The Whale Migration Has Arrived! Here are the Local Secrets for Spotting Humpback Whales in NSW’s Eurobodalla

Every year, the pull of warm waters draw Humpback whales north along Australia’s East Coast. As the creatures follow their ancient instincts, humans also flock to the coast to watch their journey and marvel at their size and grace. One of the best places to witness this spectacle is the pristine Yuin Country in Eurobodalla on NSW’s Far South Coast.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Yuin people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Why Eurobodalla is the Best Place to Watch the Humpback Whale Migration

For me, growing up in Eurobodalla, early winter always sparked a special joy. As the weather turned cool we’d always be on the lookout for the first whale of the season. I still get glued to the ocean like it’s an addictive TV show whenever the whales are passing by.

The geography of Eurobodalla lends itself perfectly for spotting these magnificent animals. Tall headlands with vast ocean views jut out into the migration path, and safe calm coves provide perfect shelter for mothers and calves slowly making their way back south.

Mum and bub doing well | Photo by Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

From the cliff tops, humans have paid witness to this ancient migration for thousands of years. For Walbunja Yuin people on the Far South Coast, muriyira – the whales – are their ancestors who have come back and are travelling  along the coast. For saltwater people, gadu – the sea – is a safe place and the whales are like family.

Before heading to Eurobodalla, I recommend watching the Muriyira (Whale) Story, a short film that unpacks the Yuin people’s connection to muriyira. And while you’re in the region, I recommend booking a cultural tour to get a deeper understanding of connection to land and sea on Walbunja Yuin Country.

Muriyira continues to capture the hearts and attention of locals and visitors alike on the South Coast and it’s a wonder to behold their puffs of breath, fins slaps, and vibrating songs as they pass up and back along the coastline.

I think what makes it so special is that it’s all about witnessing the journey. We’re not the final destination for most of these creatures, merely a stop along the way, which makes the chance encounters feel more magical.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

You don’t have to look far to see some action! | Photo by Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

The Best Ways to Spot Whales in Eurobodalla (including Batemans Bay & Narooma)

1. Narooma Charters Whales & Seals Tour

Location: Narooma
Duration: 2.5 hours
Cost: $100 per adult

This boat tour boasts a 100% spotting whale success rate in the last ten years, which is unheard of! Whales are often curious about the boat and swim up to check it out, which is an awesome way to get up close and personal with these beauties.

You’re also likely to spot seals and dolphins, and there’s the option to book a longer tour that includes a stop over on Barunguba Montague Island, which sits off the Narooma coast.

Barunguba Montague Island | Photo by Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

2. Guerilla Bay Lookout and Burrewarra Point

Location: Guerilla Bay
Distance: 1.2km
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: Free

This headland sticks out farthest east in almost all of the Eurobodalla and has great elevation. Start at the car park and stop at the Guerilla Bay Lookout for a chance to spot a colony of seals frolicking.

Guerilla Bay | Photo by Destination NSW and Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

Looking north from here you may see whales, but continue on for the best view. Walk all the way to the large maritime beacon and down along the furthest part of the point, where the track opens up out of the bush onto exposed headland. Take caution as there are slippery slopes. Whales swim past incredibly close to Burrewarra Point and you can see them coming from many kilometres south.

Bring a thermos and binoculars, you can wile away hours down here!

Read more: Staying Safe on Coastal Rock Platforms

3. Batemans Bay Wild

Location: Batemans Bay
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $90 per person

This tour gets you out beyond the inner bay of Batemans Bay and is the best chance to spot whales heading along the coast. You’ll also get views of the spectacular Tollgate Islands at the mouth of the bay.

Tours run from May to November and there’s a good chance of spotting dolphins, schools of fish, and seabirds nesting on local islands. Keep an eye out for Little penguins who also breed on the Tollgate and Snapper Islands.

Tollgate Islands | Photo by Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

4. Mystery Bay Lookout

Location: Mystery Bay
Distance: 0-2km (optional)
Duration: 0.5-4 hours
Cost: Free

This elevated lookout gives perfect views of the Tasman Sea and a great chance to spot migrating whales. Pop in for a quick look and a photo or spend a lazy day watching the whales cruise past, making good use of the picnic tables, big grassy areas, and stunning swimming and snorkelling beaches.

