Human-cetacean conflict solutions
In 2009, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority zoned a Whale Protection Area in recognition of the Whitsundays being a significant calving ground for...
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The Whitsundays Whale Heritage Area is nestled within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and includes a group of tropical islands with fringing reefs and beaches. From around June to October, migrating humpback whales calve in the protected waters of the Whitsundays. Visitors are invited to experience the unique beauty of the Whitsundays through responsible ecotourism and the plethora of year-round festivals and events.
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Stories
Education and research
Engaging the community and key stakeholders and providing education is the best way to protect cetaceans now and into the future.
In 2023, the first pre-whale...
Cultural heritage (new / modern)
In 2023, the first annual Welcome Whale Event was held in the Whitsundays. It was designed and presented with Traditional Owners and included a Traditional...
Experiences
Welcome Whale Event
Celebratory events or festivals
Signifying the start of whale season and the connection of Traditional Owners to humpback whales, the Welcome Whale Event aims to reconnect people to the environment. The event includes a Traditional Welcome to Country, a Smoking Ceremony, an Indigenous dance ceremony welcoming whales to the region, and stories from Traditional Owners about their connection to whales. The event supports and connects visitors and locals to the Whales of the Whitsundays project.
Great Barrier Reef Festival
Celebratory events or festivals
The annual Great Barrier Reef Festival takes pride in inclusively connecting the reef to the shore. It celebrates the coastal region of the Whitsundays at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The Immersive Marine Art Installation, created using recycled products, brings a colourful reef attraction to the Airlie Beach foreshore. The Master Reef Guide Discovery experiences include interactive workshops and guided tours of the outer Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands.
Visit the Whitsundays – walk, snorkel & dive
Snorkelling or diving wildlife tours
The Whitsundays has an adventure or a escape for everyone. With breathtaking waters abundant with marine life and ample options it is no wonder the Whitsundays is known as the heart of the reef. For more information on the region and its bays and beaches visit Tourism Whitsundays.
Species & habitat
Cetaceans are a group of animals including whales, dolphins, and porpoises. They are an important part of the marine ecosystem in the Whitsundays, with six species of whale and four species of dolphin officially recorded as calling the Whitsundays home. Some species, like the short-finned pilot whale, can be seen year-round, while others are migratory.
From around June to October eastern Australian humpback whales relax and calve in the protected warm Whitsunday waters. The Whitsundays is recognised as a significant calving ground for humpback whales due to the islands creating safe and sheltered locations for mothers to give birth and start teaching their young.
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Threats
The largest threat to cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in the Whitsundays is climate change. While this is a global issue, it will have direct impacts on whales, both due to changes in ocean temperature and ocean acidification and food source disruption, as krill abundance and distribution is also highly dependent on sea conditions such as temperatures, water quality, and the presence of sea ice.
Supporters & Assessors
Why visit a Wildlife Heritage Area?
Trustworthy
Visitors to Wildlife Heritage Areas can take part in outstanding wildlife watching experiences that put wildlife first. Staying in a Wildlife Heritage Area helps local communities invest in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, benefitting community well-being and driving forward sustainable practices.
Designated for excellence
Communities achieve Wildlife Heritage Area designation by playing a central role in protecting wild animals and their habitats. With support from responsible travel organisations and wildlife experts, these communities are committed to help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, adopt a zero tolerance for wildlife suffering in tourism, and advocate for positive change through a willingness to collaborate.
Supported by World Cetacean Alliance
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Explore more Wildlife Heritage Areas
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is designated by experts who advise dedicated local people passionate about preserving their unique wildlife and natural heritage.
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