Whale Watching Season in NSW: When to Go & How to Spot Whales

The NSW whale watching season typically runs from May to November each year, following the annual migration of whales along Australia’s east coast.

From May to July, whales travel north from Antarctic waters to warmer breeding grounds. This is a peak period for sightings, with large pods often visible offshore and impressive behaviours such as breaching, tail slapping and pectoral fin waves.

Between August and November, whales make their return journey south — often with calves. During this time, whales tend to swim more slowly and closer to the coastline, making them easier to spot from headlands and coastal lookouts.

Best overall months: June to August for high numbers, and September to November for close-to-shore sightings and calves.

NSW offers outstanding landbased whale watching, often without the need for a boat. Some of the best regions and locations include:

• Cape Solander, Kamay Botany Bay National Park
• North Head Lookout, Manly
• Bondi to Coogee coastal walk headlands

• Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform (Kiama)
• Boat Harbour Whale Watch Lookout (Kiama)
• Point Perpendicular Lookout, Jervis Bay

• Crackneck Lookout, Wyrrabalong National Park
• Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Port Stephens

• Look At Me Now Headland, Emerald Beach
• Angourie Blue Pool Headland, Yamba

These elevated coastal vantage points are ideal during calm weather. All you need is a clear day, patience, and a good pair of binoculars.

For an upclose experience, boatbased whale watching tours operate throughout the season across NSW. These regions consistently offer some of the best onwater experiences:

• Sydney Harbour and offshore coastal cruises

• One of Australia’s most reliable whale watching destinations due to its wide bay and offshore migration corridor

• Sheltered waters and clear visibility, ideal for seeing whales and calves

• Excellent midmigration viewing with frequent breaches close to shore

Most tours include experienced marine guides, educational commentary and high sighting success rates during the season.

• Excellent midmigration viewing with frequent breaches close to shore

• Whale Watching Sydney – departures from Circular Quay
• Whale Tales Whale Watching Sydney – highly rated Sydney tours
• Barefoot Whale Watching Sydney – popular choice with great reviews
• Go Whale Watching Sydney – one of the most reviewed operators
• Cronulla Whale Watching – closer to southern Sydney
• Ocean Extreme – scenic tours from Campbell’s Cove
• Jervis Bay Wild – great for South Coast trips
• Whale Watch Experience – based in Coffs Harbour
• CoastXP – Newcastle region tours
• Dolphin and Whale Watch Booking Agency Nelson Bay / Port Stephens & Manly Ocean Adventures – other great local options
• Yamba Whale Watch – North Coast operator

• Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform – Kiama Downs headland lookout
• Boat Harbour Whale Watch Lookout – great coastal vantage point

Plus plenty of coastal headlands and cliff lookouts up and down the NSW coast.

• Time of day: Morning or midday often has calmer seas and better visibility.
• September–November is great for seeing calves and slower swimming whales.
• Bring binoculars and warm clothing — the ocean breeze can be chilly even on sunny days.

To enhance your whale watching experience, we recommend downloading WhaleWatch, a free mobile app by Mobiddiction, designed to help locals, visitors and marine enthusiasts track whale activity along the NSW coastline.

Courtesy: Thank you to Sarah Gower (sarahmgower.com)