Gold Coast Whale Watching is an absolute must during your visit to this beautiful oceanside city on Australia’s east coast!
There is no better way to get up close and personal with these humble giants than hopping on board a 2-hour whale watching cruise, which will take you out to sea to spot humpback whales showing off their acrobatic skills during their annual migration.
In this post, I have put together a complete guide to a Gold Coast whale watching experience, including where to book, when the whale watching season is, and what to expect on tour.
WHERE TO BOOK WHALE WATCHING GOLD COAST
There are several Gold Coast whale watching tour operators to choose from, though it can be tricky trying to decide which one is the best.
I personally went whale watching on the Gold Coast with a tour operator called Sea World Cruises, and I can’t recommend them enough as they are the most reputable and affordable.
Not only do Sea World Cruises offer whale watching in Gold Coast, but they also have many other cruises available, such as sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, sunset cruises, and more!
Whale watching tours operate out of Sea World, which is located at the northern end of the Gold Coast near The Spit.
WHALE WATCHING GOLD COAST PRICES
- Adult: $89 AUD
- Child: $59 AUD
- Family 2 Adults, 2 Children: $296 AUD
Click Here to check availability and book online in advance.
GOLD COAST WHALE WATCHING SEASON
The whale watching season Gold Coast starts in April and ends in November.
Every year, these humble giants migrate from Antarctica, traveling north along Australia’s east coast at the beginning of winter and then traveling back towards the southern ocean at the beginning of spring.
During this time is the best opportunity to see the annual migration and acrobatic displays from these majestic humpback whales as they cruise past the coastlines of NSW and Queensland.
RELATED ARTICLE: 3 DAY GOLD COAST ITINERARY
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WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE TOUR
Whale Watching Gold Coast is truly an incredible experience, and I guarantee you will not regret jumping on board this 2-hour boat cruise.
The tour starts at Sea World Cruises, where you will board the whale-watching tour boat at the Sea World Cruises pier, and from here, it’s a 15-minute cruise along the Broadwater and out through The Spit till you reach the open ocean.
As the boat cruises out through the Broadwater, you’ll have spectacular views of Labrador, Southport, and Surfers Paradise.
The boat will then cruise past South Stradbroke Island before reaching deeper waters where humpback whales can be spotted.
The duration of the Gold Coast whale watching tour is 2 hours, which allows plenty of time on the water to be on the lookout for the playful humpback whales.
Be sure to bring your camera to capture all the magic!
Apart from spotting whales on the tour, you’ll also get a close encounter with pods of dolphins that like to cruise at the front of the boat.
FEATURES ON THE TOUR
- History of migrating humpback whales
- Spectacular views of the Gold Coast
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SEA WORLD CRUISES LOCATION
WHERE TO STAY ON THE GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast is a thriving tourist hub with no shortage of accommodation options, and most people want to be by the beach as often as possible – I don’t blame them!
RELATED ARTICLE: WHERE TO STAY IN GOLD COAST
See below for the best places to stay on the Gold Coast with options suited for families, budget backpackers, and luxury travelers.
Luxury: Mondrian Gold Coast
Mondrian Gold Coast is a 5-star luxury hotel offering spacious rooms, premium amenities, a resort-style pool, fitness facilities, and high-end dining.
Rooms and suites feature modern interiors, private balconies, flat-screen TVs, and bathrooms designed for comfort and style.
Located on the beachfront at Burleigh Heads, Mondrian Gold Coast is ideal for couples and travellers seeking a luxurious stay.
Mid Range: Mantra Coolangatta Beach
Mantra Coolangatta Beach offers spacious beachfront apartments with sweeping ocean views, resort-style pools, a gym, and direct beach access.
The self-contained apartments feature full kitchens, private balconies, laundry facilities, and open-plan living areas. It’s ideal for longer stays.
Located in the heart of Coolangatta, this is a great option for families, couples, and travellers wanting comfort, space, and a prime beachfront location.
Budget: Surf Inn Boutique Backpackers
Surf Inn Boutique Backpackers is a relaxed, social hostel offering clean rooms, a swimming pool, a communal kitchen, and regular social activities.
Accommodation ranges from dorms to private rooms, all designed for comfort with shared facilities and a laid-back vibe.
Located in Surfers Paradise, it’s ideal for solo travellers and budget-conscious visitors looking to meet people while staying close to the beach and nightlife.
FOR MORE OPTIONS, SEE THIS GUIDE ON WHERE TO STAY ON THE GOLD COAST
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast is one of the only places on the East Coast of Australia that sees glorious sunshine almost all year round.
If you want the best of the best conditions weatherwise, I recommend visiting between May and October (Autumn – Spring), which is ideal for beach bumming, nature walks, and water sports.
Summer on the Gold Coast is between December and February, which sees hot temperatures and a lot of rainfall.
BEST GOLD COAST TOURS
OTHER GOLD COAST ATTRACTIONS
As I mentioned earlier, there are so many things to do on the Gold Coast that you could spend months here and not run out of things to do.
See the list below for some other Gold Coast tourist spots that you may want to check out:
- Gold Coast Theme Parks
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Aquaduck Safari
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Tamborine Mountain
- Indoor Skydiving
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE GOLD COAST
When visiting the Gold Coast, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
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FINAL THOUGHTS – WHALE WATCHING GOLD COAST
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about Whale Watching Gold Coast, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can!
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