Up to 4,000 hump back whales migrate through the Coffs Coast. Cougar Cat 12 run whale watching cruises between June and November. Whale watching cruises typically go for 1½–2 hours.
Whale watching in Coffs Harbour
Whale watching in Warrnambool
The southern right whale can be seen May–Oct; the best viewing spot is at Logans Beach
where a viewing platform has been constructed.
Whale watching on Moreton Island
You can see humpback whales on their annual northern migration (Jun–Oct) from Antarctica. The whales put on a spectacular show and you can see them from Cape Moreton – the only part of the island that isn’t sand – or you can take one of the whale watching trips that are offered by a number of operators; these trips depart from Manly and Scarborough near Brisbane.
Whitewater Rafting on the Nymboida River
There are several companies operating white water rafting trips on rivers between Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay with pickups from Coffs Harbour hostels. The Nymboida River is the closest to Coffs Harbour and is a popular river for rafting. A one-day rafting trip on the Nymboida River costs around $185.
WhiteWater World
This water themed park has loads of waterslides and aquatic-themed rides.
Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP)
Proserpine’s Whitsunday Coast Airport is 12km south of Proserpine. Both Jetstar and Virgin Australia fly from here to Brisbane and Tigerair fly to Sydney.
Whitsunday Transit’s buses meet every flight but it is essential to book ahead for the airport bus transfer.
Whitsunday Region Information Centre
Whyalla Maritime Museum
This maritime museum features the HMAS Whyalla, Australia’s largest permanently landlocked ship, which was the first ship to be built at the Whyalla shipyards. The museum has exhibits of the city’s ship building industry and the WWII warships that were constructed here.
Whyalla Visitor Centre
Wild Rivers Jet
Wild Rivers Jet run 50-minute jet boat rides up the King River past huon forests and under the historic Teepookana Bridge.
Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife Habitat is an enclosed animal park in a rainforest setting in Port Douglas that features 1600 animals and 180 different species.
Wilpena Pound Visitor Information Centre
Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre
This excellent information centre has exhibits about the flora and fauna of the wetlands in the Top End.
Winton bus and coach stop
Greyhound coaches go to Brisbane, Mount Isa and Rockhampton and stop on Elderslie Street.
Winton tourist information centre
Wollongong Bus Stop
Buses go to destinations south of Nowra as well as to Canberra and Melbourne. Buses terminate at the bus station on the corner of Campbell and Keira Streets.
Wollongong City Gallery
This art museum features a small collection of Aboriginal and contemporary art.
Wollongong Science Centre & Planetarium
This science museum north of the city centre has over 120 hands-on exhibits plus a fully featured planetarium.
Wollongong Train Station
The easiest way to get in and out of Wollongong is by train. The CityRail network covers the city and its surrounding area and there are frequent trains between Wollongong and Sydney as well as trains further south to Kiama and Nowra. The train from Sydney Central to Wollongong costs $8.60 one-way or $17.20 return.
Wonderland loop walk
The Wonderland Loop (9.6km, 5 hours) is a popular half-day walk that starts and finishes in Halls Gap. It offers brilliant views and visits many of the park’s main attractions including Grand Canyon, the Pinnacle, Splitters Falls and Venus Baths. This walk is a good option if you only have a day to see the park and it is a relatively easy walk for novice hikers.