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The Southern Migration has arrived, and with it, a whole new chapter in the Humpback Highway story. August began with a wild burst of nature — huge storms and rolling seas sweeping along the Sydney coast. As the weather tested our patience, we felt the last beats of the northern migration slowing, but the whales still treated us to some truly breathtaking behaviour.
When the seas calmed and the trips resumed, it was as if the whales had been saving their best for us. Juveniles — too young to be part of the breeding season — stole the spotlight. These energetic “teenagers” brought acrobatics to the fore, leaping, lunging, and splashing their way into our hearts. On one afternoon cruise, both our Adventure Cruise and Express Trip were joined by a lively pair that delivered more than 20 spectacular breaches between them, plus some mighty head lunges and graceful fluke-up dives. They seemed determined to put on the ultimate show — and they succeeded.
It hasn’t just been about the leaps. Tail slapping has been a clear favourite lately. Watching a humpback roll onto its back, lift its immense fluke high, and bring it crashing down on the water is both a sight and a sound to behold. This behaviour isn’t just for fun — scientists believe it’s a way of communicating, sending powerful signals across the ocean to other whales.
One recent encounter stood out in particular. We spotted a mother with her calf, closely shadowed by an escort, tucked in near the cliffs for protection. As we carefully approached, the escort peeled away from the pair and moved further out to sea. Minutes later, the water erupted with monumental tail slaps. It drew our attention — and the attention of nearby boats — away from the mother and calf. We can only speculate, but it felt like a deliberate act to protect the young one from potential disturbance. It’s moments like these, full of mystery and intelligence, that make every trip unforgettable.
Over the coming weeks, the southern migration will gather pace. The new mothers and larger adults are almost ready to leave the warmer breeding grounds, and when they do, the action really begins. Southbound whales are often more curious about boats, and with the right conditions, the breaches and displays can be nothing short of spectacular — sometimes as part of an “education session” where adults teach calves survival skills for the long journey ahead.
The weather is already improving, making this the perfect time to plan your trip. We run cruises daily from Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, with a range of options to suit every adventurer. Our smaller, faster vessel Totally Wild has been incredibly popular this season — perfect if you want to get closer to the action and experience the thrill of being eye-to-eye with a humpback.
Whichever cruise you choose, you’ll be guided by a team who live and breathe whale watching,sharing not just the facts, but the passion behind what we do. The southern migration is in full swing — and we can’t wait to welcome you aboard for an experience you’ll never forget.
