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Whale Watching On the Gold Coast

Prepare to be awestruck by the annual migration of the colossal humpback whales. Embark on a breathtaking journey to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat from one of the Gold Coast's many Whale Watching Cruises.

Hump Back Whale
Whale watching
Moreton Island Whale Watching

When is the whale watching season?

During winter and spring in Australia, majestic Humpback Whales migrate from the Antarctic to the warm waters off the coast of Queensland to birth their calves, before making the return trip in summer. Every year thousands of Humpback whales make the 5000km journey during whale season - the first ones arriving on the Gold Coast in early June. 

Humpback whales generally follow the coastline reasonably close to shore, which means there is plenty of opportunity for day trippers and whale watchers to experience the joy of viewing the annual migration and playful frolicking of these majestic marine creatures. 

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whale watching seaworld
Whale Watching Tours on the Gold Coast

There are many options when it comes to whale watching on the Gold Coast - with half-day whale watching tours ranging from just a few hours to whole day tours.

With various-sized vessels and in various-sized groups, there is a whale-watching tour for everyone!

Departing from Main Beach (Mariner's Cove), Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta each day during the whale watching season -  view a range of Gold Coast whale watching tours below with combos such as theme park tickets or dinner, or click on an individual cruise provider below to book online. Most of them even offer a guarantee to see lots of whales!

Head out on a purpose-built environmentally friendly whale-watching vessel with 3 levels of spacious viewing platforms and a limited number of guests so it's never crowded - you'll always get a clear view of the whales and other marine life such as bottlenose Dolphins! Advanced location technology means less guesswork and more whale sightings at the best whale-watching spots and the interactive onboard education technology makes for a unique experience. Why not end the day with a visit to Sea World!

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Go on a whale-watching adventure along the "Humpback Whale Highway" and see these magnificent creatures playfully breaching and tails slapping. This is the only whale-watching tour departing from Surfers Paradise, with five different cruise times available and can be located at the River end of Cavill Avenue (just a short walk from the Light Rail station), and includes a bonus Gold Coast Canal Cruise. Don't miss the opportunity to see marine mammals in their natural environment.

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The Gold Coast's ultimate ocean whale-watching experience! Enjoy complimentary morning tea and complimentary refreshments while listening to informative and expert commentary from our experienced eco team to give you a complete understanding of these highly intelligent gentle giants. Tours depart daily during the whale watching season from Byron Bay and run for 3.5 hours. Don't miss this amazing experience to see these marine mammals with newborn calves in their natural habitat. 

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Head to Tangalooma Island Resort on this Moreton Island Cruise from Brisbane to enjoy a whale watching cruise and dolphin feeding program at dusk. Begin the day with a scenic cruise across Moreton Bay to the island where the whale watching adventure begins. Alighting from your three hour whale watching cruise after a tasty lunch, take advantage of the island’s resort facilities, pools, restaurants and beaches while you wait for the sunset dolphin feeding program.

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Get a sneak peak of what you can expect on a whale watching tour from this video showing a cruise near Hervey Bay (near Brisbane): 

Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images

More Gold Coast Activities

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More Gold Coast Activities

Find great deals on tours and activities right here!

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Things to do and seeOn the Gold Coast in Queensland

Theme Parks

Combo passes & packages

Free things to do

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cruises

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