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A humpback whale breaching. Photography: Andrea Izzott.
Majestic echoes of a remarkable return to the sea
By Michael Webster
It’s hard to believe, but whales weren’t always ocean giants. Around 50 million years ago, they began their evolutionary journey on land, where their earliest ancestors walked on four legs and lived along rivers and coastlines. These ancient mammals gradually adapted to aquatic life – limbs transformed into flippers, tails evolved into powerful flukes, and nostrils migrated to the top of the head to become blowholes. Today’s whales are descended from these land-dwelling creatures, with their closest living relative being none other than the hippopotamus.
The best-known of these transitional species is the wolf-like ‘Pakicetus’, discovered in what is now Pakistan. It lived on land but had traits (like ear bones) linking it to the whales we know and love today. ‘Ambulocetus’ (‘the walking whale’) was amphibious, and capable of swimming and walking, most likely moving between rivers and land like a crocodile. ‘Rodhocetus’ was more aquatic, with reduced limbs and stronger tail propulsion. Today, every awe-inspiring breach or almost balletic deep dive is a living echo of that remarkable return – an evolutionary U-turn back to sea.
A humpback whale begins its migration from the southernmost waters of the world – the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean), Antarctica. Photography: Oleksandr Matsibura.
Each year, tens of thousands of humpback whales travel along Australia’s epic coastline in one of nature’s most spectacular migrations. Known as the ‘Humpback Highway’, this journey begins in Antarctica and stretches north to the warmer waters of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, offering prime viewing opportunities from May through November.
SeaLink Marine and Tourism invites nature enthusiasts to embark on extraordinary whale watching adventures. From the wild coastlines of Tasmania’s Bruny Island to the pristine waters of Queensland’s Whitsundays, SeaLink offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the majestic migration of humpback and southern right whales.
In Queensland, including around K'gari (Fraser Island), Townsville, and Magnetic Island, the calm, sheltered waters play a vital role in the whales’ life cycle. Here, mothers nurture their newborn calves, spending several weeks helping them grow stronger before beginning the long journey back south. These northern encounters are often slower and more serene, allowing visitors to witness tail flukes, gentle breaches, and playful calf behaviour up close.
Alongside humpbacks, southern right whales can also be spotted in the cooler, more remote southern waters. Locations such as Encounter Bay near Kangaroo Island, Bruny Island in Tasmania, and Rottnest Island off Western Australia provide sheltered environments where these gentle giants often rest, calve, and linger close to shore, offering exceptional land and sea-based viewing opportunities during the winter months.
SeaLink Marine and Tourism is proud to connect guests to these incredible moments in nature with a range of guided and cruise-based experiences tailored to each region’s unique marine environment. “Watching whales in the wild is a truly moving experience – one that reminds us of the power and beauty of the natural world,” Donna Gauci, CEO of SeaLink Marine and Tourism told The Solo Traveller. “At SeaLink, we're proud to offer so many ways for guests to experience this firsthand, across some of Australia’s most spectacular coastal regions.”
Photography: SeaLink Marine and Tourism.
SeaLink Marine and Tourism’s whale watching experiences
K’gari (Fraser Island), Queensland
Between July and October, the calm, sheltered waters of Hervey Bay off K'gari's western coast, become a resting ground for humpback whales and their calves. The Quick Cat II offers eco-certified whale watching tours departing from Kingfisher Bay Resort daily, featuring expert commentary, light refreshments, and the opportunity to upgrade to a guided swim with whales experience. With some of the most intimate encounters in the migration, K'gari is widely regarded as one of the world's best whale watching destinations.
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Whale watching on K’gari (Fraser Island), Queensland. Photography: SeaLink Marine and Tourism.
North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), Queensland
Just a short SeaLink ferry ride from Cleveland, this island paradise is home to one of Australia's most renowned land-based whale watching spots. From June to November, head to Point Lookout’s elevated headlands for sweeping views and unforgettable sightings of migrating humpbacks.
Magnetic Island and Townsville, North Queensland
Hop aboard a SeaLink whale watching cruise from Townsville during peak season from mid-July to August. These 3-hour tours on modern, air-conditioned catamarans feature spacious viewing decks and expert commentary – perfect for spotting humpbacks breaching in the warm tropical waters.
Whitsundays, Queensland
From June to November, the Whitsundays comes alive with migrating humpback whales. Whether you are cruising aboard the Purely Whitehaven Full Day Tour to iconic locations like Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, venturing to the Great Barrier Reef on the Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure, or exploring the islands with Red Cat Adventures' Thundercat and Tongarra, you will have the chance to encounter these gentle giants in one of the world's most breathtaking marine playgrounds.
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
From September to late November, humpback and southern right whales can often be seen during their southbound migration. Whales can be frequently spotted from the SeaLink ferry on the journey to and from the island. Once there, land-based viewing points like Cape Vlamingh and Cathedral Rocks at the West End offer excellent vantage points for sightings.
Bruny Island, Tasmania
Accessible via SeaLink ferry, Bruny Island offers excellent land-based whale watching from May to July and September to November. Head to Truganini Lookout at The Neck or Adventure Bay for some of the best vantage points to spot humpback and southern right whales during their migration.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
From May to September, Kangaroo Island's southern coastline offers excellent opportunities to spot migrating southern right whales, with occasional sightings of humpbacks. Accessible via SeaLink's ferry service from Cape Jervis, the best land-based lookouts include Cape Willoughby, Cape du Couedic, Kingscote, and Penneshaw, offering clear views of these majestic creatures as they pass close to shore.
Photography: SeaLink Marine and Tourism.
SeaLink Marine and Tourism is dedicated to promoting sustainable and responsible whale watching practices. By partnering with marine conservation groups and adhering to strict guidelines, SeaLink ensures minimal disturbance to the whales while providing educational and enriching experiences for guests. SeaLink Marine and Tourism’s sustainability credentials include Advanced Ecotourism Certification and Green Travel Leader Certification from Ecotourism Australia, and membership of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
To explore your options for a whale watching adventure, visit our friends at SeaLink Marine and Tourism.
Michael Webster is The Solo Traveller’s International Community Development Lead.
