The 2026 humpback whales are heading for Queensland again. Season runs July–October, with the best encounters in August–September. If you’re ready to go in Hervey Bay, choose a tour and book early.
Have a Whale of a Time on the Sunshine Coast
Each winter, humpback whales make their epic migration along Australia’s east coast, creating one of the country’s most spectacular wildlife experiences.
From June to October, thousands of humpback whales travel north from Antarctica to warmer waters, passing the Sunshine Coast before continuing towards Hervey Bay, K’gari and the Great Barrier Reef. Later in the season, many return south with newborn calves in tow.
For travellers, this creates two very different but equally memorable whale-watching opportunities.
On the Sunshine Coast, places like Mooloolaba offer front-row seats to the migration itself. It’s a chance to watch whales powering north, breaching, tail-slapping and socialising in open ocean waters. Some operators even offer swim-with-whales experiences, giving adventurous visitors the rare opportunity to enter the water and observe these giants up close, always on the whales’ terms.
Further north, Hervey Bay is often called the whale-watching capital of Australia for good reason. Unlike the passing migration seen off Mooloolaba, humpback whales often stop and rest in the calm, protected waters between Hervey Bay and K’gari. It’s here that mothers nurture calves, juveniles play, and escort males compete for attention, creating longer, more relaxed encounters for visitors.
Together, the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast form a remarkable whale trail, offering different perspectives on one of nature’s great annual journeys.
Whether you choose the thrill of open-ocean encounters on the Sunshine Coast or the intimate bay experiences of Hervey Bay, whale season is one of Queensland’s most unforgettable winter attractions.
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Whale watching: take the plunge!
Swim with whales cruises are restricted to a maximum of 15 participants, who are outfitted with wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels.
The crew first spots the whales, then the vessel is positioned ahead of the humpbacks’ predicted route, and snorkelers enter the water and wait for the magic to happen.
“The rest is completely up to the whale,” Sunreef Mooloolaba’s Philip Hart said. “If they want to come to you, they come to you – and more often than not, they do. They’re just as interested in us as we are in them. They’re very curious creatures.”
Swim with whales cruises start from 1 July, with daily cruises (subject to conditions) through to October. Adult tickets include all equipment, expert commentary and guiding, and refreshments.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, said that the whale watching and swimming tours support Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a leading nature-based tourism destination.
“We know our whale experiences are top of our visitors’ to-do list across the winter months.”
More than just a migration
Humpback whales are among the most acrobatic of all whale species, known for their spectacular breaches, tail slaps and pectoral fin waves. Scientists believe many of these behaviours help whales communicate, play, or even dislodge parasites from their skin.
One of the most fascinating humpback behaviours is bubble-net feeding — a hunting technique where whales work together to herd schools of fish into tight circles by blowing curtains of bubbles beneath the surface. Once the fish are trapped, the whales rise through the middle with mouths wide open. While this behaviour is more common in feeding grounds like Alaska, it’s one of the reasons humpbacks are considered among the most intelligent and cooperative marine mammals.
Along the Queensland coast, visitors are more likely to witness behaviours such as breaching, spy-hopping and tail-lobbing during migration. Younger whales, in particular, are often playful, while mothers with calves can be seen teaching their young the rhythms of the journey.
This is one reason Hervey Bay has become such a prized whale-watching destination. The bay’s sheltered waters offer a kind of nursery and rest stop, allowing whales to slow down and spend more time at the surface. For photographers and wildlife lovers, that can mean longer encounters and more chances to observe natural behaviour up close.
Further south, the Sunshine Coast offers a different energy — the excitement of seeing the migration in motion, as whales push northward through open ocean waters on one of the longest mammal migrations on earth.
Whale season is short: July–October 2026, with peak sightings in August–September. Book your Hervey Bay tour now to secure your date and avoid the rush.
Planning a Whale Watching Trip?
Whether you’re visiting the Fraser Coast for a weekend or a longer Queensland road trip, whale season offers a chance to witness one of Australia’s most remarkable natural spectacles.
Bring a camera, pack a light jacket, and don’t forget to look up from the viewfinder occasionally. Sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones you simply experience.
Make the most of your Fraser Coast getaway with these travel essentials:
Stay Near the Marina
Many Hervey Bay whale watching tours depart from Urangan Marina, making nearby accommodation a convenient choice.
Oaks Hotels & Resorts offers a range of accommodation options within easy reach of Hervey Bay’s waterfront, restaurants and tour departure points.
Explore Beyond the Whales
Planning to discover more of the Fraser Coast before or after your cruise? A hire car makes it easy to visit Maryborough, Toogoom, Burrum Heads and other local attractions.
Avis Car Rental offers vehicle hire options for travellers arriving by air, rail or road.
Travel With Confidence
Travel plans don’t always go exactly as expected. Travel insurance may help protect against unexpected disruptions, cancellations and medical expenses.
AllClear Travel Insurance specialises in cover for travellers, including many pre-existing medical conditions.
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