Whale season is back: humpbacks now passing Cape Byron

Humpbacks migrate past Cape Byron from about May to November, and local whale-watching cruises run through June to October.

If you're here between now and early November and you want to actually see whales (not just hear about them), the calmest mornings give you the best chance. Lighthouse track at sunrise costs nothing and works. A boat tour gets you closer — Out of the Blue Adventures depart from Ballina with a whale guarantee June-October, and Cape Byron Kayaks pick up incidental encounters on most clear-day departures.

Bring binoculars if you have them; the iPhone zoom does not do the breaches justice.