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It’s the perfect way to experience the Australian coast.
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From April to November, along Australia’s east coast the “Humpback Highway” is where tens of thousands of humpbacks, southern right whales, blue whales, and orcas migrate from Antarctica and raise their young in the warmer waters. Along the way, they visit coastal towns and ports from southwest Victoria to the Great Barrier Reef, before returning south again to perform for whale watchers.
Following the whales on their annual pilgrimage is one of the best ways to see the Australian coast. Here’s where to stop on your road trip from Victoria to Far North Queensland.
Warrnambool, Victoria
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Warrnambool is a coastal town along Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road and close to the Twelve Apostles. The sheltered, calm waters are popular both with families camping on the beach and with southern right whales, which often swim within 300 feet of shore. Logan Beach is a regular calving and nursery area for whales, and you can watch from a specially constructed platform built into the sand dunes.
While in town, visit the Warrnambool Art Gallery and browse works from local creators or soak in a geothermal bath at Deep Blue Hot Springs. You can also learn about the fascinating maritime history of the Shipwreck Coast and visit the impressive cliffs where sick ships still rest.
Eden, New South Wales
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If you were a whaler in the 1920s, Eden was not the place you wanted to be. Thankfully, the historic fishing town on the sparkling sapphire coast has overlooked its whaling past. Sirens that once called harpooners to their boats now alert whales to sightings.
Whales are mostly seen here during their southern migration from September to November. You can take advantage of the many free sites around Eden, including Twofold Bay and Beowa National Park, or go on a whale watching trip with Cat Ballo Cruises. Eden hosts its annual Whaling Festival in October, with unique markets, dining events and tours scattered in and around town.
Port Stephens, New South Wales
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Port Stephens is an adventure playground nestled between the giant sand dunes, dolphin-filled rivers and lush green mountains of the Great Lakes Marine Park. Some of the best whale watching from the beach can be had at Fingal Bay’s Barry Park or Anna Bay’s Birubi Beach with a coffee at the beach club. Eco-certified Imagine Cruises offers tours in search of whales, dolphins and fur seals.
After you’ve had your fill of whale watching, learn about the local Worimi heritage on a quad bike tour of the dunes, grab fresh oysters at Holbert’s Oyster Farm or enjoy a spritz at Shoal Bay Country Club.
Mooloolaba, Queensland
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Fish and chips. Sun protection. Long lazy days on the sand. Mooloolaba is one of those sun-kissed beach towns that Australian kids look up to and marketers love to put on their billboards. There are many ways to see whales here, but one of the most unique is with Saltwater Eco Tours, which offers whale tours with Aboriginal guides who share the Kabi Kabi culture.
Back to earth, stroll down the Esplanade to Pavilion Oval for a healthy breakfast by the water, hire a fishing rod and cast a line in the river, and soak up the sunset with a beer at The Dock.
Airlie Beach, Queensland
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After traveling more than 3,000 miles, the “Humpback Highway” ends in the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef, including several protected Whitsunday Islands and bays. Airlie Beach is the gateway to exploring the islands and reefs, and is the launching point for many whale watching, snorkelling and scuba diving trips.
There is still much to be done on the mainland as the reef steals the spotlight. Head to the weekend Whitsunday Market to shop, eat and see giant sand sculptures, chase waterfalls in Conway National Park or embrace the Ibiza vibe at the Balearica Beach Club.
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Read the first article on Travel and Leisure.
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