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As the weather cools, the waters of Moreton Bay come alive with the gentle rise and fall of migrating humpback whales, a truly natural spectacle that has become one of Queensland’s most treasured seasonal events. And this year, the excitement is even bigger than the whales themselves.
Brisbane Whale Watching is celebrating its 30th birthday, marking three decades of unforgettable encounters and front-row seats to one of the world’s greatest marine migrations.
When Brisbane Whale Watching first set sail 30 years ago, the humpback population on Australia’s east coast was only beginning to recover. In the early 1990s, fewer than 1,000 whales were estimated to pass through the region.
Jump forward 30 years, and this story is nothing short of remarkable.
This year, over 50,000 humpback whales are estimated to migrate along the east-coast, a powerful testament to the decades of protection and conservation work. Moreton Bay Marine Park stands as one of Queensland’s most vital assets, cherished for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities and cultural significance, making the destination one of the best places along the coast to witness this comeback up close. And no one has had better front-row seats over the years than Brisbane Whale Watching.
Humpback whales follow a well-worn migration route each year, travelling from the icy feeding grounds of Antarctica to the warm, sheltered waters of Queensland.
But what most don’t know is that whales travel outside of Moreton Island as they travel north, sticking to the deeper offshore waters as they head toward the Great Barrier Reef to mate and give birth. Then, on the way home, mothers and their newborn calves take the inside route, slipping into the calm, protected waters between the Redcliffe Peninsula and Moreton Island.
This sheltered environment gives calves a safe place to rest, learn essential survival skills, and build strength before the long swim home to Antarctica. It’s one of the reasons whale-watching in Moreton Bay is so special. You’re not just seeing whales, you’re witnessing the next generation of humpbacks finding their flippers and making quite the show about it.
For three decades, Brisbane Whale Watching has been the region’s hero operator, offering locals and visitors from across the globe the chance to meet these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Led by Captain Kerry Lopez, recognised as they only female Captain owning and skippering a whale-watching venture in the South Pacific Rim, the team, who share her deep respect and understanding of the Humpback Whale, have built a reputation for responsible tourism, marine education, and unforgettable experiences.
Did you know that whales have:
Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, there’s no better way to experience the magic of Moreton Bay than alongside the beautiful giants that call it home for the winter.
As the 2026 whale-watching season begins, Moreton Bay is ready to welcomes its most impressive visitors, and Brisbane Whale Watching is ready to take you there.
Thirty years on, the whales are thriving, the bay is buzzing, and the adventures are just beginning.
Discover the hidden gems and sun-soaked adventures waiting for you in Moreton Bay. Just up the road from Brisbane, our region is where the coast meets hinterland adventure, and the laid-back Queensland lifestyle takes centre stage.
