Wild whales. Wild roads. One wicked ride.
Every winter, thousands of humpbacks make their way up and down Australia's east coast. And guess what? It’s the perfect excuse to grab a Wicked Camper, hit the tarmac and watch Mother Nature show off. From epic cliff-top views to up-close boat encounters, here’s your guide to spotting whales and living your best van life between July and October.
From Sydney to Cairns, these are the best whale watching spots and the closest Wicked Campers depots to kick off your journey.
1. Jervis Bay, NSW
Best time: August–October
Wanna see whales AND get blinded by white sand? Jervis Bay is stupidly beautiful. Home to crystal-clear waters and some of the whitest sand in the world, Jervis Bay is also a prime spot for land-based whale watching. Head to Point Perpendicular Lighthouse or Cape St George for panoramic views and regular sightings of migrating humpbacks.
- Wicked Campers Depot Nearby: Sydney
- Road Trip Idea: Sydney to Jervis Bay coastal escape Pass through the Royal National Park, stop at Kiama Blowhole and cruise into Huskisson for a whale tour and camping close to the beach.
2. Sydney, NSW
Best time to see whales: July–August
From Bondi Beach to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Sydney is buzzing with whale activity during winter. One of the top vantage points is Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, a local favourite. You'll be saying “Oi, did you SEE that flip?!”
- Wicked Campers Depot Nearby: Sydney
- Road Trip Idea: Sydney to Byron Bay coastal drive
Explore charming seaside towns like Newcastle, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
3. Port Stephens, NSW
Best time: July–August
With multiple lookout points like Tomaree Head Summit and plenty of tour operators, Port Stephens is perfect for both land-based and on-the-water whale encounters. Go full pirate on a whale cruise, chuck in some fish ‘n’ chips and go for a sunset swim if you love a cold dip.
- Wicked Campers Depot Nearby: Sydney
- Road Trip Idea: Sydney to Port Stephens coastal weekend
Great for beach walks, sandboarding and seafood feasts.
4. Coffs Harbour, NSW
Best time: August–September
Forget the Big Banana, the seaside views are where it’s at. A quieter, underrated spot for whale watching, Muttonbird Island offers panoramic ocean views and a chance to see migrating whales without the crowds.
- Wicked Campers Depot Nearby: Byron Bay or Sydney
- Road Trip Idea: Sydney to Coffs Harbour
Hit Seal Rocks, Port Macquarie and Nambucca Heads along the way.
5. Byron Bay, NSW
Best time: July–September
Australia’s easternmost point, Cape Byron, offers front-row seats to migrating whales. Watch them breach from the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse or join a whale-watching cruise from town. Pack a snack. Pack a mate. Maybe even pack a ukulele.
- Wicked Campers Depot Nearby: Brisbane
- Road Trip Idea: Brisbane to Byron Bay weekend escape
A quick coastal roadie with epic views, surf spots and lighthouse walks.
6. Gold Coast, QLD
Best time: July–September
Just offshore from Surfers Paradise, you’ll find one of the most active whale highways in the world. Join a tour or spot whales from Burleigh Heads National Park or Point Danger Lookout near Coolangatta. Whales + skyscrapers = weird but awesome.
- Wicked Campers Depot Nearby: Brisbane
- Road Trip Idea: Brisbane, Gold Coast to Byron Bay loop
A chilled road trip packed with ocean views, whales and weekend markets.
7. Hervey Bay, QLD
Best time: August–October
Known as the whale watching capital of Australia, Hervey Bay is where humpbacks stop to rest and play with their calves in calm, protected waters. This is one of the few places you can see whales up-close on an eco-tour, often just metres from your boat. Hervey Bay isn’t just good. It’s whale nursery level good.
- Wicked Campers Depot Nearby: Brisbane (3.5-hour drive)
- Road Trip Idea: Brisbane → Sunshine Coast → Hervey Bay → Brisbane
Stop at Noosa for beach vibes and Eumundi for markets before reaching whale paradise.
Hit the Whale Trail with Wicked Campers
Whale season is the perfect excuse to take a Wicked Camper for a spin up or down the east coast. With depots in Sydney and Brisbane, you can start and end your journey wherever the whales (or the vibes) take you.
Whether you're chasing a weekend escape or a full-blown East Coast road trip, there’s nothing quite like watching a 40-tonne humpback launch itself from the ocean, all from the comfort of your campervan adventure.