Marine animal lovers are always on the lookout for some stunning species that will take their breath away. Whales are certainly one of these breathtaking creatures that most people want to see at least once in their life. With some 90 species living all around the globe, catching a glimpse of these giants is not difficult if you know where to look. For instance, if you live in Australia – or even if you’re just visiting – you might be able to spot more than 45 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. So, what are some of the best locations to see whales Down Under? Keep on reading.
Bruny Island, Tasmania
This island off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania is a great spot to see some humpback and southern right whales as they often travel past Bruny Island and even take shelter at Adventure Bay for up to five weeks. On occasion, other species like the minke whale, the pygmy right whale, and the orca can also be seen migrating. The best time to visit this area to spot these mammals is between May and July as well as between September and December.
Eden, New South Wales
Eden is often regarded as a paradise for whale watchers. So much so that the town even has an annual whale festival at the end of October. The earliest that the humpback whales can be spotted on their way to Antarctica is from June to August. However, between September and November is when the largest numbers are seen from land-based vantage points. A bit further away from the coast, visitors can also catch glimpses of sperm whales and killer whales. Of course, charter boats that offer whale watching tours are also available for tourists that want a closer look. To provide more information on the area’s history with whales, there is the Killer Whale Museum.
Jervis Bay, New South Wales
In addition to allegedly possessing the whitest sand in the world, Jervis Bay is also a great pit-stop for visitors that want to watch humpback and southern right whales as they frolic in the ocean. They often take some time to play with their babies in this region, so a visit between May and November can result in some amazing memories and photos. The Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and the Cape St George Lighthouse are probably the best spots to see these animals while on-water experiences are also an option. Here, bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and more than 220 species of fish can be seen as well.
Albany, Western Australia
Western Australia is also brimming with opportunities to spot these giants. Humpback and southern right whales are regulars in Albany’s bays between June and November as they travel to and from Antarctica. Even though the humpbacks continue traveling to Broome, the southern right whales actually mate and calve in Albany’s southern bays before returning south. In May and June, visitors can also spot blue whales on occasion. While some whales can be spotted from lookouts along the coastline, whale watching tours are a great way to get a closer look at some of these majestic creatures. Moreover, Albany is home to Whale World – an interactive museum where visitors can learn more about whales.
Victor Harbor, South Australia
Located 80 kilometers south of Adelaide, Victor Harbor is yet another home to the majestic southern right whales that come here to breed. They often swim quite close to shore and relatively slowly, meaning that visitors can watch them for a long time from the steep cliffs around Victor Harbor’s Encounter Bay or a beach. The best time to see these whales is from June to October. What is more, orcas, blue whales, sperm whales, and humpbacks also visit this region. Plus, a colony of fairy penguins – the smallest penguin breed in the world – also calls Victor Harbor home.
Hervey Bay, Queensland
Queensland also has a few spots where whales can be seen. Besides the Great Barrier Reef, visitors can also go to Hervey Bay. This city, about 300 kilometers north of Brisbane, is often referred to as the whale watching capital of the Down Under. From coming here to breed to playing with their young and launching themselves into the air, humpback whales enjoy the protected waters of this area and can be seen from May to November. Many tours are available for tourists that want to see these relaxed giants up-close while there are also operators that offer a chance of swimming alongside whales. Southern right whales can also be seen occasionally.
Warrnambool, Victoria
A three-hour drive out of Melbourne, travelers can find Logans Beach in Warrnambool. The viewing platform on the sand dunes is a great spot to watch southern right whales as they mate and give birth between May and September. They also spend several weeks here as they help their young become strong enough for the journey towards the Antarctic. In Lady Bay in Warrnambool, new mothers often spray viewers with breakwater as they come really close to the shore. The rare blue whales have been sighted as well, in May – their last feeding month.
When in Australia, you should make the most of your opportunities to see some breathtaking marine animals. No matter if you visit Perth, Sydney, or Melbourne, take some time out of your day and take a trip to one of these hotspots for whale watching. You will remember this experience forever.
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