Humpback Whale Season on the Southern Gold Coast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s something truly magical about watching humpback whale migration each year. These majestic giants of the sea play, often with their calves close behind.
Seeing these gentle creatures up close is a breathtaking experience every time, sometimes as close as 50 metres from the beach.

If you’re staying with us from June to October, don’t miss your chance to catch the action.
Here are some of the best whale-watching spots on the Southern Gold Coast to soak it all in.

D’bah Hill Lookout

Perched between Snapper and Duranbah on the border of Tweed/Coolangatta, this lesser-known lookout is a hidden gem for whale watching – often quieter than most but just as stunning and lots of room to spread out and . Hot Tip: If you dine at the Black Dingo Cafe just positioned underneath the bunker – you can ask for binoculars when you dine in to get an extra good view.

Kirra Hill Lookout

A local favourite, Kirra Hill offers panoramic views over the ocean – perfect for spotting breaching whales and pods on the move.
Bring your own coffee and settle in for the show.  Kirra Hill Lookout also offers community BBQ’s and picnic tables for an evening show.

Currumbin Rocks

This rugged outcrop is ideal for early morning sightings. Keep your eyes on the horizon and watch for spouts and tails breaking the surface.

 

Surf Clubs with a View

Grab a seat at Currumbin, Greenmount, Cooly or Snapper Rocks Surf Club – enjoy lunch and a drink with front-row views of the whales cruising by.

Cooly Eco Adventures

For an up-close and personal encounter, book a whale-watching tour with Cooly Eco Adventures. Departing right from the Tweed, they offer eco-friendly, small-group tours that get you closer to the action than ever before. Prepare to get wet!  Book in advance with Cooly Eco Adventures.

Stay & Watch

Why just visit when you can wake up to whales from your own beachfront balcony?

San Simeon Apartment 47 on the beachfront in Tugun Beach has amazing ocean views from your private balcony. Enjoy your morning coffee as whales breach just beyond the breakers. It’s one of our most sought-after properties during whale season for good reason! View San Simeon 47.

Orion 6′s beachfront balcony puts you front and centre overlooking Snapper Rocks.
Surf lovers will also appreciate the apartment’s prime position  — one of the world’s most iconic surf breaks. View Orion 6.

Fun Facts about Humpback Whales

• From near extinction to a powerful comeback
  Over 27,000 humpback whales are expected to make the annual migration along Australia’s East Coast this year. Just 30 years ago, their population was dangerously low, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining due to extensive commercial whaling. Thankfully, conservation efforts have turned things around.

• A 5,000km journey for love and new life
  Humpbacks travel almost 5,000 kilometres from the chilly feeding grounds of Antarctica to the warm, shallow waters of Queensland to mate and give birth. They stock up on krill before the trip and rely on blubber reserves during migration.

• They weigh as much as a bus… and jump like ballerinas
  Despite weighing up to 30,000 kilograms, adult humpbacks are known for their acrobatic leaps from the water, called breaching. This playful and powerful behavior is believed to be used for communication, courtship, or just plain fun — and it’s unforgettable to witness.

• Breathe big, dive deep
  Humpbacks have blowholes the size of a small car and need to surface every 7 to 15 minutes to breathe. However, they can stay underwater for up to 45 minutes when needed, thanks to their massive lung capacity.