Gold Coast Watersports

Whale Watching

Whale watching on the Gold Coast provides a fantastic opportunity for onlookers to get up close and personal with the largest living mammals on Earth. The waters along the Gold Coast are commonly referred to as the Hump Back Highway with approximately 25,000 viewing opportunities during the annual migration up and down the coast of Queensland. The advantage of having to travel just 10 minutes out to sea to witness these giants in their natural habitat, ensures a fun-filled couple of hours whale watching with plenty of time left in your day to appreciate the many other attractions of the Gold Coast.

Running from June through to November, the Gold Coast boasts the longest whale watching season in the country. The whale watching season marks the migration of the Humpback Whale from Antarctica to warmer Queensland waters before they return with their newly born after covering a mammoth distance during their amazing journey. During the Gold Coast whale watching season, visitors are given the rare opportunity to spot Humpback Whales, whale calves, dolphins, Killer Whales and ‘Migaloo’ the famous white Humpback, all in their natural habitat.

Surfing

The further south you go on the Gold Coast, the more space you find. Southern precincts such as Currumbin, Kirra, and Coolangatta are idyllic coastal communities defined by their own individual stretches of subtropical coastline. From one of the world’s best surf breaks to some of the Gold Coast’s laziest secluded coves, the southern stretches are an inviting part of Australia’s iconic beach culture.

The general vibe of these areas is laid back and organic but each has its own wonderful village personality. Currumbin is an active community where lovers of watersports, hiking and nature take advantage of the Currumbin Creek waterway; linking pristine rainforest mountains to open golden beaches. The Currumbin Valley leads visitors easily into a World Heritage-listed rainforest, the Cougal Cascades waterfall, abundant native flora and fauna, and the pristine eastern section of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. Kirra is rated by international surfing superstars as one of their favourite point breaks on the planet, while locals and visitors are also drawn to other iconic hot-spots including Currumbin Alley and Snapper Rocks. Coolangatta is an authentic microcosm of old-school Aussie surf culture where Kombi vans fill beachfront car parks and retro buildings are complemented by signage from the ’60s and ’70s, giving the area a vintage film-set feel. Burleigh Heads provides the complete package with barrelling waves, a scenic headland and a cosy coastal setting. The panoramic southern Gold Coast setting of unbelievable landscapes, tropical views and listed national parks is highly suitable for family fun.