What’s happening?
SeaLink Marine & Tourism has included Magnetic Island and Townsville in its top Australian whale watching destinations for 2026.
Whale watching cruises will operate from Townsville between mid-July and August, with tours in North Queensland waters where humpback whales are regularly spotted.
The tours are part of the annual humpback whale migration season, which runs along Australia’s coastline from May to November.
SeaLink CEO Donna Gauci said the experiences connect guests with wildlife in some of Australia’s best marine environments.
Why it matters?
The whale season brings more tourism activity to Townsville and Magnetic Island during winter.
Visitors travelling to North Queensland for whale watching also support local tourism and ferry operators.
Local Impact
Townsville and Magnetic Island are expected to attract more visitors during the whale migration season.
The region’s warm waters are known for calmer whale encounters, especially with mothers and calves.
By the numbers
- Tens of thousands of humpback whales travel along Australia’s coastline each migration season.
- Humpback whales travel up to 10,000 kilometres between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef.
- Townsville whale watching cruises will run as 3-hour tours from mid-July to August.
Zoom In
SeaLink said humpbacks in North Queensland waters are often seen breaching close to vessels during the migration season.
The tours will operate in warm tropical waters near Magnetic Island and Townsville.
Zoom Out
SeaLink also operates whale watching experiences in the Whitsundays, K’gari, Sydney Harbour, Kangaroo Island, Bruny Island and Rottnest Island.
The company said it follows strict whale watching guidelines to reduce disturbance to marine wildlife.
What to look for next?
Tour bookings for the 2026 whale season are expected to open ahead of the mid-year tourism period in North Queensland.
