ORRCA’S 27TH ANNUAL WHALE CENSUS IS HAPPENING ON SUNDAY 28TH JUNE, AND YOU’RE INVITED TO BE PART OF THE MAGIC.

Join us for a spectacular day by the ocean as we count the majestic humpback whales on their northern migration. It’s a chance to connect with nature, contribute to conservation and celebrate these incredible ocean travellers.
The ORRCA Whale Census Day now has two ways to get involved:

Option 1 – Abundance Count between 10am - 12pm

Join one of our designated “core” survey sites between 10am-12pm along the coastline for a coordinated 2-hour whale count. These locations have been carefully selected to help estimate how many whales are migrating past during the survey period. Each site will be hosted by an ORRCA member.

Option 2 – Passage Count

Take part in our traditional sunrise-to-sunset whale count from a location of your choice. Participants will record whale sightings throughout the day, including behaviours, weather and ocean conditions, and details about whale groups.

When: Sunday 28 June, 2026
Where: Your closest headland, or official ORRCA census site 
Who: One and all 
From: Sunrise to Sunset

It’s a great day out for all. Simply pick a favourite headland, which option you’d like to participate in, and register for this event to log your location. We will email you our Census Day kit one week prior to the event, which contains a sighting fact sheet and how to access our Data Collection App to log your sightings on the day.