It is a File-breaking Yr on the ‘Humpback Freeway’—With Over 45,000 Whales Anticipated

Annually, as temperatures drop in Antarctica, an important migration begins. Tens of 1000’s of humpback whales—greater than 45,000 by some estimates—set off on an epic 6,200-mile journey north that runs alongside Australia’s east coast. They’re sure for heat tropical waters the place they breed and calve earlier than taking the identical route again to the Southern Ocean. Locals name it the Humpback Freeway, and from June by November, it presents one of many world’s most dependable and awe-inspiring whale-watching experiences.

On the coronary heart of the spectacle is Moreton Bay, a protected stretch of water simply offshore Brisbane that the whales go by. The migration reaches its peak in August, when bigger pods seem and there’s a surge in social conduct: tail slapping, pectoral waving, and the unmistakable breach.

This yr, the outlook is particularly promising. Sightings are already up, and with the humpback whale inhabitants rising, some skippers are predicting it could possibly be essentially the most lively season but. For vacationers, entry couldn’t be simpler. Brisbane is without doubt one of the solely main cities on the planet the place you possibly can go away your resort after breakfast and be scanning the ocean for whales by midmorning—no lengthy drives or sophisticated transfers required.

Tour corporations like Brisbane Whale Watching decide up company 40 minutes north of town and boast a whale-sighting assure. For bigger teams, or a small, VIP expertise, Sovereign Girl Charters has a 74-foot private-use yacht that matches as much as 35 company and departs half-hour east of downtown Brisbane. 

You may additionally have the ability to glimpse the huge migration by taking a ferry to North Stradbroke Island in Moreton Bay and watching from. Cape Moreton on Moreton Island is one other land-based viewing level. To achieve the cape, take a ferry to Moreton Island and stroll the Cape Moreton observe to the Cape Moreton Lighthouse, Queensland’s solely stone lighthouse. It’s a excellent place to catch the Humpback Freeway because it passes by the shores of the island.

Not all whale watching requires a ship. North Stradbroke Island (recognized to locals as “Straddie”) is reachable by ferry and presents commanding views from Level Lookout, a clifftop path the place whales can typically be seen breaching simply offshore. For one thing even wilder, head to Moreton Island, a nationwide park of towering sand dunes and quiet seashores. From the ferry touchdown, hike the Cape Moreton Monitor to the historic Cape Moreton Lighthouse (the one stone lighthouse in Queensland) and absorb sweeping views of the Pacific.

Whale season off the coast of Brisbane runs from June to November and peaks in August. In keeping with new analysis from Griffith College, Moreton Bay is changing into greater than only a migratory hall—it’s now a key resting and nursing zone for mom whales and their calves on their return journey south.