Whale watching in Sydney

Best time of year

From mid-May, humpback whales begin passing Sydney on their northern migration from Antarctic waters. The peak months to sight them are towards the end of June and the beginning of July. In October and November, you will see lots of mothers and calves swimming down the coast. They usually swim a little slower and stick to the shoreline on their migration back south. In NSW, it’s common to also see southern right, orcas, minke, blue whales and dolphins.

On tour with Whale Watching Sydney, Sydney Harbour

Whale-watching vantage points

Whales often cruise close to shore, so they are easy to spot, and have even been known to pop up inside Sydney Harbour. Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park is one of the best vantage points with a covered viewing platform and information boards. There's also accessible access and disabled parking right by the platform. Other top lookouts include the Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site and Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head, both located in Sydney Harbour National Park.

The cliff-top walking trails from Bondi to Coogee, the Federation Cliff Walk from Dover Heights to Watsons Bay and the South Head Heritage Trail from Camp Cove to Hornby Lighthouse offer fantastic viewing opportunities for those wanting to lace-up their hiking boots.

Oz Whale Watching, Sydney

Take the ferry to Manly for the Fairfax Walk to North Head lookout, where whales can also often be spotted. Further north are Bangalley Head at Avalon Beach and Barrenjoey Lighthouse at Palm Beach for more great views of these marine mammals in their element.

Palm Beach, Sydney

Further south in the Royal National Park, tackle the stunning Coast Track – or just a section of it – from Bundeena to Otford, which boasts seemingly endless coastal lookouts perfect for whale watching. The Curra Moors Loop Track is another alternative, a 10km loop through heath and waterfalls with scenic ocean views, while the Governor Game Lookout makes the perfect pit stop on a car tour of the national park. Your Sydney Guide and Sydney Luxury Tours offer a guided experience if you'd like to explore with an expert.

The Coast Track, Bundeena - Credit: Lisa Sturis | DCCEEW

Whale-watching cruises

If you want to get even closer to these majestic creatures, hop aboard a whale-watching cruise. During the season, cruises depart every day from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Manly.

Book a cruise with Whale Watching Sydney, Oz Whale Watching, Ocean Extreme, Australian Cruise Group, Whale Tales Whale Watching, Sydney Whale Whisperer, Go Whale Watching or Captain Cook Cruises which can take you to some of the best vantage points on their small, fast vessels.

Whale Watching Sydney - Credit: Bass & Flinders Cruises

Whale behaviour

Once you see a whale, there is a good chance you will see it display one or more of the following behaviours:

• Breaching – where most or all of the whale's body leaves the water.
• Lobtailing or tail slapping – where a whale lifts its tail flukes out of the water and then slaps them down onto the surface of the water.
• Spy-hopping – where a whale lifts their head and part of their chest vertically out of the water so that their eyes are just above the water line.
• Blowing – where a whale blows air, water vapour and mucus as they surface to take a breath.

Whale Watching, Sydney

What to take with you

As whales travel the coastline in the colder months, wear warm clothing and bring a blanket if you will be spending time in one spot. It’s a good idea to bring a camping chair to sit on too. Don’t forget to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen and bring your camera or binoculars. For more information about whale watching in Sydney, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.