What’s happening?
This winter, Redlands residents and visitors have the chance to observe humpback whales migrating along Australia’s east coast by heading to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), easily reached by SeaLink ferry from Cleveland. From June to November, Point Lookout’s dramatic headlands transform into prime viewing spots, where visitors can watch humpbacks breaching and calves swimming close to shore, offering an unforgettable coastal wildlife experience.
Why it matters?
The annual journey of tens of thousands of humpback whales along the “humpback highway” brings them directly past Minjerribah’s coastline, creating one of Australia’s most striking natural spectacles. This migration, which begins in Antarctic waters and heads north to the Great Barrier Reef, highlights the rich marine biodiversity found off Redlands’ shores. As SeaLink Marine & Tourism CEO Donna Gauci shared, “Watching whales in the wild is a truly moving experience — one that reminds us of the power and beauty of the natural world.” These encounters emphasise the importance of preserving marine environments that support such remarkable life cycles.
Local Impact
With Cleveland as the departure point for SeaLink ferries to North Stradbroke Island, Redlands benefits from increased visitor traffic during the whale migration season. Local businesses, including cafes and tour operators, experience a seasonal boost, while the influx of whale watchers helps raise awareness about marine conservation efforts.
By the numbers:
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Up to 30,000 humpback whales migrate along Australia’s east coast every year.
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The whale watching window from Minjerribah spans June through November.
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SeaLink’s parent company, Kelsian Group, runs 115 vessels and facilitated 378 million customer journeys last year.
Zoom In
From Point Lookout’s headlands, onlookers can see whales as they breach, slap their tails, or even observe mothers guiding calves through the coastal waters. These land-based encounters provide accessible viewing without needing to board a boat, making them ideal for families and photographers.
Zoom Out
Beyond Minjerribah, SeaLink offers whale watching experiences in other major Australian locations, including Sydney Harbour, K’gari (Fraser Island), Magnetic Island, the Whitsundays, Rottnest Island, Bruny Island, and Kangaroo Island. Each destination presents unique coastal environments for observing migrating humpback and southern right whales.
What to look for next?
Visitors can plan their trip to North Stradbroke Island during peak whale watching months by booking SeaLink ferry services departing from Cleveland. Tour details, schedules, and additional information can be found at sealink.com.au/whale-watching. Expect further updates on whale sightings as the migration continues through late spring.
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
SeaLink Marine & Tourism partners with marine conservation groups and follows strict whale watching guidelines to minimise disturbance. Their approach ensures guests have an educational experience while maintaining respect for these marine giants’ natural behaviours.
