Lucky sighting: Dolphins escort whales off Queensland coast

The coastline of Queensland, Australia is one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations. The best time to spot whales is between June and November each year, when local events such as the Whale Festival are held to welcome the returning pods. Recently, whales have been spotted in the waters near North Stradbroke Island, with dolphins leading the way — a sight that left photographers amazed and feeling lucky.

Known as the “whale watching capital of Australia,” Hervey Bay in Queensland, along with the famous diving destination of the Great Barrier Reef, lies along the migratory route of humpback whales traveling between Antarctica and warmer waters. Whale watching activities in the area are available from dawn, morning, afternoon, to full-day tours. Hervey Bay also hosts events such as the Whale Festival, water carnivals, and illuminated boat parades to celebrate this annual spectacle.

Humpback whales are the fifth-largest whale species in the world, reaching up to 15 meters in length and weighing up to 40 tonnes. Their tail slapping and breaching behaviors are especially breathtaking, attracting thousands of tourists each year. Additionally, the nearby Ribbon Reefs, not far from the Great Barrier Reef, are the only place in the world where you can snorkel with the elusive minke whales.

Recently, an Australian photographer captured footage of two whales near North Stradbroke Island, south of Hervey Bay. Aerial footage shows the whales gliding through the blue waters, creating splashes of white foam, with dolphins “escorting” them ahead — a heartwarming scene that made the photographer who documented the migration feel incredibly fortunate.