Straddie plays host to more than 3,000 whales each year! Whale watching is one of the favourite winter pastimes at North Stradbroke Island, with humpback whales visible from a number of vantage points at Point Lookout from May to November every year!
Fishes at the Point is lucky enough to be situated directly opposite the North Gorge Walk, which offers a number of perfect Whale Watching spots! Excellent views from the North Gorge walk are obtained from Norm’s Seat and above Whale Rock; while at the Frenchman’s Bay end of Bambara street and Timbin Road, elevated timber platforms have been provided giving views over Boat Rock and The Group rocks just offshore.
The whale watching season starts with the first whale sightings in late May each year when the whales are moving north and lasts until early November when the whales return to their Antarctic home with their young in tow.
Approximately 3,000 whales migrate each season between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. A variety of species including Humpbacks, Southern Wright and sometimes Blue Whales pass close by Point Lookout on the way to their Hervey Bay and Whitsunday breeding grounds.
Point Lookout is the perfect place for land based whale watching – there’s no need to go on a boat. The whales are often only a few hundred metres off the point and can be easily seen breaching and slapping the water with their fins and tails.
Fishes at the Point are once again hosting the only land based whale watching tours on the island during the September/October school holidays!
Tours are running daily at 2:30 pm and run for approximately 1.5 hours. Our tours are once again guided by the fabulous and knowledgeable Dr Olaf Meynecke, marine biologist. Olaf has almost 20 years experience in marine biology,science and humpback whales. A researcher for Griffith University, Olaf works with the organisation; Humpbacks and Highrises and will discuss on the tour the conservation efforts, social attributes, behaviours and answer any questions you may have about whales!
Tours are suitable for all ages, under 12s must be accompanied by an adult and prices are $5 for kids and $15 for adults. Tickets can be purchased and reserved ahead of time from us. Phone 07 3415 3444 to book.
Not around for the tours? Fishes also hire out binoculars at any time of year from as little as $10.
Download the Discover Stradbroke Whale Kit before your tour and get all the necessary info you need to start whale watching on your own!