It’s that time of year again—whale season has officially arrived in Moreton Bay, and Tangalooma Island Resort is pulling out all the stops to create a truly memorable experience.
At the heart of the action is Tangalooma Island Resort’s Whale Watching Day Trip that offers more than just an unforgettable wildlife encounter. From immersive sand art on Tangalooma Beach to meaningful partnerships in eco‑tourism research, this year’s whale‑watching season is all about connection—between people, nature and purpose.
A whale of a time
The Whale Watching Day Cruise is a popular option for those looking to experience the magic of humpback whales without an overnight stay. Departing from Brisbane, the tour includes return boat transfers to Moreton Island, a dedicated whale-watching cruise with expert commentary, and access to resort facilities during your visit.
It’s an ideal day out for families, couples or groups wanting to witness these magnificent creatures up close, all while learning about their behaviour and migration patterns in the wild.
Eco‑tourism meets academia
This year, Tangalooma Island Resort is partnering with the University of Queensland on an exciting eco‑tourism research project. Guests are invited to participate by filling out a brief survey—your input not only shapes better practices, but helps scientists gather crucial data on visitor impacts, wildlife sightings and sustainable tourism.
Citizen science by sea and screen
For guests lucky enough to snap a photo of a whale’s tail—or “fluke”—there’s an extra incentive: upload your image to Happywhale, a citizen science initiative that tracks individual whales and contributes to global research. It’s a small act with big impact, helping scientists monitor whale populations and migrations with your snapshot.
Watching whales for a worthy cause
Each whale sighted during the Tangalooma Whale Watching Day trip also becomes a chance to do good: the resort donates $5 per whale spotted to The Kids Cancer Project.
Last year, that commitment translated into a remarkable $6,710 donated in support of critical scientific research aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer. Whale watchers might just be doing double duty—enjoying nature’s wonder and supporting life‑saving efforts at the same time.
A splash of art on the beach
To launch the season in style, the resort unveiled a beautiful sand‑art installation on Tangalooma Beach, capturing the spirit and movement of the ocean’s gentle giants in a stunning visual tribute. Beachgoers have been delighted by the creative focal point, offering the perfect backdrop for a selfie—or simply a moment of reflection before boarding the whale‑watching vessel.
Stay a little longer
For those who wish to linger a little longer, staying at Tangalooma Island Resort provides the perfect base. Located just 75 minutes from Brisbane by ferry, the resort offers a variety of accommodation options, from beachfront villas to hotel rooms and apartments.
Beyond whale watching, guests can enjoy a range of activities including sand tobogganing, snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, quad biking and the nightly dolphin feeding program. It’s a relaxed, nature-based escape with plenty to offer all year round.
