Brisbane Whale Watching launches milestone 30th season

Whale season is officially returning to Moreton Bay, with Brisbane Whale Watching preparing to launch its milestone 30th season on Saturday, June 6.

Departing from Redcliffe aboard Eye Spy, the locally operated tourism experience has spent nearly three decades taking locals and visitors onto Moreton Bay to witness humpback whales during their annual migration.

Founder Captain Kerry Lopez said the excitement of seeing the first whales of the season still had not changed.

“I still absolutely get the most excited onboard, especially when observing a baby whale being born,” Captain Kerry said.

“It’s a feeling of privilege and freedom. That excitement never fades, and every season still feels just as special as the first.”

Three decades on the water

What began with a whale sighting in Moreton Bay in 1990 has grown into one of Queensland’s best-known marine tourism experiences.

Captain Kerry secured one of only two original whale watching permits issued for Moreton Bay before launching Brisbane Whale Watching in 1996.

Since then, the business has welcomed more than 300,000 guests from around the world and become a recognised part of winter on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Captain Kerry said witnessing the recovery of humpback whale populations over the years had been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

“To have witnessed the East Coast population grow from around 100 whales to more than 50,000 now passing through our magnificent Moreton Bay Marine Park is something that makes me incredibly proud.”

Tourism pressures continue

While the business prepares for another busy whale season, Captain Kerry said tourism operators continued facing significant economic pressures behind the scenes.

“Rising fuel costs are extremely concerning as they impact the entire operation chain, from coach transfers to onboard catering such as lunch,” she said.

“It places pressure on ticket pricing while operators still need to maintain passenger numbers.”

Despite the challenges, Brisbane Whale Watching continues to receive major tourism recognition, recently earning Best of Queensland GOLD status for 2026 and being inducted into the Moreton Bay Business Awards - Tourism Business Excellence Hall of Fame in 2025.

Experience the whales this winter

As Brisbane Whale Watching prepares for another migration season, Captain Kerry said she was looking forward to welcoming both returning locals and first-time visitors aboard Eye Spy.

“What I look forward to most each season is the whales themselves and their fun-loving personalities,” she said.

“That excitement of seeing guests experience whales up close for the first time never gets old.”

Brisbane Whale Watching’s 30th season begins Saturday, June 6, with daily tours departing from Redcliffe Jetty aboard Eye Spy throughout the winter migration season until October.

The company offers a range of whale watching experiences throughout the season, including general admission cruises, family packages and VIP experiences.

Locals wanting to experience humpback whales up close can find more information, season details and book tickets through the Brisbane Whale Watching website.

Read more about Brisbane Whale Watching on Moreton Daily Business Circle