Have you ever thought of watching the magnificent Humpback Whale on your trip to the Gold Coast? Are you planning for the same? If yes, our detailed guide is here for you with everything that you need to know about this popular Gold Coast Whale Watching Tour.
The beautiful Humpback Whale migrates from the Antarctic to Queensland’s coast during the winter and spring. The first whales arrive on Gold Coast in June after making the 5000-kilometer voyage yearly.
Hervey Bay is a well-liked resting place for the whales before they start the long journey further south on the way back. With the average whale viewing season spanning from June to October, most humpback whales will have left the Queensland coast by the beginning of November
Whale Watching Season In Gold Coast: When Does It Begin?
You can watch whales during your trip to Australia, typically between June and October. However, the mating season and the peak of whale migration along the humpback highway is considered the best time to watch these majestic creatures on the Gold Coast.
If you wish to get mesmerized by the Gold Coast’s beauty and witness the water giants, try making a commute during the day and early afternoon when the sun shines bright. That will allow you to quickly plan a day trip out of your whale watching.
What The Gold Coast Whale Watching Season Has To Offer?
Friendly humpbacks are not the only creatures you can witness during whale-watching time on the Gold Coast. Gigantic whale sharks, Minke whales and bottlenose dolphins are among the other animals that will welcome you during your visit. On a typical Gold Coast Whale Watching cruise, you can see this Australian wildlife put on display. Nearly 30,000 whales will visit the Gold Coast during this gala season.
Popular Whale-Watching Cruises
- Mammals Watching Day Trip from Brisbane
You can easily avail of this whale-watching trip from Whales in Paradise if you come from Brisbane! The cruise will offer round-trip transportation from Brisbane to the endpoint, and enjoy a hassle-free mammal-watching experience during the Gold Coast Whale Watching season!
You are guaranteed to see whales on this 3-1/2 hour whale-watching trip, so keep an eye out for humpback whales diving playfully and slobbering all along Humpback Highway!
Additionally, this tour permits fewer people, allowing you to be as close as possible to these breathtaking giants. Live commentary, free coffee or tea, pastries, and a small lunch are included during this day trip. For an adult, the travel costs $135.00, and child entry is priced at $95. If you are a four-person family with two adults and two children, you can avail of the cruise at $365.
However, children below four years old are not allowed. The timing of this day trip is from 10 AM to 2.30 PM.
- Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours from Surfers Paradise
Take advantage of the opportunity to see rare whales on the whale-watching boat that leaves from Surfers Paradise if you plan to be on the Gold Coast throughout the whale-watching season.
You can relax aboard a comfortable boat explicitly designed for you and witness the spectacular view of several humpback whales leaping and swimming in the sea. In addition, you can spend 3.5 hours of fun with dolphins, whales, and other marine animals after departing from Surfers Paradise. Along with this trip, you can club together the advantage of a gorgeous canal cruise worth $33!
These cruises are typically 3.5 hours, and the departure times are 9 AM and 2 PM. You can expect cruising under the guidance of a knowledgeable crew in an uncrowded atmosphere. That assures guaranteed whale sightings. The cruise will take you past the homes of the rich and famous families of the Gold Cost. Sunscreens, hats, warm clothes, binoculars, sensible shoes and your camera are a must-have. You might also carry some sea sickness remedies if necessary.
- Half-Day Whale Watching Cruise from Fraser Island
In addition to the Gold Coast, Fraser Island is another fantastic location to visit during whale watching! The Fraser Island ocean trip is a 6-hour journey from Gold Coast. This cruise is more convenient for certain Banana Benders.
To view gorgeous whales and dolphins, sail through the waves, head to Kingfisher Bay and take this whale-watching cruise! There is a big chance that you will see whales up close since, during the whale-watching season, almost 1,000 whales will stop and rest on Fraser Island. In addition, they might entertain you with stunning performances on your visit.
With the internal underwater observation camera that broadcasts images into displays around the boat, you’ll have more watching alternatives! In addition, this half-day cruise is available at two specific times- the morning whale watch (from 8.30 AM to 1.00 PM) and the afternoon whale watch (from 1.30 PM to 5.30 PM).
