Whale watching is a remarkable experience that happens between June and October. If visiting the Gold Coast, you should see these captivating marine mammals up close in their native habitat. They will be frolicking, breaching, and blowing. It’s an exciting event that you’ll remember for a long time.
Every year, an estimated 35,000 whales begin their migration through the Gold Coast. That’s a lot of whales, right? Well, these creatures are extraordinary because they have recovered from the verge of disappearing to become a successful global conservation story to the point that they are no longer in danger.
With population numbers increasing yearly, there is a lot of marine traffic along the Humpback Highway. And, given their size, their migration is rather spectacular. The enormous humpbacks can grow up to 16m long, weigh over 30 tonnes, and live for up to 90 years. The newborn calf is just approximately 4m long, and mother humpbacks use the protected Gold Coast waters as a nursery to relax and play in throughout their voyage south.
So, where can you go to view them? Here are the best locations to see these species.
Burleigh Hill, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Hill is everyone’s favoured sunset picnic destination, but it’s also an excellent place to observe whales. Bring a blanket and your favourite beverage, and prepare to examine the waters closely.
Tumgun Lookout, Burleigh Heads National Park
Tumgum Lookout is along the Ocean View Lookout Track in Burleigh Head National Park. You may get an excellent workout by taking the winding path up the hill but watch for whales once you reach the area.
Point Danger, Coolangatta
On a clear day, you may see whales from kilometres away at Point Danger, a headland located in Coolangatta on the southern end of the Gold Coast.
Elephant Rock, Currumbin
Elephant Rock, located on Currumbin Beach, is a well-known rock formation from ancient volcanic activity. Beachgoers can ascend the stairs to the cliff’s summit for panoramic views of Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta. However, that viewing platform provides an excellent vantage point for searching for whales.
If you forget your binoculars, you can use telescope binoculars by inserting a quarter. If you prefer to search for whales while sipping a glass of bubbly or a pint, the Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club, located directly on the rock, has a dining area with fantastic ocean views.
Enjoy a relaxing lakeside escape at Isle of Palms for convenient access. The resort is about three kilometres from Palm Beach and Currumbin Beach, not to mention Currumbin Creek, Palm Beach Parklands, Burleigh Head National Park, and other natural wonders.
Enjoy all these and more when you stay in the tropical island cove of Pine Lake Elanora. Isle of Palms Accommodation includes a variety of self-contained townhouses and villas that are excellent for families and large parties. The resort also has special onsite facilities such as two swimming pools, two heated spas, two full-size tennis courts, barbeque spaces, a lakefront event room, a games room, and more.
Book today to take advantage of the whale-watching season and a relaxing break on the Southern Gold Coast!
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