Aboriginal Cultural Whale Cruise

Experience whale watching through Aboriginal culture and marine research on a 1.5-hour cruise presented by Gumaraa and Shellharbour Wild.

  • Shellharbour Marina | Dharawal Country

Humpback whale breaching near the Shellharbour Wild cruise vessel off the coast

About the tour

Join Gumaraa and Shellharbour Wild aboard Cat Balou for a cultural whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina. Gumaraa’s Richard Campbell shares Aboriginal cultural storytelling, interpretation and Whale Songlines, including the enduring responsibility to care for whales and Sea Country.

Where conditions allow, Richard may share didgeridoo as part of the experience. Selected departures also include live commentary from University of Wollongong whale researcher Dr Jodi Edwards. Because of ongoing work and study commitments, Dr Jodi is not present on every cruise.

Richard Campbell and Lisa Bazzano aboard the whale cruise vessel

Tour Highlights

  • A 1.5-hour whale-watching cruise aboard Cat Balou
  • Aboriginal cultural storytelling and Whale Songlines

  • Marine research insights from Dr Jodi Edwards on selected departures

  • Indoor and outdoor viewing areas, including covered seating

The cruise follows the annual humpback migration from Shellharbour Marina into open ocean waters. Wildlife sightings and sea conditions vary. Selected departures include Dr Jodi Edwards, and didgeridoo may be shared where conditions allow.

  • 1.5-hour whale-watching cruise aboard Cat Balou
  • Aboriginal cultural storytelling and Whale Songlines with Richard Campbell
  • Live commentary from Dr Jodi Edwards on selected departures
  • Indoor seating, outdoor viewing areas and covered seating
  • Didgeridoo where conditions allow
  • Toilets and licensed bar facilities aboard the vessel

Check in near the Waterfront Tavern at 9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure. Allow time for parking during busy periods.

  • Warm, layered clothing
  • Enclosed, flat shoes
  • Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
  • Water bottle
  • Camera

Bookings, pricing and operational decisions are managed by Shellharbour Wild.

Cancellations made more than 72 hours before departure receive a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours incur a 100 per cent cancellation fee. No-shows are not refunded.

Dr Jodi Edwards is not present on every cruise. The cruise operates in open ocean conditions and is not recommended for guests who are more than 24 weeks pregnant.

Read Shellharbour Wild’s current terms and conditions.

Location

Book Now

Bookings, current dates and availability are managed by Shellharbour Wild.

Event Location

event type

Cultural Whale Cruise

meeting point

Near the Waterfront Tavern, 9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove, NSW 2529

Tour Partners

name

Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience and Shellharbour Wild

phone

0432 645 912

email

info@gumaraa.com.au