Whale Watching in Sydney
Each year, from May to November, more than 30,000 whales make their way along the Humpback Highway, a migration route from Antarctica to the Pacific that runs along the coast of NSW. There are excellent vantage points in Sydney and whale-watching cruises out on the water where you can see these giants of the deep at play.
The Wild About Whales website and app lists all the best viewing locations. You can even post your own sightings and use the #whaleon hashtag. Whales often cruise close to shore, so they are easy to spot, and have even been known to pop up inside Sydney Harbour.
Take the ferry to Manly for the North Head lookout and join a special whale-watching walking tour with EcoTreasures. Farther north are Bangalley Head at Avalon Beach and Barrenjoey Lighthouse at Palm Beach for more great views of these marine mammals in their element.
Get out on the water and track pods along the coast on a whale-watching cruise departing from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Manly. Try Captain Cook Cruises, Fantasea Cruising, Whale Watching Sydney, Oz Whale Watching, Manly Whale Watching and Manly Ocean Adventures.
At least 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises can be found in Australian waters. You are most likely to see humpback and southern right whales, but you could also spot killer whales, blue whales, minke whales and sperm whales. Look out for the famous Migaloo, a rare white humpback who is often seen off the coast.