Humpback Highway

Another Season of Whales

As September brings another whale season to a close, we’re left with plenty of incredible moments to look back on. From breaching whales and curious calves to those quiet, unexpected encounters out on the water, every trip has brought something different. No two whale seasons are ever the same, and that’s what makes spending time with these incredible animals so special.

As the last whales continue their journey south, we say goodbye to another season of humpbacks passing through our waters. So let's take a moment to reflect...

Why Do Humpback Whales Migrate?

Every year, thousands of humpback whales make an incredible journey along Australia’s east coast, and the Great Barrier Reef becomes part of their annual migration.

Travelling thousands of kilometres between their feeding and breeding grounds, these magnificent animals pass through the warm tropical waters of North Queensland each year. For us, whale season is always one of the most exciting times to be out on the water.

Humpback whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet.

During the cooler months, they begin their journey north towards warmer tropical waters, where they mate and give birth. As the season changes, they make their way south again towards the colder waters where they spend time feeding.

For mothers and calves, these warm tropical waters provide an important environment for young whales to grow stronger before beginning the long journey south.

Watching a mother and calf travelling together is one of the most special encounters we can experience during whale season.

Respecting Our Ocean Giants

Whales are wild animals, and every encounter should be on their terms.

Throughout whale season, responsible wildlife viewing is incredibly important. Giving whales the space they need to travel, rest and interact naturally allows us to experience these incredible animals without disrupting their behaviour.

Sometimes the most memorable moments are the quiet ones, a whale surfacing in the distance, a mother travelling beside her calf, or a sudden breach that has everyone on board rushing to the rail.

You never quite know what the ocean is going to give you.