Catch an elusive glimpse of a breaching whale and you become the hero of the beach. There is something so captivating about these monolithic mammals of the sea. Right now, we are in the midst of whale-watching season, as the huge creatures slowly migrate back to Antarctica. Keep your eyes peeled for some tail-smacking action along the southern end of the east coast and over to Western Australia. Why not make a weekend of it? Set up camp at a coastal Discovery Park for a whale of a time as the weather warms up. Here are our top caravan park picks in perfect whale-watching locations.
Jump on a go-kart, bounce on a pillow, splash in the pool and more at Discovery Parks. Credit: Discovery Parks
Discovery Parks Byron Bay
Until mid-November, dolphins and whales can be spotted from Cape Byron Lighthouse, at the most easterly point of Australia. Cape Byron Marine Park is brimming with other underwater wildlife too – three species of turtle, wobbegongs and more. Family-friendly beach recommendations include Main, Clarke and Wategos beaches. For a bit of extra adventure, enjoy Little Wategos which can only be accessed on foot. Grab some yummy treats at one of many Byron markets and bring them back to the lovely camp kitchen facilities. Or jump your wriggles out on the bouncing pillow.
Make a splash at Byron Bay Discovery Parks. Credit: Discovery Parks
Discovery Parks Forster
The break wall at Forster is perfect for whale-spotting. In fact, Discovery Parks at Forster is perfect for water activities in general. Right on the Wallamba River, the location promises some awesome fishing, kayaking and water-skiing. There are pet-friendly camping and accommodation options too. Test out Big Buzz Fun Park nearby, or even the National Motorcycle Museum.
Discovery Parks Pambula Beach
Pambula Beach is right near Eden, famed for its killer whale residents. Pop into the Killer Whale Museum to meet Old Tom. It is also near Merimbula, the departure point of Express Whale Watch tours. Merimbula is home to Magic Mountain, Mandeni Family Fun Park and the Potoroo Palace wildlife sanctuary for families looking for more animal love. The park itself has an impressive swimming pool complex for hot springs and summers, with indoor and outdoor pool sand a Sapphire Soaker waterpark.
Enjoy peace and quiet at Pambula. Credit: Discovery Parks
Discovery Parks Warrnambool
This park has access to some of the best of Australia’s coastline – the Great Ocean Road. It is located just one hour from the Twelve Apostles. It is also right by Tower Hill Reserve, which has a lookout for spotting southern right whales. These whales often calve right near Logan’s Beach, swimming as close as 100 metres to the shore.
Discovery Parks Bunbury Village and Discovery Parks Bunbury Foreshore
Bunbury is a great headquarters for exploring the Margaret River region. From September to early December, humpback whales chill out and nurse their calves in Geographe Bay. You can take whale-watching cruises, or just bring a pair of binoculars when you walk a stretch of the Cape to Cape track. Check out the Dolphin Discovery Centre, before heading to Koombana Bay beach where bottlenose dolphins often swim near the shore. Leschenault Estuary, Big Swamp wildlife park and Beedelup National Park are more local natural gems.
Tennis and outdoor activities abound at Discovery Parks around Australia. Credit: Discovery Parks
Discovery Parks has a fantastic G’DAY network of member parks. If you sign up to the G’DAY Rewards, you can enjoy benefits in as many as 250 Discovery Parks.
Read more:
Everything you need to know about Aussie whale-watching
Top tips for a south coast road trip
Wining and dining in Margaret River with kids
This a Family Travel online exclusive story. Make sure you don’t miss any exclusive digital content by subscribing to our email newsletter.
Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.