Charges for the morning tour are-
- Adult- $130
- Child- $65 (4 to 14 years)
- Senior- $120 (65+)
- Student- $100 (15-17 years
- Family- $350 (2 adults + 2 children)
Charges for the afternoon tour are-
- Adult- $120
- Child- $65
- Senior- $110
- Student- $90
- Family- $330
Other Gold Coast Whale-Watching spots
- Burleigh Hill
One of the best places on the Gold Coast to enjoy free whale watching is Burleigh Heads or Burleigh Hill. Burleigh Heads has numerous great vantage sites where you may watch the sharks without spending much if you’re eager to see them this year but want to stay within the budget.
Everyone’s preferred retreat is Burleigh Hill, which is close to Burleigh Beach and offers dazzling ocean views to the horizon. All you need to do is spread out a deckchair and get your binoculars. The good news is that you won’t get bored; just lay out in the sun, enjoy the scenery, and watch whales splashing off in the distance.
Wish to see whales from your balcony? Yes, you heard it right, and the same is possible if you book accommodation at Burleigh Surf, a few moments away from the Burleigh Head National Park, Tumgun Lookout and Burleigh Hill. In these apartments, you can get 1, 2, and 3-bedroom, self-contained Burleigh Heads homes right on the beach.
The Burleigh Surf apartments remain brightly decorated, roomy, and fully furnished. They provide everything you need to unwind, featuring Wi-Fi access and cable TV, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry area, spa tubs, huge Queen bedrooms, and more.
This beachfront development includes high-rise and low-rise residences (up to 30 stores high), all of which have expansive private balconies with breathtaking views of the beach and the ocean.
- Elephant Rock
The best place to spot whales is from the viewing deck atop Elephant Rock. You can use telescope binoculars with a coin if you forget your binoculars. If you prefer to watch whales with a glass of champagne or a pint in hand, the Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club, located right on the rock, offers a dining area with stunning views of the ocean.
Note here that the steps are narrow. So, you must wait for people to come down before you climb up to avoid unnecessary commotion. This place is also an excellent location for photographers.
- Point Danger Lookout
A distinctive lighthouse, a variety of parklands, and some of the best land-based whale and dolphin viewing on Australia’s east coast can all be found at Point Danger Lookout, which is close to the Queensland or New South Wales boundary.
You can find a memorial to Captain Cook’s expedition within the lighthouse at Point Danger, which the Bundjalung people call Minjungbal. Captain Cook founded this location while sailing along the eastern Australian coast.
The green spaces at Point Danger include a variety of wheelchair-accessible trails throughout them. In addition, the cliff tops have a concrete pathway that contains an extended deck with benches and a telescope.
Tips before traveling to Gold Coast
Best time to visit-
Summertime on the Gold Coast is when it shines, with beautiful weather, tropical temperatures, and an ideal beach climate. However, you can expect colder temperatures in rural and hinterland locations all year round. So plan your journey around important occasions and federal holidays to get the most out of your Gold Coast Whale Watching trip.
The climate at Gold Coast-
The hardest part of traveling is figuring out the weather and, thus, what to take. The Gold Coast experiences 245 days on average of clear, lovely days each year, and the exceptions to this rule usually occur during the summer months (December – February).
The Gold Coast experiences comfortable summertime temperatures of 20–28°C. Summertime humidity is possible, but sea breezes help chill things down. Autumn is the perfect time for outdoor water sports like sailing and fishing since warm days accompany pleasant evenings. The range of autumnal temperatures is 16–26°C.
Winter is typically bright and dry on the Gold Coast, with pleasant temperatures of 11–21°C. At this time of year, many Australians travel to Queensland for vacations to avoid the chilly winter weather in the southern states. Although there is less rain and humidity, the weather is still pleasant and warm.
Spring (September to November) on the Gold Coast offers bright days followed by comfortable tropical evenings. The windy atmosphere in September makes it ideal for kiteboarding, windsurfing, and sailing. The range of temperatures is 15–25°C.
