Best whale watching season yet ends with a splash

THE 2025 whale season has officially come to an end, with an estimated 50,000 humpbacks migrating along Australia’s east coast — many putting on spectacular displays along the way.

Wild Byron Sea Safaris captain Glenn Sanders, who operates whale watching tours from Brunswick Heads, said this year has been one of the most thrilling and action-packed seasons yet.

“This year was exceptional,” he said. “We’ve had consistent, explosive surface action — breaches, tail slaps and mugging behaviour daily. The whales have been incredibly curious and interactive this year, more than we’ve seen in previous seasons.

“We often had whales approach the boat closely, spending time just watching us. It’s a real privilege to share those moments.”

Among countless memorable moments, one encounter stood out above all.

“The most extraordinary experience we had this season was when a pod of around 30 false killer whales visited us during a snorkelling tour at Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks),” Sanders said. “It was absolutely breathtaking — something our guests and crew will never forget.”

As well as offering tours, Wild Byron is actively involved in marine research and conservation. The team contributes to several scientific projects, including fluke identification with Happy Whale, studies on whale health and behaviour with Humpbacks and High-rises, and documentation of toothed whale sightings with Dolphin Research Australia. The company also supports the work of The Oceania Project, which is for its mesmerising recordings of whale song.

The 2026 whale season officially begins on June 1, and Sanders is already looking forward to it.

“It’s impossible not to love what we do,” he said. “Every trip is different, every encounter unique. Sharing these moments with people and contributing to ocean research — it’s magic.”

In the meantime, ocean lovers can join snorkelling trips to Nguthungulli from December, where they can encounter manta rays and the world’s largest aggregation of leopard sharks