Ultimate Whale Watching Eastern Australia

Sydney - Shared Tour

Day 1: Sydney. On arrival in Sydney, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation. 

Accommodation: Intercontinental Sydney (Harbour Bridge Room)

Day 2: Sydney Whale Watching Cruise. Departing from one of the world's most stunning harbours, you'll be guided by an expert crew to learn about whale migration patterns and behaviours, with many opportunities to see these majestic creatures up close. Alongside Sydney's breathtaking coastal backdrop, you may also encounter Bottlenose Dolphins, Minke whales, and a variety of seabirds, including Albatrosses, making this four-hour journey an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Sydney (Harbour Bridge Room) | Meals: B

Day 3: Southern Highlands. After departing Sydney late morning or early afternoon, you'll journey to the tranquil Southern Highlands to encounter Australia's iconic wildlife, including eastern grey Kangaroos, Red-necked and Swamp Wallabies, Common Wombats, Emus, and Platypuses, along with vibrant bird species like Eastern Rosellas, Crimson Rosellas, King Parrots and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. You'll explore private farmland and pristine bushland, learning about the Great Western Wildlife Corridor's importance in connecting native species between the southern Blue Mountains and Morton National Park.

A visit to Fitzroy Falls will provide you with spectacular views and birdwatching, with a chance to spot the Superb Lyrebird, renowned for its incredible mimicry and fascinating mating display. At dusk, you will have the chance to search for the elusive Platypus, contributing to local conservation efforts. After dinner at Australia's oldest licensed inn, you will embark on a nocturnal spotlighting adventure to see Brush-tailed Possums, Wombats, and with some luck Tawny Frogmouths, before returning to Sydney in the late evening.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Sydney (Harbour Bridge Room) | Meals: BLD

Cairns & Far North Queensland - Shared Tour

Day 4: Daintree National Park. Take a morning flight from Sydney to Cairns, before being picked up at midday, to visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest, a 180-million-year-old ecosystem spanning 120,000 hectares and home to Australia's highest diversity of rainforest mammals. The journey offers breathtaking views along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, one of Australia's most scenic coastal highways. Upon arriving at Daintree National Park, you'll enjoy afternoon tea before embarking on a serene Daintree River Wildlife Cruise aboard a solar-powered vessel. This eco-friendly cruise provides opportunities to spot Saltwater Crocodiles and many of the region's 420 bird species, including kingfishers, cormorants, and Brahminy Kites.

Continuing to Cape Tribulation, you'll explore a rare location where the rainforest meets the sea, guided by an expert wildlife guide. The evening includes a memorable dining experience in the rainforest, followed by a night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife. Your guide will share insights on the 3,000 plant species and various crepuscular and nocturnal animals, such as the Daintree River Ringtail Possum and Northern Long-nosed Bandicoot, enhancing your unique experience of the Wet Tropics. Arrive back in Cairns at 10:30 pm.

Accommodation: Crystalbrook Riley (Panoramic Sea View Room) | Meals: BD

Frankland Islands National Park - Shared Tour

Day 5: Frankland Islands National Park & Great Barrier Reef. Your tropical island adventure begins with an air-conditioned coach pickup from Cairns, heading south through the stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest and vast sugar cane fields. You'll pass Walsh's Pyramid, the tallest natural freestanding pyramid in the world, before arriving at Deeral, just 45 minutes from Cairns.

From Deeral, board the Turtle Islander vessel for a peaceful 30-minute cruise along the Mulgrave River, surrounded by lush rainforest and mangroves teeming with birdlife, including kingfishers, ibis, and spoonbills, as well as Saltwater Crocodiles. The boat then ventures into the traditional sea country of the Mandingalby Yidinji and Gungandji peoples, reaching Normanby Island, just 10 kilometres offshore, with whales often spotted between July and the end of August.

Here, you'll explore sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant fringing reefs, perfect for snorkelling to see colourful corals, tropical fish and turtles, with an expert crew and marine biologist on hand. With limited tour numbers, you can enjoy a range of activities, including guided snorkel experiences, kayaking, a semi-submersible ride, paddle boarding, and a guided island walk with a marine biologist.

Accommodation: Crystalbrook Riley (Panoramic Sea View Room) | Meals: BL

Hervey Bay - Shared Tour

Day 6: Hervey Bay. Fly from Cairns to the beautiful coastal town of Hervey Bay, the World's first Whale Heritage site. This region is known for having some of the most active and inquisitive whales found anywhere across the globe, with breaches, whale songs and muggings common practice.

Accommodation: Ramada Hervey Bay (Deluxe Suite) | Meals: B

Day 7: Ultimate Hervey Bay Whale Watching. Beginning at Great Sandy Straits Marina, you'll board the custom-built Ocean Defender, a low-profile rigid inflatable boat designed for unobstructed 360-degree views of the whales. With a capacity for 38 passengers, the boat offers forward-facing seats and ample shade. The boat's speed ensures swift access to Platypus Bay, a popular area where whales come to rest, play, and interact. Between July and October, over 30% of Australia's migrating Humpback Whales rest in Hervey Bay, including breeding pairs and mothers with calves.

