The annual migration of humpback whales through the Southern Great Barrier Reef is set to take centre stage once again, with Keppel Konnections officially launching its 2026 Whale Watching season in Keppel Bay.
Operating from 2 August to 28 September 2026, the popular tours will depart every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, offering visitors the opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular journeys along the region’s renowned “Humpback Highway”.
Each year, more than 40,000 humpback whales migrate along Australia’s east coast, travelling from Antarctica to the warm tropical waters of Queensland to breed, calve and nurture their young. The waters surrounding Great Keppel Island form part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s migration corridor, providing exceptional opportunities to observe these gentle giants in their natural environment.
Kelly Harris from Keppel Konnections and Great Keppel Island Hideaway said the annual whale migration continued to be one of the region’s most anticipated wildlife experiences.
“Every season is different, which is what makes whale watching so special,” Kelly said.
“The Southern Great Barrier Reef offers a unique whale watching experience because visitors can combine a day on Great Keppel Island with the chance to encounter humpback whales during their migration.”
“It’s an incredible reminder of just how rich and diverse our marine environment is.”
The tours operate between 11.00am and 2.30pm and include lunch, with experienced local skippers and crew sharing insights into humpback whale behaviour, migration patterns and the broader marine ecosystem of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said whale watching had become an increasingly important seasonal drawcard for the Capricorn Coast Region.
“The annual humpback whale migration is one of the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s greatest natural spectacles,” Mary said.
“Great Keppel Island provides a stunning backdrop for these encounters and reinforces the region’s reputation as one of Queensland’s premier nature-based tourism destinations.”
The Southern Great Barrier Reef is recognised as one of Australia’s most significant whale migration routes, with humpback whales frequently sighted throughout the Keppel Bay islands between July and October. The sheltered waters surrounding Great Keppel Island often provide ideal conditions for observing mothers with calves during their southbound return journey.
Keppel Konnections’ 2026 Whale Watching tours are priced at $99 for adults, $55 for children (4–14 years) and $260 for families (two adults and two children).
Bookings are now open, with demand expected to be strong during peak migration periods.
For more information or to book, visit https://keppelkonnections.rezdy.com/249282/cruise-keppel-bay-with-a-chance-of-whales
