Each year, the whale migration along Australia’s East Coast is an incredible spectacle for locals and travellers to enjoy. As many humpback whales journey with their calves; playing and teaching them how to survive, Noosa has some incredible vantage points for you to watch this natural phenomenon.
Migration is from June until October, so pay attention to a sudden splash of water, or maybe if you’re lucky; a tail or two might even spring out. Have the chance to see one of over 20,000 humpback whales migrating along the coastline.
Across the coastline, from Coolum, all the way down to Sunshine Beach are several incredible vantage points. Throughout the Noosa National Park, there are many viewing platforms and park benches perfect for spotting whales. Visit Dolphin Point, which offers wheelchair and stroller access as well as toilets nearby at Tea Tree Bay for a short walk, and a beautiful view. Continue through the park to Hell’s Gate, which is another excellent vantage point. Alternatively, for a drink, while you’re scanning for whales, the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club deck puts on a show, with unobstructed ocean views.
Further north in Coolum, Point Perry is a beautiful headland to access views of the ocean. Set up for the day under the picnic shelter, with toilets available too, all while keeping a close watch on the sea. To continue your exploration, head to Point Arkwright, which is another beautiful headland overlooking the water, with facilities available too.
Beyond watching from the shore, there are many different ways you can experience the whales. Join a tour on a boat, take a flight to see a bird’s eye view from above, or get up close on a kayak. Noosa has a choice of tours available to hop on a boat and see the whales from, and along the journey, you may even see dolphins playing too. The larger boat rides depart from Noosa, Mooloolaba and Hervey Bay. Most tours offer a whale sighting or your money back, and a day trip is also a fantastic gift idea. Alternatively, from Double Island Point, join a kayak tour for a much closer encounter.
For a different vantage point, fly in the sky over the whales to see their full shape and size. Choose from flights across Noosa, Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island, as a unique experience to add to your bucket list. The bird’s eye view of this gorgeous landscape with these whimsical creatures swimming below, it truly is a spectacle.
Whether you plan a day trip or stop and sit by the ocean for a while, watching whales play in the water and pods migrate together is an incredible, memorable encounter. If you are visiting over the winter months, take a walk through the national park and keep an eye out, or book an experience to see these incredible creatures close up.
