Winter Day Trips
The HumpbacK Highway Land-based whale watching
One of the most exhilarating sights to behold on our coastline is the annual migration of the humpback whales. As the weather turns colder, the humpback whales leave their home in Antarctica and begin their journey north to warmer seas to calve before returning south again to show off their offspring. From May to October they can often be seen in local waters putting on a spectacular display of breaching, tale fluking and fin slapping, and it can be well worth a day trip to see! LAND BASED WHALE WATCHING If you haven’t got the time or the sea-legs for a whale watching cruise we’ve found the best places to go land-based whale spotting, so grab your binoculars and camera, pack some snacks and the kids, and get ready to follow the whales north along the humpback highway.
CAPE BYRON A great place to spend a whole day whale watching, with plenty of other things to do here too. Start by finding the Cape Byron Roving Ranger Cart (call 02 6620 9300 for location), which provides maps, reference books, and even a few whale bones to give the kids an insight before you begin your search. Then head up to the lighthouse for spectacular panoramic ocean views. You can grab a coffee from the café before starting the 3.7km loop walk around the headland for more viewing opportunities, where you won’t just see whales – look out for dolphins and other wildlife too.
NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND – POINT LOOKOUT North Stradbroke Island is the closest point to Brisbane for land-based whale watching. Catch the ferry from Cleveland and head to Point Lookout on the eastern side – the most easterly point in Queensland. From there the water is often clear enough to see not only whales, but dolphins, turtles and manta rays too. North Stradbroke Island is a great place to spend the whole day.
GOLD COAST If you’re lucky enough to have access to one of the high-rise buildings along the shore you are bound to spot whales, but even a stroll along The Spit should see you rewarded with more than a sighting or two. The Gold Coast is fairly central to the migratory route so it’s the perfect place to see whales for the whole of the whale watching season as whales heading north will often be passing whales returning south.
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MORETON ISLAND – CAPE MORETON Start your day trip with a ‘cruise’ across to the island aboard a comfortable ferry, then head to Cape Moreton Lighthouse – the oldest lighthouse in Queensland – for a breathtaking coastal view. Looking down from the cliff, there is a good chance you will also see dugongs grazing in the sea grass below. Access to the lighthouse is only suited to 4WD and requires an uphill walk from the carpark. You will need a permit to take your own 4WD onto the island, but there are 4WD tour operators who will take you out in their vehicles to see all the sights of this beautiful island.
COOLUM – POINT PERRY You can drive right up to Point Perry Lookout or take a leisurely stroll up the hill from the Coolum surf club. This elevated lookout has picnic shelters, public toilets and a viewing platform, but it’s a very popular spot and can get busy.
NOOSA – DOLPHIN POINT Dolphin Point is part of the Noosa Coastal Track, along a section of sealed pathway. Starting from the Noosa National Park entry on Park Road, the sealed path takes you 1.2km to Dolphin Point. The path is suitable for assisted wheelchair users though gradients can be steep in places, and there are toilet facilities along the way. Beyond Dolphin Point the path becomes gravel, but if you continue a further 1.5km you will reach Hell’s Gates where the ocean view is simply stunning. The great thing about Dolphin Point for families is that you can head down to the famous Hastings Street for welcome refreshments after your walk.
Your Local Families Magazine June / July 2019 www.familiesmagazine.com.au
BURLEIGH HEADS Tumgun Lookout in the Burleigh Heads national park is an elevated vantage point with great views to look down upon the whales. There are a couple of walking tracks under 3km that will take you to the