Where do they live?

Humpback Whales are true ocean nomads, undertaking one of the longest migrations of any mammal - up to 25,000 kilometres each year! 

Along Australia’s east coast, these whales travel from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Subantarctic, where they feed during the summer, to the warm, tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef for winter breeding and calving. 
In New South Wales, they’re a spectacular sight during their northward journey in June and July and again on their southward return in October and November. 

While they generally inhabit the open ocean, migrating whales often pass close to the coast and even pause in sheltered bays on their way south. 

In breeding areas, mother-calf pairs prefer shallow waters less than 20 metres deep, typically near offshore reefs, islands, and channels.

What do they eat?

Humpback Whales are baleen whales, meaning they have no teeth - instead, they filter food through 270 to 400 baleen plates hanging from their upper jaw. 

Their diet consists mainly of krill in Antarctic waters, while during their migration they also feed on small schooling fish and plankton. 

These whales are masters of feeding strategies, often working together to make the most of their prey. 

One of their most fascinating techniques is bubble-net feeding: a coordinated effort where a group of whales dives beneath a school of fish while one whale spirals upward, releasing a ring of bubbles. The bubbles confuse and corral the fish into a tight cluster, allowing the whales to lunge upward with their mouths wide open, engulfing the prey before filtering out water through their baleen plates. This cooperative behaviour can involve up to 15 individuals and is a great example of teamwork.

What do they look like?

Humpback Whales are among the ocean’s most iconic giants, reaching lengths of 12–18 metres and weighing up to 40 tonnes. Their distinctive appearance includes a stocky body, a broad rounded head covered in knobbly protuberances, a small dorsal fin and very long pectoral fins. These pectoral fins are sometimes one-third of their body length. 

Their dark backs contrast with white markings on the belly, flippers, and tail flukes. 

Humpback Whales are famous for their breaching displays. They often breach clear above the water or glide on their sides with one flipper raised like a giant wave, making them a great species for whale watching. 

How can you support the species?

• Report any sightings of whales in distress to ORCCA via their website or on 02 9415 3333. 
• Keep your distance: If you see a whale in the water do not approach them and maintain a distance of at least 50m. 
• Dispose of fishing line and gear appropriately: Whales can get entangled in fishing gear and marine debris.
• Manage household chemicals: Use minimal amounts of fertilisers and pesticides on lawns and wash cars with water or eco-friendly soap to prevent chemicals from washing into our local waterways.
• Boating carefully: slow down and keep an eye out when boating and always adhere to speed limits.
• Fishing responsibly: be aware when casting your line and put rubbish and fishing line in the bin.
• Join local clean ups: Participate in local clean up groups such as the Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew.

Like other large whales, the Humpback was a target for the whaling industry. The species was once hunted to the brink of extinction; its population fell by an estimated 90% before a 1986 moratorium. Entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships, noise pollution and climate change continue to affect the species.

Thy are currently listed as vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.

Fun facts

• Humpback Whales get their name from the distinctive hump of blubber located just in front of their small dorsal fin. This hump becomes especially noticeable when they arch their backs during a dive.
• Scientists believe humpback breaching could serve multiple purposes: communication across vast distances, attracting mates, warning off rivals or vessels, cooling down, removing parasites like barnacles, or simply playing.
• Male Humpbacks perform songs during migration and breeding season. These complex sequences of clicks, chirps, deep rumblings, and high-pitched wails can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour and travel hundreds of kilometres underwater. This is often repeated for hours at a time to attract females.