When to see the whales on the Gold Coast
Every year thousands of humpback whales migrate along the Gold Coast, and Burleigh Heads is one of the best places on the coast to watch them from dry land.
When can you see whales on the Gold Coast?
The season runs roughly from June to October on the Gold Coast, and some sources stretch it from May to November. Numbers build through winter and peak around July to September, with August often named as the busiest month. Dates vary from year to year, and sightings are never guaranteed.
Early in the season the whales are heading north to warmer waters. Later on, mothers travel south with their newborn calves, which makes the end of the season a special time to look.
Where to watch from at Burleigh Heads
- Burleigh Hill: the headland beside Burleigh Beach has wide, open views of the ocean and is a popular place to watch for whales.
- Tumgun Lookout: a higher vantage point in Burleigh Head National Park, reached on the park’s walking tracks.
- The Ocean View Walk: a 1.2 kilometre track (one way) around the rocky foreshore to Echo Beach at Tallebudgera Creek, with ocean-facing spots along the way.
Other popular lookouts along the coast include Point Danger, Kirra Hill and Elephant Rock at Currumbin.
Prefer a boat?
Whale-watching cruises run during the season, mainly from Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Southport. A cruise gets you closer to the water, while the headland gives you a free, flexible view from above.
Tips for spotting whales from the shore
- Go early. The sea is usually calmer in the morning, which makes spouts easier to see.
- Bring binoculars if you have them.
- Look for a puff of spray on the horizon, then watch for tail slaps and breaches nearby.
- Be patient. Give yourself half an hour at each lookout.
- Pack a hat, sunscreen and water.
Dogs are not allowed in Burleigh Head National Park, so if you are travelling with a pet, read our pet-friendly guide to Burleigh Heads for other places to walk.
Turn it into a weekend
After a morning on the headland, wander down to the beach for a swim, then treat yourself to lunch or a coffee (see our favourite cafés and restaurants). Abby’s Burleigh Haven is a 2-minute walk from James Street and under 10 minutes’ walk to Burleigh Beach, so you can leave the car at home.
Season dates, tour times and lookouts can change. We wrote this on 2 November 2026 using Queensland tourism and local sources, so check current information before you plan your trip.