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Best Time For Whale WatchingWhen is the best time for whale watching on the Gold Coast?
The whale watching season in the Gold Coast runs from early May to
November each year. Cruises
and tours run during the main part of the season usually from
1 June to 31 October. Best Time For Whale Watching In Gold CoastYou can take your pick of what is the best time for whale watching from the various parts of the cycle of these animals as they migrate to their breeding grounds and return along the east coast of Australia.
Early Season - May, June and JulyEven though the season runs from late May to early November, there is a definite cycle to what you will see.The first humpback whales start passing the Gold Coast from mid to late May. We usually get warning as they stop off for some sightseeing in Sydney first! That is usually when the first excitement starts to build! There is a big research centre at Byron Bay, and they monitor whale activity including numbers and do other useful research. There is a pure white humpback whale that has been named Migaloo. You'd be very lucky to spot him! In 2009 he passed through in early July, but hadn't been seen for a couple of years prior. The whales migrate from Antarctic waters up the east coast of Australia to warmer water for breeding and giving birth. It is a 5,000 km trip and they don't eat! During these months you will usually see whales only going north. Mid Season - August and SeptemberDuring August and September you will start to see humpback whales heading back south. You will mostly see only adult or juvenile whales at this point with the occassional mother and calf. The numbers of calves will increase the later in the season it is.The mothers and calves usually stay in the warmer waters until the calves are a bit older and stronger and have learnt some tricks! There will be some heading south during mid to late September. Late Season - October and NovemberBy this stage you should only see whales heading south to the Summer in the Antarctic. You are more likely to see mothers and calves at this point. This is probably the best time for whale watching to see the calves and mothers together.You may also see some Orcas or Killer Whales. Orca head north in search of easy humpback prey. They hunt down the humpbacks in packs and will pick off the calves if they can. This is nature, but it seems devastating when you realise that once they kill the humpbacks they only eat the lips and tongues. Having said that the lips and tongues can be up top 4 tonnes in an adult humpback! The rest of the humpback is then eaten by other ocean inhabitants such as sharks, other fish and marine birds - grateful for the free lunch. This isn't something I particularly want to see. When we lived in Victoria I can remember several news stories of whale carcasses floating in the waters of Victoria and South Australia, so these hunts are more likely to occur down there. Orcas can be seen off the Gold Coast at either end of the season. It is not the norm - so don't come expecting to see them, but be pleasantly surprised if you do. The best time for whale watching? You pick - you decide what you would like to see. I don't have a favourite time, because every day is different and wonderful. Just get out there and see these beautiful creatures. Whale Watching ToursWhale watching tours run throughout the season. Mostly from 1 June to 31 October. Most tours have pretty good sighting records, so you are almost (not quite) guaranteed to see the whales. What you see will depend upon
many
things including the weather, the whales on the day and the point in
the season.
If you are looking for whale watching in Brisbane or Sunshine Coast these are the options:
Whale Watching Hints and TipsIn response to some questions I have received I have written a couple of articles giving hints and tips for a great whale watching experience.
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