Australia · WHALE WATCHING
21 reviewed
Australia rewards booking early, and these are the 15 whale watching tours worth holding a date for. Each carries its price, its duration and the detail that decides between them.
165-minute Sydney humpback whale cruise from Circular Quay. Live commentary, panoramic catamaran decks, hot drinks, and a whale guarantee.
“Absolutely amazing, saw so many whales. But if you get motion sickness.. I would come prepared”
Cruise Moreton Bay on the Eye Spy, spot humpback whales with guaranteed sightings, and enjoy an included gourmet picnic lunchbox.
“Water was clear. We saw two or three humpback whales up close. They frolicked just around the boat. Captain Kerry was wonderful--giving whale information at intervals and moving the boat often so all could get a good view. The boat was not too crowded. We had a wonderful visit.”
A 6-hour premium catamaran cruise from Hervey Bay to Platypus Bay for guaranteed humpback sightings, meals, and onboard whale spotting.
“What an awesome day! We saw lots of whales, up close and personal. Our skipper Toni did a great job locating several different pods, and made the day even more enjoyable with her entertaining and informative commentary. Very highly recommend this tour!!”
Guaranteed humpback sightings on a 24 m Gold Coast catamaran with a marine biologist, morning tea, and 360º deck viewing. From $53.
“Staff were very helpful and gave plenty of warning about where we might see the whales. We saw dolphins and whales”
Sydney whale cruise with onboard breakfast or BBQ lunch. Watch humpbacks and dolphins past the Opera House. Return free if no whales.
“Luggage storage nearby was $8AU per bag, but convenient. Double decker boat didn’t feel crowded, and lunch was great. Commentary was pleasant and informative. We saw so many breaches that the boat lingered longer than usual. I’ve heard from others that the morning tour is a bit underwhelming and today was no exception according to the crew, so afternoon is a must!”
A 2-hour express whale cruise from Circular Quay, reaching open ocean in 20 minutes, with a free return if no whales.
“Good, I liked walking in that area with a guid because I would never do it by myself or as I know nothing about it or what to vist. I also enjoyed how much the guide (Kate) was funny, friendly and have a beautiful way in telling stories and read poems.”
Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-hour humpback whale cruise from Main Beach on a 24m catamaran, with marine biologist and free try-again.
“We had a awesome time seen lots of whales well worth it🤗”
Marine scientists, underwater whale songs, and a comfortable small-boat cruise in Hervey Bay, with guaranteed sightings in whale season.
“Incredible experience to see whales in the wild! We got very lucky and saw a number of mothers with their calves through the entire trip, even got to see a calf being playful and jumping out of the water. Our guide and captain were friendly and the guide was very informative. 10/10 would recommend to anybody in the area.”
Whale Tales’ small-group whale watching from Darling Harbour with live commentary, humpbacks, and a return-cruise guarantee.
“Experience of a lifetime! Friendly and informative staff on and off the boat. We saw dolphins and whales and I was lit up like a kid on Christmas morning! If you’re thinking about it, just do it! Absolutely worth it. I went solo and did the 12pm ride. Pack a rain jacket and a hat!”
4-hour Hervey Bay whale watch on the Tasman Venture catamaran, with underwater windows, water-level viewing, expert commentary, and tea.
“A fantastic day with lots of whales putting on a show for us”
Half-day humpback whale watching from Hervey Bay with free hotel pickup, hydrophone whale songs, underwater cameras, and included meals.
“There are a number of whale watching cruise options in Hervey Bay. We chose WhaleSong and had a fantastic experience. Captain Rick was great, offering insight and commentary that was engaging; he and the crew making for a memorable afternoon. We saw a good number of whales, with Rick being mindful of not encroaching on their space. Food great. Highly recommend.”
See humpback whales from a Hervey Bay catamaran with underwater windows, hydrophones, live commentary, and tea. Whale sightings guaranteed.
“We travelled with Tasman Ventures in August 2025 with a toddler and a newborn. It was raining outside, but the cruise did not disappoint! The crew were warm, friendly, and incredibly attentive — providing extra blankets, serving everyone wiRead more”
8-hour whale watch from Hervey Bay to Platypus Bay on Fraser Island, by catamaran with hydrophone songs, lunch, and pickup.
“We loved the tour. Captain Pete was so welcoming. Going on a small boat had a personal touch.”
Luxury 2-hour humpback whale cruise from Fremantle on Steep Point. Live expert commentary, warm decks, and close sightings.
“Because we had enough time, we booked two tours. In each tour you'll see a lot ow whales and often really near by the boat. really good trip!!”
Half-day Spirit of Hervey Bay catamaran cruise with onboard whale talk, tea included, and underwater viewing for humpback sightings.
“Fantastic experience with this tour. The boat was beautiful, immaculately clean, crew very friendly and engaging. We saw a lot of whales. They were all around us, breaching, slapping, clapping, logging, feeding - put on a good show all around the boat. We were fortuRead more”
