Did you know you could cruise alongside majestic whales just 10 minutes from the Gold Coast? Find out where.

There’s nothing quite as magical as being out on the open sea and knowing that just beneath the waves, the largest living mammals on Earth are frolicking happily.

That is the experience you can have with Gold Coast Whale Watching, as it’s a chance to get up close and personal with these the majestic creatures. At first you’ll just see a tip of a tail, and then maybe a white flash of belly… and before you know it, a whale is moving above the water and coming up to say hello.

The best part is you don’t have to spend hours slowly drifting across the ocean before you finally see a flash of whale activity. With Gold Coast Whale Watching, you travel just 10 minutes off the coast and find yourself in the middle of what is commonly referred to as the Humpback Highway.

Luckily for Brisbanites, the Gold Coast is right on our very doorstep and happens to be a prime whale watching spot. In fact, there are approximately 25,000 viewing opportunities during the annual migration up and down the coasts of Queensland. Because of its geographical location, the Gold Coast has whales passing from June to November. It’s one of the rare points on the East Coast of Australia where, from the middle of August, whale traffic heads in both directions.

While out on the water you’ll have the chance to see humpback whales, whale calves, dolphins, killer whales and maybe even ‘Migaloo’, the famous albino humpback. Just don’t forget a camera.

A number of whale watching operators are active on the Gold Coast, including:

  • Gold Coast Whale Adventures — departs from Marina’s Cove, Main Beach
  • Getaway Sailing on the Gold Coast — departs from Runaway Bay Marina
  • Sea World Whale Watch — departs from Sea World Cruise Terminal, Main Beach
  • Spirit of Gold Coast — departs from Marina’s Cove, Main Beach
  • Whales in Paradise — departs from Surfers Paradise

While you’re exploring the Gold Coast, why not make a weekend out of your whale watching adventure? There are a wide range of accommodation options available to suit all budgets, including new offerings from Hilton Surfers Paradise, Soul Surfers Paradise and favorites including Paradise Resort Gold Coast, Outrigger Surfers Paradise and Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa. Check out VisitGoldCoast.com for more information.

Nothing builds up an appetite like being out on the open water, so you’ll definitely want to indulge your inner foodie afterwards. The multicultural nature of the Gold Coast has brought about a deliciously successful food and wine industry, cultivating everything from soft-shell crabs and goat cheese to locally bred Wagyu beef and award-winning boutique wines. For more information on dining options, see VisitGoldCoast.com.

To learn more about Gold Coast Whale Watching, along with a slew of other Gold Coast activities, head to VisitGoldCoast.com.