Every year humpback whales travel north along Australia's east coast to breed in warm water and then return south with their calves, and the waters off Moreton Bay are one of the best places on the coast to see them from a boat. The whale watching cruise out of Brisbane is a seasonal experience, running through the cooler months rather than all year, and its lengthy format of about five and a half hours reflects the time needed to travel out to where the whales are and to spend unhurried time with them. Lunch is included with the cruise, and a live English-speaking guide explains what you are looking at, from tail slaps and breaches to the blow patterns that help spot whales at a distance. A second option adds transfers, which is worth knowing if you are staying in the city centre and prefer not to make your own way to the departure point. Sightings are never guaranteed, because the animals are wild and move freely, but the migration route passes close to the bay, which is why cruises are scheduled around it.
Timing is the most important decision. Whale watching in this region follows the Southern Hemisphere winter and spring, so plan your trip for the middle of the year through to roughly the end of spring, and check the operator's season dates when you book rather than assuming a cruise runs at other times. Outside the season, the Moreton Bay area still offers dolphins and sea life, and other trips in this guide, such as the Tangalooma day cruise, make a good alternative.
On the day, expect a long outing on open water. The sea can be lively on windy days, so anyone prone to seasickness should take preventive medication before departure, not after, and sit towards the middle of the boat where the motion is gentlest. Bring a hat, sunscreen, a windproof layer even on warm days, polarised sunglasses to cut glare and binoculars if you have them.
Whales are often seen at a distance, and a good lens or binoculars help you appreciate details, but the best moments, such as a close pass or a breach, tend to be unplanned. Be patient and keep scanning the horizon.
Who it suits
Wildlife lovers, couples marking a special occasion, and families with children old enough to sit through a long cruise. It is not a quick add-on, but a half-day centrepiece. Pair it with a quieter Brisbane day afterwards, such as the free gardens at Mount Coot-tha or the galleries at South Bank, and book ahead in the school holidays, when the best-timed departures fill early.
What to expect
The experience
A guided whale watching cruise with lunch and a live English-speaking guide, with an option that adds transfers.
Best time
During the migration season, which runs through the cooler months; confirm the operator's season dates when you book.
How long
About five and a half hours for both options.
Tips
Take seasickness tablets before you board, dress in layers with a windproof jacket, bring sun protection and binoculars, and treat sightings as a bonus, not a guarantee.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wildlife lovers who want to see humpbacks in their natural habitat on a proper half-day cruise.
- Families
- Good for children who can handle a long boat trip; the guide explains what you see and lunch is provided.
- Couples
- A memorable shared experience, especially for a special occasion in the whale season.
- Pair with
- A relaxed day at South Bank or the gardens at Mount Coot-tha afterwards.
- Time needed
- Allow the whole morning and early afternoon.
Good questions
When is whale watching season?+
Humpbacks pass along this coast during the cooler months, so cruises run in season rather than all year. Check the season dates when you book.
Is lunch included?+
Yes. Both options include lunch, and the longer option adds transfers.
How long is the cruise?+
About five and a half hours for both options.
Are sightings guaranteed?+
No. The whales are wild, but the migration route passes close to Moreton Bay, so encounters are common in season.
What if I get seasick?+
Take medication before departure, sit near the middle of the boat, and watch the horizon.
