The annual whale migration is just weeks away, with operators expecting tens of thousands of humpbacks to pass the Sunshine Coast on their journey north.
Peppie Simpson from Whalesongs Noosa said early signs suggest the season will begin around mid-June.
“From the middle of June we expect them to arrive,” she said.
“The current has shifted.”
“We expect there will be about 50,000 coming up.”
Each year, humpback whales migrate from Antarctic feeding grounds to warmer northern waters to breed and calve, creating one of the most anticipated natural spectacles along the Queensland coastline.
Noosa is considered one of the prime viewing locations, with whales often passing close to shore, delighting locals and visitors alike.
In addition to the migration, a community ceremony is being planned to mark the whales’ return, following the success of last year’s inaugural event.
Organised by Oceans for All and the Surfrider Foundation, the gathering will again bring together community members, environmental groups and local leaders.
Traditional Owners from the Kabi Kabi people are expected to deliver a Welcome to Country and cultural talks, alongside representatives from Noosa Council, the Noosa Biosphere and Surfrider Foundation.
A highlight of the event will be local artist Dennis Massoud creating a large whale sculpture in the sand.
Organisers said the event was warmly received in 2025 and they were looking forward to building on its success, with plans to share more details with the community closer to the date.
Meanwhile, tourism operators are preparing for a busy season on the water.
Whalesongs Noosa offers small group and private charters, with onboard researchers providing insights into whale and dolphin behaviour. Using a hydrophone, passengers can listen to live whale songs during tours, offering a rare and immersive experience.
With the migration season typically running through to October, locals and visitors are being encouraged to keep watch from coastal vantage points as the first pods begin to appear offshore, marking the start of another remarkable journey along the Noosa coast.