The crew, trained in marine sciences, will guide you through the fascinating behaviours of Humpback Whales, such as breaches, tail slaps, and spy hopping. You'll also have the chance to listen to the whales' songs using underwater hydrophones. Onboard, Marine Naturalists will lead educational activities to inspire future environmental stewards. Your ticket includes free snacks, soft drinks, and a full-colour Whalewatch Guide from the Pacific Whale Foundation's Research Department. All proceeds from sales of the whale watching experiences support whale and dolphin research, marine education for children, and ocean conservation programs in Australia and around the world.

Accommodation: Ramada Hervey Bay (Deluxe Suite) | Meals: B

Day 8: Hervey Bay or K'gari. Enjoy a day of leisure or take an optional tour to K'gari where you can explore the world's largest sand island. Experience guided 4WD tours across sandy tracks, visit pristine beaches like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek, and admire ancient rainforests, towering sand dunes, freshwater lakes and wildlife.

Accommodation: Ramada Hervey Bay (Deluxe Suite) | Meals: B

Eyre Peninsula - Private Winter Whale Watching (minimum of 4 guests required)

Day 9: Adelaide. After flying from Hervey Bay, enjoy a day at leisure exploring the city.

Accommodation: Mayfair Adelaide (Deluxe King Room) | Meals: B

Day 10: Ceduna. Upon arrival to the coastal town of Ceduna, where you will visit Arts Ceduna, the premier Aboriginal Art Centre on the Eyre Peninsula. There are some incredible pieces of art here from paintings, lino prints & artifacts to books, ceramics, bush medicine and the artists themselves to kick off the day. Visit the awesome pink Lake MacDonnell and maybe even spot Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats along the way. Head west across the Nullabor to Fowlers Bay, for a night of campfire and outback dinner.

Accommodation: Ceduna Foreshore Hotel | Meals: BL

Day 11: Southern Right Whale Discovery. Today, you will be travelling along to Fowlers Bay, to join a spectacular oceanic morning cruise taking in the beauty of Point Fowler and its rugged cliffs and an incredible array of marine life. Southern Right and Humpback Whales frequent Fowlers Bay during their annual migration, remaining within the bay for several months to calve and nurse their young. With up to 80 whales and this number growing each year to visit this small bay, this is surely one of Australia's very best places to see these beautiful cetaceans. This tour includes close-up viewing of Southern Right Whales, Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, Australian Sea Lions, Long-nosed Fur Seals and White Bellied Sea Eagles, Little Penguins and some rare species of Albatross.

Accommodation: Ceduna Foreshore Hotel | Meals: BL

Eyre Peninsula - Private Winter Whale Watching

Day 12: Ceduna to Pt Lincoln. This morning, depart Ceduna for a scenic 450km drive to Port Lincoln, following the path of Edward John Eyre. En route, you'll visit coastal towns and attractions such as Smoky Bay, Perlubie Beach, Streaky Bay, Murphy's Haystacks, Talia Caves, the Great Ocean Drive around Elliston, and the Cummings Monument. A highlight is the scenic drive from Streaky Bay to Point Labatt, where you can view the endangered Australian Sea-lion. Point Labatt is one of the few places where seal pups are seen learning to swim and play, protected from predators. Next, explore Murphy's Haystacks, ancient pink granite boulders shaped by erosion, and enjoy coastal views around Elliston. The Cummings Monument offers breathtaking views of the rugged Great Australian Bight and sea eagle nests. Finally, a short drive takes you to Port Lincoln, showcasing the city's highlights before arriving at your accommodation.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln Hotel (Ocean View Balcony Room) | Meals: BL

Day 13: Port Lincoln National Park. Begin your day exploring Port Lincoln and its seafood industry. Visit Flinders Ports Wharf, South Australia's main grain exporting hub, and observe the unloading of fishing boats and fertilizer. Next, head to the Marina Wharf, home to the Southern Hemisphere's largest fishing fleet, to see the diverse fishing industries and vessels. You'll discover local seafood like Bluefin Tuna, King Prawns, and Southern Rock Lobster, and tour a factory to see the fish-to-plate process. Enjoy a seafood lunch with freshly cooked fish or shellfish.

After lunch, explore Port Lincoln National Park, from rugged Sleaford Bay to tranquil Spalding Cove. Hike to Stamford Hill Lookout for spectacular views and spot Ospreys and Sea-Eagles. Visit a private nature reserve to see wild Koalas up close and observe kangaroos in their natural habitat. Stroll through a historical homestead, view native birds, and end the day relaxing with a platter and local wine around a fire, surrounded by wildlife and nature.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln Hotel (Ocean View Balcony Room) | Meals: BL