The migration of humpback whales near NSW coast takes place between May and November. The season can be split into two parts depending on the direction of travel for the majority of whales during this time.
During the northern migration, the Humpbacks head north between May and August mostly to give birth and to mate in the Coral Sea waters. At this time of year, they swim continuously at 5–9 km/h and have regular surface intervals. During the southern migration, the whales head south from mid-August to November to return to the Antarctic feeding ground for the southern hemisphere summer. When they move southwards, they can swim for hours in any direction at a time, with less regular surface intervals.
The best shore locations to watch whales are on high points along the coast, headlands, and cliffs. Port Stephens is a large natural harbour in the Hunter Region of NSW. Southern right whales and humpbacks pass here during their annual migration but are best seen in October. Humpback mothers and their calves are easy to spot from Tomaree Head, which offers a panoramic view of the sea.
Eden is the historic whaling town which is bordered by a green national park on one side and rocky cliffs on the other, making it a gorgeous spot to whale watching as humpbacks migrate along the south coast.
There are a few whale watching spots in Sydney area. One of the best spots it Cape Solander lookout within the Botany Bay National Park, just south of Sydney. Sometimes whales are spotted as close as 200 m from the coast. Another popular whale watching spot is the Fairfax Lookout, North Head—the gateway to Sydney Harbour. You can also join one of private whale watching tours running daily during the humpback seasons from various wharves around Sydney Harbour.
Practical info
What is the ideal time for whale watching in New South Wales?
Humpback whales migrate along the coast of NSW between May and November, making it the best time to go whale watching in New South Wales. During this period, the season is split into two parts, with the northern migration of humpback whales between May to August and the southern migration from mid-August to November when the whales head back for the Antarctic feeding ground. Show more
Which locations offer the most excellent whale watching experience in New South Wales from shores?
High points along the coast, headlands, and cliffs provide several shore locations that offer an outstanding whale watching experience in NSW. Some of the best sites are Tomaree Head in Port Stephens and Cape Solander lookout in Botany Bay National Park, just south of Sydney. Private whale watching tours that run daily during the humpback seasons from various wharves around Sydney Harbour offer another way to appreciate the majestic creatures up close. Show more
What is the duration of the northern migration of humpback whales?
From May to August each year in New South Wales, the northern migration of humpback whales takes place, lasting for four months. This time is significant for the whale as most of them head north, giving birth and mating in the warm waters around the Coral Sea. The pregnant females usually give birth to their calves north of the Great Barrier Reef and swim back south to the Antarctic feeding grounds. Show more
Where is Cape Solander lookout situated?
Situated in Botany Bay National Park, Cape Solander lookout is one of the popular whale watching spots that overlook the sea, located just to the south of Sydney in New South Wales. With its proximity to the shore, visitors can observe the humpback whales closely, sometimes as close to 200 meters away, making the lookout an ideal location to enjoy the majestic creatures along the coast between May and November. Show more
Can visitors take private whale watching tours from various locations around Sydney Harbour?
Visitors can take private whale watching tours from various wharves around Sydney Harbour throughout the humpback season. These tours provide visitors with a personalized and intimate experience as they observe the annual migration of humpback whales along the coast of New South Wales. Along with an enjoyable experience, visitors can learn more about the whales and their traits from experienced and knowledgeable guides. Show more
