humpback whale migration map

Humpback Whales

online Marine Science Courses

Explore engaging, curriculum-aligned online humpback whale marine science courses for Australian schools, homeschoolers, whale fans, and educators. Designed for students aged 7+, these interactive programs combine videos, activities, and real-world ocean science to bring learning to life.

The course supports key Australian Curriculum links, including Biological Sciences and Sustainability, with a focus on humpback habitats, adaptation, classification, and human impact.

Whether used in the classroom or at home, these flexible online courses can stand alone or be paired with our live incursions and coastal excursions for a hands-on marine learning experience.

Australia’s Annual East Coast HumpBack Whale Migration 

After a summer of feeding on up to 4 tonnes of krill in nutrient-rich chilly Antarctic water habitats, more than 20,000 Humpback Whales migrate north to the sub-tropical waters of East Coast Australia. They head to the warm waters of the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef, where they mate and give birth. We are able to witrness this incredible spectacle from the beaches of Eastern Australia. It never ceases to amaze! Australia’s Annual East Coast humpback whale migration is one of the longest migratory journeys of any mammal on Earth – up to 10,000 km round trip!

 

Check out some amazing facts about Australia’s Humpback Whale Migration below.

 

Humpback Habits 

Pods – Humpback whales tend to travel alone or in small groups known as pods. However, they sometimes feed in very large pods!

Order of travel

Young males traveling in groups lead

Adult breeding whales in the middle

Pregnant females (cows) and cows with young calves follow behind – it’s thought they stay longer in the Arctic to eat lots of food in order to produce enough milk for their calves

The East Coast migration is one of the longest migratory journeys of any mammal on Earth – up to 10,000 km round trip!

Breaching & Slapping 

Humpbacks are known for their acrobatic displays. They often shoot up through the water, making a huge splash back down (breaching) or slap the water with their fins and tail. These are thought to be forms of communication over long and short distances.

They may also be warning off potential predators such as sharks who may follow calves, dislodging pesky parasites or just having fun!

Singing

Male humpbacks make sound by pushing air around in their heads, then amplifying the sounds through a blob of fat on the top jaw. This ‘singing’ is thought to be a form of communication and may also help them locate food.

You can listen to this juvenile whale sing by downloaded our Humpback Whale online course or Teaching Resources – links below.

Male humpback whale ‘songs’ may be heard 30km away!

HUMPBACK WHALE RESOURCES & COURSES
Humpback taxonomic chain
Teaching Humpback Whale Classification: Resources for Primary Schools

In this blog, we look at how to use humpback whales to support curriculum-aligned learning for primary students, with a focus on humpback whale classification, adaptations, and marine ecosystems and habitats.

Humpback Classification
Teaching Life Cycles of Humpback Whales

This blog offers educators valuable information about humpback whale life cycles, habitats, and threats, along with engaging discussion points and activities that can be brought to life with a trip to the coast to view the spectacle that is the annual humpback migration.

humpback whale migration map
Where to See the Humpback Whale Migration on East Coast Australia

Find out when and where to see the annual humpback migration on East Coast Australia

queensland humpback whale migration guide
Queensland Humpback Whale Migration Guide

When and where to watch the humpbacks in Queensland.

Humpback Whale Migration Calendar
East Coast Humpback Whale Migration Calendar

Free calendar so that you don’t miss out on the greatest show on earth!!

humpback whale online kids course
Humpback Whale Online Course

🐋 Humpback Whale Online Course

Get the lowdown on Australia’s iconic humpback whales with this engaging, curriculum-aligned online course designed for learners aged 7+. Packed with awesome videos, infographics, migration maps, a whale-watching guide, quizzes, and interactive activities, this course brings marine science to life in a fun and accessible way.

Students will explore key concepts including migration, habitats, adaptations, and conservation, while building their understanding of real-world ocean ecosystems.

  • Age: 7+
  • Duration: 1–2 hours
  • Includes: Videos, maps, quizzes, activities, and whale-watching guide
  • Certificate: Receive a personalised certificate awarded by Head of Education and Marine Biologist, Richard Coward

Perfect for classrooms, homeschooling, or independent learners, this course can be used on its own or alongside Ocean Life Education’s incursions and excursions for a richer, hands-on experience.

Cost: $20

humpback teaching resources
Humpback Whale - Teaching Resources

Our Humpback Whale resources support the teaching of key curriculum themes – Human Impact, Habitats, Adaptation, and Classification – through the engaging context of this iconic species.

The resource pack includes a wide range of materials to support classroom learning:

  • Downloadable videos
  • Activities and lesson ideas
  • Infographics and fact sheets
  • Maps and a migration calendar
  • Ready-to-use presentation

Cost: $20