03 August 2023
8 mins Read
Thousands of whales escape the cold of Antarctica and migrate to Australia to warm up every year – but they don’t just chill motionless in Sydney’s toasty seas. The mighty mammals make the most of their time spent down under to breed, calve, and feed. Increase your chances of an encounter right off the coastline, home to Sydney’s best bush and coastal walks, with our top tips for whale watching in Sydney.
Sydney’s whale watching season is based on migration patterns. It’s all about when mamas leave Antarctica to give birth in the warmer waters of the Coral Sea and then when they return to Antarctica for food. Although the season starts further south around April, the best chance to go whale watching in Sydney is a rather generous window between May and November. Drilling that down further, from May to August, whales are on their northern migration to Tropical North Queensland, so you may see them on the move.
Whales migrate along the vast seascape of Bondi Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
Our advice, however, is getting your binoculars on from mid-August to November when whales are on their southern migration back to the Antarctic. It’s when they trolley their newborn calves back home with them and so they’re feeding and teaching their little ones how to swim. An absolute must-see or what? Bear in mind, it’s not uncommon to see whales in Sydney’s waters throughout December, but the sighting frequency is low so be sure to manage your expectations.
Each year, there are around 16,000 whales swimming past and through Sydney’s waters. A large proportion of these are humpbacks, but southern right whales can also be spotted. It goes without saying that the annual migration is a sight to behold. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch whales flipping and rolling, an awe-inspiring showcase that attracts roughly 1.6 million visitors to Sydney’s shores per year. Of course, they certainly don’t perform on command – we need to adjust to the lifestyles of these otherworldly beauties and go looking for them.
Humpback whales pass through the NSW coastline during their migration. (Image: Destination NSW)
Experts say ideal conditions peak between 11am and 3pm during the day due to the sun sitting directly overhead, making visibility top-notch. It’s also worth noting that if you plan on booking a whale watching tour on the water, cheaper rates are offered in the mornings because sightings are fewer. Regardless, if you stick to the May to November window and get looking from Sydney’s best vantage points (more on that later) regularly when you can, you’ll increase your odds.
Witness the magnificent humpback whale spectacle. (Image: Destination NSW)
Sighting a whale will go down as one of the best animal encounters of your life and your best bet in making it happen is from a boat with an expert guiding you. From all-out luxury endeavours to budget-friendly drop-ins, there are plenty of options to suit a range of timeframes and tastes.
Offering four-hour cruises at both breakfast at lunch, Sydney Princess Cruises sets sail from the heart of the city. Departing from and returning to Circular Quay’s Eastern Pontoon, these guys explore Sydney Harbour and out past the heads with more than two decades of experience under their belt.
Hop aboard the Sydney Princess Cruises this whale-watching season in Sydney.
Fascinating intel and facts are dished out over full meals, tea and coffee plus there are both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Best of all, whale spotting is guaranteed and if the odds aren’t in your favour, you’re invited to hop on a second cruise to try again free of charge.
Get your cameras ready to capture humpback whales up close.
Price: Adults from $99 per person, including meals, and children start from $25 each.
A two-and-a-half-hour cruise from Circular Quay is on offer from the friendly folk at Captain Cook Cruises, who leave from Circular Quay twice every Saturday and Sunday. Departing from Wharf 6, the comfortable vessel provides indoor and outdoor seating plus expert commentary to help you find what everyone’s looking for. Again, whale sightings are in the bag but if you don’t catch one, you can ride again for free.
Price: Adults from $69 per person.
Navigate the waters like a VIP with a private charter from the team at Spirit Fleet who offer tailored day charters or a common three-hour option that takes up to 12 people. You’ll be led by an experienced guide beyond Sydney’s headlands in a luxury motor yacht with a large undercover back deck to provide uninterrupted views of whales once you spy them. Inside, there’s plush seating, toilets and the option to upgrade your experience with food and beverages.
Price: A three-hour private charter for up to 12 passengers starts at $2,050.
Glide the water in style on board a high-speed, purpose-built catamaran taking passengers from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay out to open waters in just 15 minutes. Whale Watching Sydney offers two Sydney cruises – a three-hour voyage and a four-hour one.
Join the three-hour voyage to witness whales gracefully hopping the Sydney waters. (Image: Whale Watching Sydney)
The vessel itself is built with two spacious viewing decks and air-conditioned cabins and you’ll receive tea and coffee while on board. There’s also a licenced bar to purchase additional spoils from. Like many of the other whale watching tours in Sydney, you’ll get a free return trip if you don’t spot anything.
Humpback whales appear larger than they seem. (Image: Whale Watching Sydney)
Price: From $69 per adult for three hours and $95 per adult for four hours.
Take advantage of a great deal on Groupon, including one from Go Whale Watching Sydney that sails for three hours and includes tea and coffee. You’ll also take in some of Sydney Harbour’s most iconic sights (including the Sydney Harbour Bridge), hear from an experienced tour guide and learn about the lifecycle of whales before returning to King Street Wharf 6 at Darling Harbour. Once again, no whale spotting, no worries – you can always jump on another tour for free and try again.
Price: Adults from $59 per person.
Not up for a day on the water? There are plenty of vantage points around Sydney made for off-water whale-watching.
Bare Island Fort at La Perouse (16 kilometres southeast of Sydney’s CBD), offers a scenic view, perfect not only for whale watching but also for picnics, bird watching and exploration. It’s only open for tours on Sundays but it’s worth the wait.
Directly across the other side of the bay, Cape Solander is regarded as one of the best spots in Sydney to whale watch from shore as you can get within 200 metres from the giants. Located near Kurnell in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, it has a viewing deck with information boards.
Admire incredible coastal views at Kamay Botany Bay National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)
For the more adventurous, the Cape Baily Coastal Walk in Kamay Botany Bay National Park is a two-and-a-half-hour trek to the cliffs. Even if you don’t get to see whales, you’ll score the chance to see wildflowers along with diverse birdlife such as sea eagles, kestrels, and terns.
Royal National Park is home to stunning coastal treks. (Image: Destination NSW)
Finally, the Curra Moors Loop Track in the Royal National Park offers a 10-kilometre loop with coastal views and whales are often sighted. On route to whale watching glory, you’ll also pass waterfalls and jaw dropping sandstone cliffs among other natural wonders.
Waves gently crash on the sandstone cliff walls at Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell. (Image: Destination NSW)
Even if the sun is shining, dress warmly for your whale watching expedition. Ocean winds make carrying a windproof jacket or thick jumper essential.
If you’re venturing out on a boat for the morning or afternoon, it might be best to pack some seasickness tablets too — conditions can get rather choppy. On that note, it’s a good idea to ditch heels in favour of sturdy shoes with plenty of grip.
Further day bag supplies should include sunscreen, sunglasses and your camera, of course.
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