Australia's Cairns Tourism Board: July-August is Peak Season! Witness Humpback Whales at the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Tourism Board (Cairns, Queensland, Australia; CEO: Mark Olsen) announces that Cairns enters the humpback whale migration season annually from July to August. During this period, humpback whales (Humpback Whale) migrate north from the Antarctic Ocean toward warmer waters, passing through the waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors thrilling whale watching opportunities. Since 2009, EXPERIENCECO has operated the only dedicated whale watching tour in Cairns. This summer, 'CAIRNS WHALE WATCHING' will run daily tours, providing a rare chance to observe the majestic size and dynamic behaviors of humpback whales up close, accompanied by expert commentary from experienced marine biologists. ~About Humpback Whales~ Humpback whales are large cetaceans reaching up to approximately 15 meters in length. Each winter, they migrate to warmer waters for breeding and raising their young, with part of their migratory route passing off the coast of Cairns. During the season, visitors have the chance to witness powerful natural behaviors such as 'breaching' (jumping high out of the water), 'tail slapping' (slamming their tails on the water surface), blowing spray, and mothers swimming closely with their calves. July and August are particularly active months, and by early September, pairs of mother and calf whales beginning their southward journey can often be spotted. ■ Recognized as a Sustainable Tourism Experience In recent years, Cairns whale watching has gained international attention from the perspective of sustainable and eco-tourism. CAIRNS WHALE WATCHING is part of a group of operators holding the Australian Government's 'Advanced Ecotourism Certification.' Qualified marine biologists accompany each tour, providing educational insights into whale ecology, communication methods, migration patterns, and population status, deepening participants' understanding of marine conservation. Operating Period: July 15, 2026 (Wed) – September 6, 2026 (Sun) Departure Point: Cairns Marina Departure Times: 8:30 AM or 10:45 AM Itinerary: Approximately 90 minutes of whale watching with marine biologist commentary, followed by approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of free time on Fitzroy Island Price: From 159 AUD (approximately 18,000 JPY) Official Website: https://cairnswhalewatching.com.au/ ■ Enjoy Free Time on Fitzroy Island After Whale Watching After approximately 90 minutes of whale watching, the tour includes about 2 hours and 30 minutes of free time on Fitzroy Island. Visitors can explore 'Nudey Beach,' voted one of Australia’s best beaches, enjoy snorkeling, or swim at Welcome Bay. Optional rentals include SUP (stand-up paddleboards) and glass-bottom boats. ~About Fitzroy Island~ Fitzroy Island is a tropical island located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Accessible by high-speed ferry from Cairns in about 45 minutes, most of the island is protected as a national park. With easy access to rainforest trails and beachside snorkeling, it is one of Cairns’ most popular day-trip destinations. ■ Tour Participant Testimonials and Comments from Marine Biologist and Tourism Board CEO Testimonials from actual tour participants: 'It was an incredible experience! We saw a mother and calf pair, and the curious whales came right up to our boat. Watching the calf leap completely out of the water was breathtaking. We also had a wonderful time together on Fitzroy Island.' 'It was unbelievable. We spotted our first humpback whale just 45 minutes after arriving at the reef. Before we knew it, we were surrounded by four whales. The power and emotion were overwhelming—I was speechless.' Eric Fisher, marine biologist at the Great Barrier Reef and tour commentator, said: 'Witnessing humpback whales breach or seeing mother and calf pairs swim closely together creates unforgettable memories for many. Last season, our tours achieved over a 90% sighting success rate, with participants observing over 100 humpback whales and 30 calves. The waters off Cairns are among the most valuable in the world for such moving encounters.' Mark Olsen, CEO of Cairns Tourism Board, said: 'Observing humpback whales in the Coral Sea with Fitzroy Island in the background is a uniquely special experience that only Cairns can offer. With marine biologists on board, visitors can enjoy whale watching while learning about whale behavior and ecology. The fact that visitors can encounter whales in waters close to the city and enjoy both island time and whale watching in one trip is a major attraction.' About Cairns Cairns is located in northeastern Queensland, Australia, enjoying a tropical climate year-round. Among Australian destinations, it is the closest to Japan, with direct flights taking about 7 hours and a time difference of only about 1 hour, making it highly accessible for Japanese travelers. Proximity to both the world’s largest coral reef system—the Great Barrier Reef—and tropical rainforests allows visitors to experience both ocean and mountain adventures in a short time. The region offers diverse activities such as snorkeling, diving, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway, all within a compact, convenient city layout. Additionally, Cairns actively collaborates with the Queensland Government Tourism Office and the Australian Government to preserve its beautiful natural environment. ■ Official Japanese Website: https://www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org/jp/ ■ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CairnsGBR ■ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cairnsjp/ ■ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CairnsJP/ ■ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/Cairns_JP