Each year, more than 30,000 humpback whales make the epic journey along Australia’s east coast in one of the world’s most remarkable marine migrations. Travelling up to 10,000 kilometres round trip, these gentle giants move from the icy feeding grounds of Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland to breed, give birth and nurture their young.
The migration typically begins in late autumn, with the whales heading north between June and August. During this time, they can be seen swimming past coastal destinations such as Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay. After spending time in the tropical waters, the whales begin their southbound journey from August through to October, offering another chance for sightings as they make their way back to the Antarctic.
Moreton Bay, just off the coast of Brisbane, is a prime spot for viewing this natural spectacle. The calm, protected waters of the bay provide an ideal resting stop for migrating whales, especially mothers with calves. This makes it one of the few places in the world where you can regularly witness breaches, tail slaps and even whale calves learning to swim and play alongside their mothers.
The seasonal timing and predictability of the migration make whale watching in Queensland not only accessible but reliably spectacular, drawing nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
A day on the water
Having lived on the Gold Coast for many years previously, I was lucky enough to see the humpback whales come past each year on what is dubbed the “whale super-highway”. I would have seen hundreds of whales over the years, but I still get excited for every sighting.
So imagine my excitement as I headed across to Moreton Island on the Tangalooma Island Resort boat, ready for a day of whale watching with them.
The Whale Watching Day Cruise is a popular option for those looking to experience the magic of humpback whales without an overnight stay. Departing from Brisbane, the tour includes return boat transfers to Moreton Island, a dedicated whale-watching cruise with expert commentary, and access to resort facilities during your visit.
As I found time to chat to the Eco Ranger onboard, Ben Morris, his passion for wildlife and the whales in particular stood out.
Ben told me there are strict rules around whale watching vessels and their approach to the whales, and I was surprised to learn that even the boat we were on was designed with covers over the propellers to protect the whales if they came across an unavoidable situation.
It wasn’t long before we saw our first pod of humpback whales, the first of many to follow throughout the day. There was tail waving, fin slapping and that all mighty sound of the air rushing out of the blowhole. By the end of the day, I had counted 16 whales and a pod of dolphins to our sightings.
A dark past in the bay
Today, the humpback whales are only shot in photos by eager wildlife watchers keen to catch a glimpse of these majestic animals; however, this was not always the case.
From the early 1950s to the early 1960s, Moreton Island was home to Queensland’s only land-based whaling station, located at Tangalooma. Established in 1952 by Whale Products Pty Ltd, the site was chosen for its ideal location—close to Brisbane, with access to fresh water and situated directly along the migration path of the humpback whale.
At its peak, the Tangalooma whaling station operated with formidable efficiency, processing up to eleven whales per day during the migration season from June to October. In its first year alone, the station recorded a catch of 600 whales. Over a decade of operation, approximately 6,277 humpback whales were harvested—numbers that had a devastating impact on the local whale population, reducing it by over 95 per cent.
By the early 1960s, a combination of dramatically declining whale numbers and falling global demand for whale products, particularly oil, brought the station’s closure in 1962. The following year, Australia banned humpback whaling entirely—a pivotal moment in the country’s shift towards marine conservation.
You used to be able to see remnants of the old flensing deck, where whale carcasses were once processed; however this has since been removed for safety measures.
From an era of large-scale whale harvesting to one of respectful whale watching, Moreton Island’s history underscores the importance of learning from the past to shape a more responsible future.
The conservation and care behind the experience
In a meaningful step towards sustainable travel, Tangalooma Island Resort has partnered with the University of Queensland on an eco-tourism research project. Travellers are encouraged to take part by completing a short survey during their visit. The data collected will support research into visitor engagement and sustainable tourism practices across marine environments.
Citizen science also plays a role in this year’s whale season. Guests who manage to capture a photo of a whale’s tail are invited to upload it to Happywhale, a global initiative that uses individual tail photos to track whale movements and migrations. This simple act allows everyday travellers to contribute to global marine research.
Whale watching at Tangalooma is not just a scenic experience—it is also a charitable one. For every whale spotted during the day trip, the resort donates $5 to The Kids Cancer Project. Last year, this initiative raised $6,710 to support vital scientific research aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer.
For those who wish to linger a little longer, staying at Tangalooma Island Resort provides the perfect base. Located just 75 minutes from Brisbane by ferry, the resort offers a variety of accommodation options, from beachfront villas to hotel rooms and apartments. Beyond whale watching, guests can enjoy a range of activities including sand tobogganing, snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, quad biking and the nightly dolphin feeding program. It’s a relaxed, nature-based escape with plenty to offer all year round.
