For years, Hervey Bay has been known as Australia’s whale-watching capital—a serene playground where mothers and calves rest before their long journey south. But a new study from the Pacific Whale Foundation has revealed there’s much more going on beneath the surface than we ever imagined.
After 14 years of research, scientists have discovered that humpback whale mothers and their calves are surprisingly social, forming what are now called “multi-mother–calf groups.” These gatherings—where several mothers and their young swim, rest, and even play together—challenge decades of belief that whale mums preferred isolation while raising their newborns.
“This work challenges previous notions of humpback whale mother–calf isolation and highlights the complexity of their social lives during migration,” says lead author Barry McGovern from the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Australian branch in Hervey Bay.
The Social Stopover
While these groups are rare in the tropical breeding grounds of the Great Barrier Reef, the study found they appear more frequently in Hervey Bay and Eden, two major stopovers on the whales’ southbound migration route.
In Hervey Bay alone, around six percent of observed mother–calf pairs were part of these social pods. Further south in Eden, that number doubled to around thirteen percent.
For travellers and locals who’ve watched mothers teaching their calves to breach just metres from the boat, the findings confirm what many suspected—Hervey Bay isn’t just a resting spot; it’s a social nursery.
Playtime with Purpose
Researchers noticed that calves in these groups often engage in high-energy surface behaviours—breaching, fin-slapping, and playful rolls—thought to help develop vital communication and coordination skills before they head into open Antarctic waters.
As McGovern explains, “These behaviours might not just be for fun. They could play a key role in helping young whales learn social and survival skills before they leave their mothers.”
A Reminder for Whale Watchers
The discovery also underscores the importance of mindful whale tourism. With more surface activity and group interaction near boats, vessel awareness and slow travel in key habitats like Hervey Bay have never been more important.
The researchers hope their findings encourage continued conservation and respectful observation practices. After all, every splash and tail slap could be part of a lesson in the ocean’s most tender classroom.
If You Go:
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Where: Hervey Bay, Queensland – around 3.5 hours north of Brisbane
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Best Time to Visit: July to October for peak whale-watching season
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Tip: Join an accredited eco-tour for a chance to witness these gentle giants in their natural element—sometimes, it’s not just one mother and calf you’ll see, but an entire family gathering.