Sydney residents and guests have the advantage of observing an annual phenomenon: a massive migration of about 30,000 whales passing the Humpback Highway from Antarctica to the Pacific Ocean. One of the world's longest whale migrations lasts along the coast of New South Whales from early May to late November. The peak time for whale watching is late June and early July.
Whales pass quite close to the shore and can be easily spotted in many locations in the city. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse Track on Palm Beach Peninsula and Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park are among the best whale watching spots, equipped with covered platforms and signs. The south Head peninsula offers excellent places for whale watching, including a cliff called the Gap. The Royal National Park coastline also provides a few lookouts. The Federation Cliff Walk (between Dover Heights and Watsons Bay) and between Bondi and Coogee are great places for a winter whale-watching walk. The North Head Lookout and Harbor offer whale-watching walking tours. Cruises regularly leave from Manly, Darling Harbor and Circular Quay.
Australian waters are home to 45 species of whales and dolphins, including spot killer whales, sperm whales, blue whales, orcas and minke whales. Humpback and southern whales can be seen the most often.
Dolphin sightings are common during whale-watching cruises. Tourists can observe pods of bottlenose and common dolphins. There are also dolphin watching tours leaving from Sydney three times per week, heading to Nelson Bay and Port Stephens. Swimming with dolphins in the wild is possible at the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney.
Practical info
What is the best location for whale watching in Sydney?
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse Track on Palm Beach Peninsula and Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park are suitable places for observing whales. They offer covered platforms, signage and frequent sightings. The South Head peninsula, with a cliff called the Gap, offers whale watching opportunities too. Lookouts along the Royal National Park coastline are also an option. Both the Federation Cliff Walk (between Dover Heights and Watsons Bay) and the walk between Bondi and Coogee offer great vantage points. There are also whale-watching walking tours available at the North Head Lookout and Harbor. For those seeking to sail among them, cruises routinely depart from Manly, Darling Harbor and Circular Quay. Show more
When is the peak time for whale watching in Sydney?
In Sydney, whale sightings are numerous throughout the migration season, which lasts from early May to late November. However, the best time to see them is between late June and early July each year. Show more
What species of whales can be seen during the migration, in addition to humpbacks?
Aside from the regular appearance of humpback whales during the seasonal migration, it is also possible to observe many other cetacean species in Australian waters. Among them are spot killer whales, sperm whales, blue whales and minke whales, all of which are part of the 45 species of dolphins and whales known to live in these waters. Show more
Where can I go for dolphin sightings, outside of a whale watching cruise?
To watch dolphins without a whale watching cruise, a dolphin watching tour is available departing three times per week from Sydney heading to Nelson Bay and Port Stephens. Dolphin sightings are also common during whale-watching cruises. Visitors may also explore the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park to observe pods of bottlenose and common dolphins, a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney. Show more
Is it possible to swim with dolphins in Sydney? If so, where can I do that?
At the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, which respondents can reach by car in 2.5 hours, there are various dolphin swim tours available. These tours operate with the intention of observing common dolphins in their natural habitat whilst taking into account their well-being. Swimming with dolphins is not part of a typical whale watching or dolphin watching tour, so a dedicated swim tour is necessary for this experience. Show more
