Eye Spy

For many people, whale watching is a bucket-list experience, something to tick off once in a lifetime. Off the coast of Brisbane, Australia, we’re lucky enough to enjoy this spectacle for nearly six months each year with the help of Eye Spy. From June to November, as winter settles over Brisbane, whales migrate to our mild coastal waters to escape the icy Antarctic seas.

Eye Spy

Eye Spy is a purpose-built whale-watching vessel that departs daily from Redcliffe Jetty, about 40 minutes north of Brisbane’s CBD, during whale-watching season. The cruise travels through the protected waters of Moreton Bay Marine Park, one of only two vessels permitted to operate there.

Captain Kerry, who has spent years spotting whales, guarantees a sighting on every trip. Her live commentary brings the experience to life, sharing fascinating insights about whale behavior, habitat, and conservation. As you take it all in, you can relax on deck, soak up the views of the bay, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board.

We board around 9:30 a.m. and find our seats. I’m out with my mum today, and the atmosphere feels relaxed and unhurried. A lively group of Chinese tourists adds some cheerful energy to the deck. As the boat departs, Captain Kerry shares insights about the whales – what to watch for, how they behave and why conservation matters. We settle back, enjoying the calm of the open water and the soft September sunshine as we scan the horizon, waiting for that first thrilling splash.

It’s about 40 minutes until we hear someone cry out and the Captain announces a sighting.  Sure enough, just a little bit south east of the boat, between us and Moreton Island, we can see some ripples in the far off water and then, squinting, I see a blow.  Everyone cheers.

Whale Watching

It’s a privilege to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The humpback whale has one of the longest migrations of all animals, travelling over 10,000 kilometres annually on their migrations.  They feed in the cold Antarctic waters during the summer and return, travelling up the Eastern sea board, to the warm tropical breeding grounds of sunny Queensland during winter to give birth.

After lunch, all there is to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. It’s pretty overwhelming to see these incredible creatures up close.  So close that they swim under our boat, disappearing for a moment and then popping up on the other side.  I feel as if she’s peering right through me as she breaches and I catch her eye for just a moment. 

Given the boats aren’t allowed to approach the whales, this is even more incredible as the whales actually choose to swim this close to the boat.  I get the feeling that they are as curious as we are, as they play and leap around.  Another breach as she slaps the surface and water sprays from her great tail.  It really does feel like a game of eye-spy.

She is all power and grace as she swims away with her friends, taking her curiosity and playfulness off to discover something else in these beautiful waters. She’ll probably be back tomorrow for another game.

Good To Know

Brisbane Whale Watching runs daily tours from June through to November.  Visit Brisbane Whale Watching for more details.