Whale watching in Sydney: season, boats and headlands

Whale watching in Sydney is a winter pastime, and the season runs from May to November. In those months whales swim up and down the NSW coast, often close to shore. You can watch from a headland for free or book a cruise from the harbour. This guide covers when to go, where to stand, how a cruise works and what to pack.

Here is the short version. Pick a clear day, head for a clifftop lookout, bring warm clothes and binoculars, and be patient. If you want a closer view, a daily cruise leaves the city during the season.

Sources for this section: Destination NSW, Whale Watching in Sydney, Official Sydney Tourism Website (page as of 16 May 2021).

When the whales pass Sydney

Each year, from May to November, more than 30,000 humpback and southern right whales travel along the NSW coast. Destination NSW, which runs the official Sydney tourism site, describes this as their annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the Pacific.

So the whole season is a good time to look. Winter is the main window, because these whales pass the coast during the colder months. You do not need to hit one exact week.

Humpbacks and southern right whales are the two big visitors. The tourism site says that in NSW it is also common to see dolphins. You may also spot orcas, blue whales, minke whales and sperm whales, though those sightings are less likely. More than 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises live in the waters around Australia.

Whales often cruise close to shore, which is why they are easy to spot from land. They have even been known to pop up inside Sydney Harbour.

Sources for this section: Destination NSW, Whale Watching in Sydney, Official Sydney Tourism Website (page as of 16 May 2021).

Land lookouts around Sydney

You do not need a boat to see a whale. Several coastal walks and headlands give a wide view of the sea, and they cost nothing to visit. The official Sydney site names these places.

• Cape Solander, Kamay Botany Bay National Park. The site calls it one of the best vantage points. It has a covered viewing platform and information boards. Check before you go: as of mid May 2021 the site says Cape Solander is closed until August 2021 for major improvement works.
• Bondi to Coogee clifftop trails. These walking trails run along the eastern beaches and give fantastic viewing, according to the site.
• Federation Cliff Walk. This five kilometre clifftop walk runs from Dover Heights to Watsons Bay, with views out to the Pacific Ocean.
• North Head, Manly. Take the ferry to Manly, then go to the North Head lookout, where whales can often be spotted.
• Bangalley Head, Avalon Beach. This headland is on the northern beaches, farther north of the city.
• Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach. The lighthouse sits at the most northern point of Sydney, on Barrenjoey Head, and gives another great view.

Because Cape Solander is closed for now, the cliff walks near Bondi and Watsons Bay, or North Head, are good choices this winter.

Sources for this section: Destination NSW, Whale Watching in Sydney, Official Sydney Tourism Website (page as of 16 May 2021).

Whale watching cruises

A cruise gets you closer. During the season, cruises leave every day from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Manly. The boats head into the harbour or out past the Heads to look for whales in deeper water.

The official Sydney site lists three operators you can book with: Whale Watching Sydney, Oz Whale Watching and Ocean Extreme. It says Whale Watching Sydney has more than 25 years of experience and runs daily cruises from Darling Harbour. It describes Oz Whale Watching as a half day trip that combines a Sydney sights luncheon cruise with whale watching.

Prices and times change through the season, so check each operator for the current timetable. We have not listed fares here for that reason.

Sources for this section: Destination NSW, Whale Watching in Sydney, Official Sydney Tourism Website (page as of 16 May 2021).

What you might see

Once you spot a whale, you have a good chance of seeing at least one of these moves. Knowing the names helps you tell what is happening.

• Breaching: most or all of the whale's body leaves the water.
• Lobtailing: the whale lifts its tail flukes and slaps them down on the surface. It is also called tail slapping.
• Spy-hopping: the whale lifts its head and part of its chest straight up, so its eyes are just above the water line.
• Blowing: the whale breathes out air, water vapour and mucus as it comes up for a breath.

On a day when the sea is busy, the blow is often the first thing you notice. Scan the water for a puff of spray, then keep watching that patch of sea.

Sources for this section: Destination NSW, Whale Watching in Sydney, Official Sydney Tourism Website (page as of 16 May 2021).

What to take with you

Winter on a headland can be cold and windy. The tourism site gives this simple packing advice.

• Warm clothing, and a blanket if you will sit in one spot for a while.
• A camping chair, so you can sit and watch in comfort.
• A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The sun still shines in winter.
• A camera or binoculars.

Plan to stay for a while. Whales do not show on a timetable, and your best sighting may come after the first quiet half hour.

For more detail on whale watching in Sydney, the official Sydney site points visitors to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website. Check it for park access and any closures before you leave home.

Sources for this section: Destination NSW, Whale Watching in Sydney, Official Sydney Tourism Website (page as of 16 May 2021).

Sources

1. Destination NSW, Whale Watching in Sydney, Official Sydney Tourism Website (archived copy dated 16 May 2021): sydney.com