Wear suitable clothing while whale watching
When going whale viewing, be sure to dress comfortably and in layers. Take your shades and sunscreen to safeguard your skin from UV rays, as you’ll be in the heat for a while. Carry your cameras to allow you to take pictures you can keep forever. Although they are not required, binoculars are a good idea if you wish to get a better look at these majestic animals.
Spot other creatures on a Gold Coast Whale Watching tour
The Gold Coast’s seas are home to numerous whale pods you can see playing for about 30 minutes while surfing the sea via a boat. With every tour boat, you will understand that humpback whales are only a part of this huge marine habitat. So while you sail the seas, be attentive to the sight of these aquatic pals, such as dolphins, green sea turtles, and hammerhead sharks.
Accommodations on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast as we already know is an amazing tourist spot with ample accommodation options. However, most visitors wish to be outside at the beach for almost throughout the day. Below are some options to be on the Gold Coast and you can opt from budget apartments to luxury villas.
- Luxury stay: Palazzo Versace
If you are looking for a 5-star luxury resort to spend your vacation on the Gold Coast, Palazzo Versace is the ideal option. This property features some of the award winning eateries, swimming pools, a gym center and you can access free wi-fi anywhere inside the Palazzo Versace.
All the suites remain furnished using Versace furnishings and come with a private bath area with spa facility, LED TV and also a picturesque balcony. Located right on the Main Beach, this property is perfect for couples and families.
- Mid-Range Option: Outrigger Burleigh
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and high-quality hotel near the Burleigh Heads, the Outrigger is the way to go. It’s conveniently located just a short 2-minute walk from the Beach and boasts stunning ocean views, a swimming pool, and a hot tub.
The rooms available are well-appointed and roomy, containing a kitchenette, air conditioning, a personal bathroom, a living area, and a spacious balcony. The Outrigger is ideal for those on a mid-range option who want a comfortable and pleasant stay, whether they’re couples or families.
- Budget Ideas on the whale watching tour- Maxmee Backpackers Resort
Maxmee Backpackers Resort is an outstanding option for budget-conscious travelers seeking accommodation on the Gold Coast. You’ll find it to be one of the most reasonably priced and excellent backpacker lodgings in the area.
The resort is conveniently located just a short distance from the beach and offers a beach club, table tennis courts, swimming pool, and hammocks for ultimate relaxation. There are various lodging options available, including private apartments and dorm rooms, suitable for solo travelers and groups of friends alike.
What to do at Gold Coast apart from whale Watching?
- Enlist in a surfing class
Touring the Gold Coast without surfing would be like going to Venice without taking a boat down a canal. First, enrol in a class, learn, and then ride those waves! Nothing compares to the fantastic feeling of cutting up a wave, whether you’re an expert surfer or a beginner.
2. Observe the wildlife
Discover the fascinating wildlife in Queensland by visiting Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. If a rural setting suits you, you can spend the rest of the day in Oxenford’s Paradise Country, a mesmerizing tourist farm.
3. Follow your thrills
Numerous theme parks on the Gold Coast Whale Watching Tour allow you to take exhilarating roller coaster rides. Also, make it a point to experience the thrilling adventures in Warner Bros. Movie World, with games like Tower of Terror 2 and Superman Escape.
4. Plan a picnic
The tranquility of Queensland’s national parks and woodlands offers a respite from Surfers Paradise’s bustle. Take a picnic at Lamington National Park with your friends, or visit Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park to see the stunning rock formations.
Visit some of the famous eateries while whale watching
All the adventure activities above will offer you a hearty appetite, but the Gold Coast is home to a delicious selection of enticing cuisines. At any of the Gold Coast’s wellness restaurants, you can begin your day with the famous acai bowl (a porridge topped with ingredients like granola and bananas). Brazilian acai has become wildly popular on the Gold Coast, and establishments like Niche & Co. and Tugun Fruit and Flowers will serve you stunning seaside bowls.
Conclusion
So there you have it- the ultimate Gold Coast Whale Watching guide. We can unlock your fun on your first-ever whale-watching tour of the world’s beautiful sea coast. The giant mammals at the Gold Coast are known to offer happiness and pleasure to every individual.