Head north past Mystery Bay Campground and explore nearby Billys Beach and Corunna Headland, or drive south to even more scenic and secluded lookouts at 1080 Beach and Pooles Beach.

Read more: How to Stay Safe at the Beach

Mystery Bay | Photo by Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

5. Montague Island Adventures

Location: Narooma
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $100 per person

Montague Island Adventures run year-round tours of Barunguba Montague Island, but during the whale migration (September-November), all boat tours around the island include free whale watching. You might also spot dolphins and seals and there’s even the option to snorkel with the seals!

Swimming with seals! | Photo by Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

If you book the dusk tour you can see the Little penguins returning to shore for a complete wildlife experience!

6. North Head Lookout

Location: Murramarang National Park
Distance: 300m
Cost: $8 national park fee

Park at North Head Campground and walk 150m north along the Murramarang South Coast Track until you reach North Head Lookout. Up high on the cliffs, this spot is a great vantage point to scout for passing whales. If you’ve got time, camp the night or take a few days and walk the full Murramarang South Coast Walk.

Read more: Murramarang South Coast Walk – A Magical 3 Day Hike Along the NSW South Coast

North Head Lookout

7. Munjip Trail

Location: Batemans Bay
Distance: 15-18km
Duration: 5 hours
Cost: Free

This walk between Observation Point and Malua Bay takes you past some of the best whale watching vantage points in the Eurobodalla. Munjip means ‘let’s go’ in Dhurga language. Along the trail learn more about Dhurga language, the Walbunja Yuin people and their connection to sea country. Keep an eye out for audio poles, signage, and videos along the trail for deeper information.

Read more: The Munjip Trail is NSW South Coast’s Freshest Hike – I Was One of the First to Walk It

8. Region X Sea Kayaking

Location: Batemans Bay
Duration: 4.5 hours
Cost: $179 per person

If you’re feeling adventurous and want a workout with your whale watching, try a half-day sea kayak tour or Tollgate Islands tour with Region X. Between June to October the tours start with a short walk to a nearby lookout to scout for whales close by, then the guides safely launch your kayak from local headlands to wait and spot the whales as they swim past. It’s certainly a thrill when you see them from sea level! Plenty of other ocean wildlife makes an appearance on these tours too.

Kayaking into whaley waters | Photo by Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

9. Bingie Bingie Point

Location: Bingi Dreaming Track
Distance: 8km
Duration: 2-3 hours
Cost: Free

Starting from Congo, this coastal walk traces an ancient Songline of the Yuin people. It winds along pristine beaches and headland lookouts all the way to Bingie Bingie Point. This point is the perfect spot to bring a picnic and your binoculars to watch muriyira cruise past. Pack your swimmers and brave the water for a swim!

Read more: The 13.5km Bingi Dreaming Track Follows an Aboriginal Songline on NSW’s South Coast

Picnic with friends at Bingie Bingie Point

Best Time to Whale Watch in Eurobodalla

Whales can be spotted along the Eurobodalla coast between May and November. Late May and early June see the rush of the Humpback highway as whales flood north to the breeding grounds. At this time of year, they’re often fast moving and further out to sea but there are LOTS at once so even though they’re far away, you can barely look at the ocean without spotting a tail or flipper!

Big jump! | Photo by Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

Between July and September there’s still many about, but the traffic slows right down, as most whales are up north frolicking in the warmth. September to November sees the much slower migration south, often with baby whales in tow. The whales will stay much closer to shore, resting in beaches and bays to protect their young.

October and November also sees the arrival of the much rarer Southern Right whales which only migrate as far north as Jervis Bay, so Eurobodalla is one of the few coastlines where you’ll be able to spot them.

Southern Right whales don’t have a dorsal fin, but rather a smooth back. Whereas the Humpbacks, as the name suggests, have a hump on their back.

Whale Watching Tips

• You want to be as high up as you can so that you can see more of the water’s surface all the way to the horizon. It’s tricky to spot whales from beach level unless they’re really jumping! 
• Go as far east as you can. Eurobodalla’s coastline isn’t perfectly straight, some parts stick way further out than others and those give you the best vantage point! Especially in the fast moving northern migration in May and June.

If you’re looking for a meaningful escape to connect with nature, culture, and witness the magical migration, the whales and Eurobodalla are waiting!

Kayaking with whales!

Feature photo by Eurobodalla Coast Tourism