This year, more than 33,000 humpbacks are expected to make the migration north from Antarctica.
After eating up to four ton of krill and small fish a day each in the Antarctic over summer, the Humpbacks migrate to the warmer northern waters which provide perfect temperatures to give birth to their calves in the sheltered waters of Queensland’s coastline.
In fact, we are already starting to see whales in Sunshine Coast waters with the season officially opening this week!
We know that people are seeking authenticity and genuine activities and experiences. Whale- watching and whale swimming has become a signature attraction for the Sunshine Coast and creates another reason for visitors to come to our destination.
Added to this, the Sunshine Coast benefits from a longer whale watching season as the whales make the 10,000km journey to migrate north through Sunshine Coast waters before coming back south and returning to Antarctica in early November.
So, what are some of the best ways to experience the aquatic acrobatics and majestic presence of the humpback whales?
You can witness these graceful giants from several vantage points along the coast including:
- Point Perry or Point Arkwright, Coolum
- Point Cartwright, Kawana
- Moffat Headland, Moffat Beach
- Dolphin Point, Noosa National Park or
- Alexandra Headland.
To head out on the water and get even closer to these fantastic beasts, try a whale watching tour with Whale One or Sunshine Coast Afloat. Both tour companies operate regularly during the season from Mooloolaba.
If you want to get up even closer, you can you can even swim with these beauties thanks to Sunreef Mooloolaba. They were the first company to offer swimming with humpback whales in Australia and this experience is a rare and very special one – something people have described as ‘life changing’.
Other options to the south include sea kayaking with Ocean Adventures operating from Golden Beach and Moffat Beach or to the north via Epic Ocean Adventures from Noosa or Rainbow Beach.
It’s a special sight to spot these creatures with the tell-tale spout, tail slapping or breaching a full body from the water and we look forward to a whale of a season!
