AUSTRALIA
Australia's standouts.
The 15 most popular whale watching in Australia right now, with prices, run times and what each day actually involves.
A 2h 45m Sydney Harbour catamaran cruise chasing humpback whales with live commentary, warm drinks, and huge views from Circular Quay.
“We were able to see a mom & calf not too close but still was great!”
Half-day Moreton Bay humpback whale cruise on Eye Spy from Redcliffe with guaranteed sightings, gourmet lunchbox, and optional pickup.
“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…”
Swim with whale sharks off Exmouth on a full-day Ningaloo Reef snorkel trip with a spotter plane, pro photos, and meals included.
“Fantastic! The crew were amazing, so professional, the teamwork and precision was mind blowing. The Whale Shark swim itself was the most exhilarating experience. Snorkelling exploring the beauty of the reef before and after was increRead more”
Whale watching on the Gold Coast aboard Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching, with marine biologist commentary and a 100% whale guarantee.
“While of course it is appreciated that seeing and getting close to Whales is dependent on the whales playing along. This with today's technology is still very old school. Just drive out and hope, reliant on us the guests as much the crew spotting them. So as the whales didn't play along it was disappointing,…”
4-hour Sydney whale-watching cruise with harbour sights, onboard breakfast or BBQ lunch, live naturalist commentary, and free return if no whales.
“The crew did a great job explaining what the whales were doing and ensuing we all got to see them. Going in mid Oct we saw to calves. The water was a little choppy, so take your motion sickness meds.”
2-hour express whale watching from Circular Quay to open ocean in 20 minutes on Fantasea Crystal, with whale sightings or free return.
“Out of this world!! On our cruise we saw about 10 whales, three of which we stayed close to for about an hour (of course, at a safe and respectable distance away from them!). The guides were incredibly knowledgeable about the whales and their habits, spotting whales after sailing for only 20 minutes! Would definitely…”
A 2.5-hour humpback whale cruise from the Gold Coast Broadwater with 360° viewing, live marine biologist commentary, and a free re-try.
“Wow! I have been on half a dozen other Whale watching trips and seen nothing more than seagulls. This tour, Whales close to the boat literally every 5 minutes, dolphins too! The ship, the crew, the time out yo sea, everything was first class Could not fault it and would highly recommend 👌”
Hervey Bay whale watch on Ocean Defender with marine scientists, underwater hydrophones, guaranteed humpbacks (Jul 15–Oct 9), snacks.
“Saw lots of whales, in, around and under the boat. Guide was informative and friendly. Highly recommend”
Cruise Sydney Harbour to open ocean on a small boat, hunt for humpbacks with live commentary, and get a whale sighting guarantee.
“I had the best time. Staff were so friendly and engaging. I got totally drenched and loved every second of it. Highly recommend.”
Hervey Bay humpback whale watch on the Tasman Venture catamaran with underwater windows, onboard tea, and expert commentary from $109.
“Excellent commentary and viewing of the whales. Great hospitality on board the boat.”
Half-day humpback whale watching from Hervey Bay with hotel pickup, hydrophone whale song, meals, and close-up viewing from comfortable decks.
“What an experience, great trip, Great Crew to have 7 hump back Whales at the boat at one point was an amazing experience. Must do trip”
A 4-hour Hervey Bay whale watching cruise with underwater windows, hydrophones, pickup, tea, and a whale sighting guarantee.
“Enjoyable trip with a very friendly and knowledgeable crew. The commentary was very educational and covered a lot of information that we did not know about these amazing creatures. The boat was smooth through the water and was a good viewing platform.”
A full day whale watch from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island. Spot humpbacks from a submerged platform, hear songs via hydrophone, and enjoy lunch.
“We loved the tour. Captain Pete was so welcoming. Going on a small boat had a personal touch.”
A 2-hour luxury catamaran whale-watching cruise from Fremantle with live expert commentary, heated indoor decks, and humpbacks up close.
“A magical trip - very entertaining and informative.”
Half-day whale watching from Hervey Bay on a catamaran in calm Platypus Bay, with underwater viewing, hydrophone, tea, and expert crew.
“We jagged one of those beautiful winters day. Then we were fortunate enough to have a number of whales that were as interested in us as we were in them. What a great 4 and a half hours.”
