The coastline around Ballina and Byron Bay is one of the best places in Australia to spot humpback whales during their annual migration. Each year, thousands of humpback whales travel along the east coast of Australia, passing close to the Northern Rivers shoreline on their journey between Antarctic feeding grounds and tropical breeding waters.
The whale watching season in the Ballina/Byron Bay region typically runs from June to November:
Several operators offer boat-based whale watching tours from Byron Bay and Ballina during the season. These tours provide up-close encounters with humpback whales in their natural environment, with experienced guides sharing knowledge about whale behaviour and conservation.
Late September to October is peak viewing time, when mothers and calves travel close to shore on their southward migration.
Yes, whales are regularly spotted from shore at elevated viewing points like Lennox Head lookout, Cape Byron Lighthouse and Ballina Head.
Humpback whales are the most commonly seen species. Southern right whales, minke whales and orcas are occasionally spotted as well.