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Hamilton Island Blog /  Whale Season in the Whitsundays
  • Hamilton Island Blog

Whale Season in the Whitsundays

Posted by Hamilton Island - 18 July 2017

It’s that glorious time of year once again: whale-watching season in the Whitsundays!

Every year, humpback whales migrate north from the Antarctic and make their way to the Whitsundays to utilise the regions waters to give birth, socialise and to mate.

 

A whale and calf seen off Hamilton Island during Audi Hamilton Island Race Week in 2016. Photo by @RB281

They make the trip to the Whitsundays, as the waters are protected, shallow and warm, making the location ideal for giving birth to their calves and a fantastic nursery for the young whales.

During the months of June to September guests on Hamilton Island start to spot these beautiful creatures in the waters around the Whitsunday islands, and occasionally on the Great Barrier Reef.  

 

The Whitsundays was named by Australian Geographic as one of the top 10 whale watching spots in the country. Photo by @Beautiful_giants


What is the best way to see whales when visiting Hamilton Island?

As whales are wild creatures it’s impossible to guarantee their locations on any given day but it’s certainly worth keeping your eyes peeled when looking out to the sea during whale season. If you’re lucky they might pop up, enjoy a splash around in the water and put on a show for you.
 
Guests have reported seeing whales when on Catseye Beach, Passage Peak, the balcony of their accommodation and on various charters when out at sea.  

 

A whale pops up to say hello near Hamilton Island. Photo by @georgiarrogers_

The tour operators working from Hamilton Island are always keen to share a whale spotting with their guests when they can. It’s a wonderful bonus experience to have with our fishing charters, sailing tours, Whitehaven Beach trips or aerial excursions if the opportunity presents itself.  

 

The stunning sight of a whale breaching near Hamilton Island. Photo by Andrea Francolini.

Fun facts about whales in the Whitsundays:

  • Whales tend to travel in pods and will have other whales with them when migrating. So, when you spot one start looking for others! 

  • As whales are coming to the Whitsundays to give birth there is a high chance of seeing calves. Whales give birth in the warm waters of the Whitsundays because if the calves were born in the colder waters of the Antarctic, they would freeze to death! This is because when they are born they do not have the necessary blubber built up yet to keep them warm.  The pleasant 22-23 degree temps of the Whitsundays are perfect for them to grow and ready themselves for those conditions.

  • Humpbacks do not feed on their trip from the Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef and won’t until they return to the Antarctic waters.

  • Whales, vary in length from five to 18 metres.

  • Calves are approximately four metres and weigh around two tonne when born.

  • Humpbacks love to play. In fact they are renowned around the world for their acrobatic skills and despite weighing up to 45 tonnes, they have the ability to completely leap out from the water. This exciting manoeuvre is called a breach.

  • There are strict laws around how close vessels and people can get to whales and these need to be followed: QLD Laws


So, next time you're around Hamilton Island during whale season keep your eyes scanning the seas for the Whitsundays biggest guest stars! 


Peek-A-Boo! Don't forget to keep watch! Photo by Andrea Francolini.

About the Author

Part of the Whitsundays, and in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most spectacular and sought-after holiday destinations. On a holiday to Hamilton Island, you'll be surrounded by pristine white beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life.

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Book your Stay Book Direct Online Speak to Us (within Australia) Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows, Beach Club1300 007 333 qualia1300 780 959 Hamilton Island Holiday Homes1800 370 811 International Contact Details Chat to Reservations
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