Australia's expansive coastline makes it one of the best places in the world for whale-watching from both land and sea.

So grab your binoculars, rug up, and follow our guide to some of the top whale-watching locations around the country.

Tasmania
Tasmania is one of the first places in Australia to be visited by migrating humpback and southern right whales (so named by old whalers as the 'right' whales to hunt because they swim slowly and floated when harpooned). Favourite spots include Great Oyster Bay and Coles Bay (approx 200 km north of Hobart) where the Freycinet Peninsula forms a protected inlet.

South Australia
From June, southern right whales gather at the Head of Bight (1000 km west of Adelaide) on the Eyre Peninsula to calve and breed and can be watched from platforms built along the cliffs.

Victor Harbour (85 km south east of Adelaide), is also an excellent land-based viewing site. Visit the South Australian Whale Centre here for a great display about our whaling history and marine environment.

Victoria
Warrnambool (260 km south west of Melbourne), is known as a southern right whale nursery. Whales sometimes bring their calves close to shore at Logans Beach, where you can watch them from a special viewing platform.

New South Wales
You don't have to go very far from Sydney to see whales; as often they swim right into the harbour! North and South Head at the entrance to Sydney Harbour, and Cape Solander, overlooking Botany Bay, are favourite spots for dedicated whale-watchers. The northern beaches are also prime sites, particularly Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach.

Along the New South Wales coast from Merimbula to Coffs Harbour, numerous cliffs and headlands provide excellent vantage points. Cape Byron at Byron Bay (830 km north of Sydney) is one of the best.

Eden (476 kilometres south of Sydney) was the site of one of the most productive whaling stations in Australian history. Sperm whales and orcas (killer whales) can be seen on boat trips out beyond the continental shelf, and there may even be the chance to encounter a rare blue whale. Don't miss the Killer Whale Museum with its amazing story of the orca Old Tom and his relationship with the local people.

Queensland
Hervey Bay, (300 km north of Brisbane), has been called the 'Whale Watch Capital of Australia' and the whales reach this breeding ground around mid-July. World Heritage-listed Fraser Island also provides a sheltered area for humpbacks to give birth and rest before their return journey south.

Below the lighthouse at Cape Moreton on Moreton Island near Brisbane, is a spot often used by whale researchers conducting population surveys.

Western Australia
Western Australia's vast coastline offers spectacular views of migrating whales.

Albany (410 km south of Perth) is the site of an old whaling station where the last whale hunted in Australia was processed in 1978. The site is now a museum and an important reminder of our early whaling history.

Exmouth (1270 km north of Perth) is the gateway to the Ningaloo Marine Park and provides a sheltered bay for humpbacks and calves to rest. The lighthouse at Vlamingh Head is one of the best vantage points.

WHALE WATCHING TIPS

• If you're planning on taking a whale-watching cruise, make sure to seek out a reputable operator with a naturalist or researcher on board who can help spot the whales and interpret their behaviours for you. The most responsible operators will put the welfare of the whales first and contribute some of their profits to whale conservation and research.
• There are strict guidelines in Australia for whale watching and boats are not permitted to get within 100 metres of a whale, or 300 metres if they have a calf. Heavy fines apply for breaking the law so make sure you know the rules if you're planning to use your own boat.
• Watching whales from the shore is the most non-invasive way to observe whales in their natural habitat. Cliff tops where lighthouses are located are a good starting point.
• You'll need a good set of eyes and a big supply of patience - whales are not on a timetable and they don't perform on demand! Plan to spend at least three to four hours at the site.
• Take binoculars for sighting a 'blow' in the distance, the first sign that whales are about. The blow is formed when the whale exhales at the surface of the water.
• A camera with a telephoto lens can come in handy for capturing those spectacular whale moments.
• Water - even though it's winter, make sure you have plenty of liquids to drink if you are outdoors for several hours. And don't forget sunscreen and a hat.

For further information visit the Department of Environment website.

Kris Madden is the author of the chapter on whale-watching in the Australian Adventure Atlas published by New Holland.