Written by Sheree Strange, Travel Without Limits Magazine, April 23, 2025
From May to November each year, Australia’s east coast turns into the ‘Humpback Highway’, with more than 40,000 whales travelling past on their northern migration. Whether you’d like to get out on the water and see them up-close for yourself, or you’d prefer to stay on dry land and unwind with a glass of bubbly as you gaze at the stunning spectacle, there are accessible options for whale watching in Australia. Here are our picks for the best spots to see these majestic creatures on their journey.
Jervis Bay Wild
Where: Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Have a whale of a time with Jervis Bay Wild’s Whale Tours. Their expert skippers make the most of Jervis Bay’s unique geography and take you (safely) alongside the migrating whales, who may pause to indulge their curiosity about the vessels sharing their space.
Jervis Bay Wild’s Port Venture catamaran is the only vessel on the South Coast of New South Wales that offers full service for guests with disabilities, with a level easy-wheel ramp to embark and disembark the vessel. The spacious 18.5 metre catamaran has five viewing levels, three wheelchair accessible bathrooms on board, and two shaded decks if you’d prefer to stay out of the direct sun. The vessel offers a gentle, comfortable ride – perfect for guests with wobbly sea legs. Even the boom netting experience on the Jervis Bay Wild Dolphin Tour is made accessible, with a hoist available on request.
Jervis Bay Wild is also pet-friendly, and guests are welcome to bring their small pet or support dog on board to meet the whales as well.
Jervis Bay Wild tours operate 365 days of the year, so even if you’re visiting outside of whale migration season (May-November), you’ll still have the opportunity to see the area’s marvellous marine life and diverse aquatic ecosystem. Companion Card tickets are available for guests who require the assistance of a companion or carer to enjoy the experience.
North Head Fairfax Walk
Where: Sydney Harbour National Park, New South Wales
North Head Fairfax Walk offers stunning views of Sydney’s coast and city any time of year, but if you visit during whale migration season, it can be the perfect vantage point for whale watching, too. The Yiningma lookout offers endless ocean views, and it’s the perfect spot to sit and wait for whales to breach.
The fencing along the paved North Head Fairfax Walk has been designed so that it doesn’t obscure your view as you walk or wheel along the gentle 1km loop. With an easy gradient and plenty of spots to stop and relax, it’s ideal for families with children or people with limited mobility.
A stand-alone accessible bathroom is available in the toilet block behind the Bella Vista cafe.
Prepare for your outing with the Google Street View Trekker, and/or the free NSW National Parks app.
Sea World Whale Watching Cruise
Where: Gold Coast, Queensland
Whale watching is always a bit of a gamble – it’s up to the whales whether they want to come up and say ‘hello’ – but the Sea World Whale Watching Cruise offers a 100% guaranteed sighting for each booking.
Departing from Sea World on the Gold Coast’s Main Beach, the cruise offers good accessibility for manual wheelchair users, with access to the boat via a ramp. In addition to providing informative and insightful commentary along the way, the crew are more than happy to lend a hand if you need assistance getting around the vessel. Tie downs are supplied to secure your mobility equipment while sailing out to open water. Once the skipper gives the ‘okay’, you can move out onto the open deck for the best views. Guests with some mobility can ascend a few stairs to make use of the bench seating on deck.
Contact Guest Services on (07) 5539 9299 to make a booking and discuss your specific access needs. They’ll make sure you’re booked on a suitable vessel, and point you to helpful resources like sensory guides.
Whalesong Cruises
Where: Hervey Bay, Queenland
If you’re more inclined towards hands-on experiences, join Whalesong Cruises for their ‘Crew For A Day’ program. Specifically designed to empower people living with disabilities, the program guides NDIS participants and their carers through all the essential functions of a whale watching cruise, from tying ropes to assisting guests on board. And, of course, everyone gets to watch the whales from the deck while they’re there!
Whalesong Cruises are accredited through the Quality Tourism Framework as an Accessible Tourism Operator. The vessel is wheelchair accessible, and the crew have extensive experience supporting participants who live with disabilities. Audio guides and transcripts, communication boards, pictorial menus, reminder cards, and other supports are available to guests. To find out more and book your Crew For A Day adventure, visit their website.
Skypoint Observation Deck
Where: Gold Coast, Queensland
For a birds-eye view of the Humpback Highway, head to the Skypoint Observation Deck at the top of the Q1 Building, the tallest observation tower in Australia. From the heart of Surfers Paradise, take in panoramic floor-to-ceiling views and keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales.
Skypoint offers great accessibility, with gentle ramps joining the two levels and providing step-free access to the Skypoint Bistro and Bar. Enjoy a drink and a meal with a table by the large windows, with menu options available for a range of dietary requirements. If you stay past cocktail hour, it may be difficult to spot whales in the low light, but the illumination of the Gold Coast at night still makes for a spectacular view.
A stand-alone unisex bathroom is available at Skypoint, and discounted tickets are available for concession cardholdrs.
