As Byron Bay is the most easterly point of Australia, it is here that whales pass by extremely close to the mainland on their journey to the warm, shallow waters of Queensland to give birth to their young and some species are accompanied by the males to mate. Humpback whales are the stars of the annual whale migration and are one of the most common whales you will see. The male humpback whale is famous for its extraordinarily long and complex songs which travel very far throughout the oceans.
Get up close to some of the most awe-inspiring marine life on earth and go kayaking with dolphins and turtles on a guided sea kayak tour. Prepare to be amazed, as the whales may pass gracefully nearby.
It is important to stay 100 metres from the side of their path and 300 metres if a calf is present. However it is amazing how curious they are and like to come closer to investigate. What an amazing feeling it is to make eye contact with such a wonderful creature.
Best viewing locations
Cape Byron Lighthouse
Broken Head Nature Reserve track
Lennox Head – Pat Morton Lookout
Ballina – Main Beach and Shelley Beach
Evans Head – Goanna Headland
Yamba – Pilot Hill and Pippi Beach
Tweed Coolangatta – Point Danger
Ways to spot a whale
Seeing a whale “Blow” is sometimes the first sign of a whale you will see, when looking out to sea.
Whales spray water up to 4 metres into the air! They often travel in groups at an average speed of 10k an hour. So if it is May to July, look a little north of the ‘Blow’ to see a whale Surface or “Breech”.
Look south of the Blow from August to Sept. While breeching is done by Humpback whales, Southern Right Whales also follow the migration track.
