Whale Season on the Gold Coast
Winter is here on the Gold Coast once again, and you know what that means… whale watching season is upon us!
From the end of May through until November, approximately 20,000 Humpback Whales will migrate from the cold Antartic waters and head north towards the warmer waters of Queensland. The warmer waters provide a safe habitat for delivering and nursing their calves, contributing to the growing whale population in Australia.
Groups of young males, commonly known as juveniles, typically lead the migration, scouting out the waters ahead, while pregnant cows and cow-calf pairs bring up the rear. Adult breeding animals form the bulk of the migration in the middle stages, followed by older whales.
This is a 10,000km trip each way and the Gold Coast is lucky enough to be in prime position, boasting almost 60 kilometres of pure coastline.
An adult Humpback Whale can range anywhere from 12-16 metres in length, and weigh an average of 36,000kg. Their diet comprises mainly of krill and small fish, with their life spanning up to 100 years. Like other large whales, the humpback was a target for the whaling industry. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, its population fell by an estimated 90% before a 1966 moratorium. Humpbacks are easily approachable, curious, identifiable as individuals and display many behaviours, giving way to being known as “gentle giants of the sea”.
With nearly 60 percent of the world’s whales found in Australia’s waters, it’s no wonder the Gold Coast is one of the top whale watching destinations.
Don’t miss out on an incredible whale watching experience. We suggest booking with the recommended tour agencies; Sea World Whale Watch or Spirit of Gold Coast, who both guarantee seeing whales, for a memorable day out!
