Australia’s most spectacular coastal regions.”

Through whale-watching and related activities, SeaLink is committed to promoting sustainable and responsible practices. By partnering with marine conservation organizations and following strict guidelines, the company ensures minimal disturbance to the whales while providing enriching educational experiences for guests.

Where the Whales Play

Each year, thousands of humpback whales journey along the eastern coastline of Australia in one of nature’s most remarkable migrations. This journey, known as the “humpback highway,” begins in Antarctica and extends north to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef, creating excellent viewing opportunities from May to November.

In Queensland, areas such as K’gari (Fraser Island), Townsville, and Magnetic Island offer sheltered waters, vital for the whales’ lifecycle. Here, mothers care for their newborn calves, nurturing and helping them grow stronger before embarking on the return south.

These encounters allow for serene and intimate experiences, as visitors observe tail flukes, gentle breaches, and playful calf behavior up close.

In addition to humpbacks, southern right whales can also be seen in cooler, more remote southern waters, providing exceptional land and sea-based viewing opportunities in regions like Encounter Bay near Kangaroo Island and Bruny Island in Tasmania.

The Best Areas for Whale Watching

• Sydney Harbour, New South Wales: From June to November, enjoy a 2.5-hour whale-watching expedition with Captain Cook Cruises from Circular Quay, cruising past famous landmarks like the Opera House & Harbour Bridge.
• K’gari (Fraser Island), Queensland: This location becomes a haven for humpback whales and their calves between July and October, featuring day tours from Kingfisher Bay Resort.
• North Stradbroke Island, Queensland: Accessible via a short SeaLink ferry, this island offers impressive views from Point Lookout.
• Magnetic Island & Townsville, North Queensland: SeaLink offers whale-watching cruises during peak season from mid-July to August.
• Whitsundays, Queensland: From June to November, the Whitsundays are alive with whale activity, with numerous cruising options available.
• Rottnest Island, Western Australia: Watch for humpbacks and southern rights from September to late November.
• Bruny Island, Tasmania: Offers outstanding land-based whale watching spots during migration seasons of May to July and September to November.
• Kangaroo Island, South Australia: Features rich opportunities to see southern right whales from May to September.

SeaLink Marine & Tourism takes pride in connecting guests with these awe-inspiring moments in nature, offering a variety of guided and cruise-based experiences tailored to the unique marine environment of each region.