9 Top Whale Watching Spots Sydney, NSW

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Every year, whales migrate their way up the NSW coastline, and now is the perfect time to head out and spot them. Luckily for those of you in Sydney, you’re in a prime spot to head north or south and catch a peek of these magnificent cetaceans.

Whether you’ve only got time for an after-school outing, a cheeky mid-weeker, or a full blown coastal sabbatical, hook into one (or all) of these top whale watching spots near Sydney.

As always, before heading out to any of these spots it’s worth checking NSW Park Alerts to make sure your chosen spot is currently accessible and safe to visit.

Best Whale Watching Spots Close to Sydney

1. Fairfax Walk

Location: Sydney Harbour National Park

The Fairfax Walk in Manly is a no-brainer when it comes to whale watching in Sydney. Close to the city and accessible for most abilities, the 1km walking track is perfect for a quick outing that means you won’t be late for tea.

A lookout along the Fairfax Walk | Shot by Franz Venhaus via Flickr | License

2. South Head

Location: Sydney Harbour National Park

Across the bay from spot number one, South Head offers the same great views and gets you up close and personal with a classic striped lighthouse to boot. This whale watching spot also delivers a couple of swimming options and a heritage trail if the whales don’t show – better pack those budgy smugglers just in case.

Looking up Palm Beach towards Barrenjoey Lighthouse | Photo by Neil & Gabby Massey

3. Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Location: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Sitting at the pointy end of the Northern Beaches, Barrenjoey Lighthouse offers a pretty speccy day trip. Not only is the lighthouse an absolute beauty, but the view from the top reaches over the oceans, or inland towards Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. There’s a moderately easy half-hour walk to the top, or you can pack a flagon of rum and summit via the aptly named Smugglers Track.

Read more: Hike to Barrenjoey Lighthouse at Sydney’s Northernmost Point

4. Garie Beach Picnic Area

Location: Royal National Park

About an hour south of the city, Garie Beach offers whale watching and a beach holiday in one. Head up to Governor Game Lookout for a better vantage point, or bring surfboards and fishing rods to fill your arvo in the Royal National Park.

Note! Garie Beach is currently closed due to damaged road surface on Garie Beach Road. Keep an eye on NSW Park Alerts to keep tabs on when this has been fixed.

A great place to visit generally, not just for whale spotting | Shot by Goran Has via Flickr | Flickr

Whale Spotting Further North

5. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

Location: Myall Lakes National Park

Finished in 1875, this beautiful lighthouse stands at the north end of Myall Lakes National Park. Enjoy far-reaching ocean views for bagging a whale, or head south to tackle the Treachery Headland Walk. While you might not spot a whale or two from here, you’ll definitely be rewarded with views back up the coast to the lighthouse.

6. Toomaree Head

Location: Tomaree National Park

At just over 2km return, head up the Tomaree Head Summit Walk for a greater vantage point and better whale spotting potential. From the summit you can look over Port Stephens, or out to sea for a glimpse of several islands. Finish your trip with a solitary afternoon on Wreck Beach or hit up Point Stephens Lighthouse.

Tomaree Head Summit | Photo by Natalie Hardbattle

7. Elizabeth Beach

Location: Booti Booti National Park

Sat in Booti Booti National Park, Elizabeth Beach could turn into your favourite getaway. Hang out at the picnic area, or head up to the summit of Booti Hill to really earn your whale views. If you don’t want to leave, consider checking out The Ruins Campground, perfect for a weekender extender.

Shot by Michael Bof via Flickr | License

Spotting Whales South Of Sydney

8. Bull Hole Lookout

Location: Jervis Bay National Park

While Bull Hole Lookout might not be the most well-known spot in Jervis Bay National Park, it’s probably your best bet for spotting migrating whales. No whales today, no worries, head out for a surf on one of the local beach breaks.

@sophandthesea

9. North Head Lookout

Location: Murramarang National Park

Further south, in Murramarang National Park, North Head Lookout is the perfect spot for sighting whales, dolphins, or sea eagles. The lookout is an easily accessible and safe spot for the whole family. So pack up, hit the road and take the clan south for the entire weekend.

No whales today! Jervis Bay | @jordan_robins

FAQs Whale Watching NSW

Can you see whales from Royal National Park?

Yep! Check out Cape Solander for stunning views of the ocean and the chance to spot humpback whale on their annual migration.

Are there any good apps for whale watchers?

If you want to increase your whale spotting potential, check out this app. It uses crowd-sourced reports and sightings, so you can get real-time info on where to go!

Can you see humpback whales from Barrenjoey Headland?

Barrenjoey Lighthouse is a perfect whale watching spot for humpback whales. If you’re chasing whale sightings of southern right whales, those are more common along the Victorian and South Australian coastlines.

When is whale watching season?

The peak months for spotting humpback whales are generally from June to September as they make their way back south to Antarctic waters after breeding along the coast of Queensland and New South Wales.

But, if you’ve missed the main whale watching season months, don’t worry! Many whales are still visible in October and November too.

What can I expect whale watching in Sydney?

Whale watching season in Sydney is great! Expect to see humpback whales, minke whales, and if you’re lucky, a southern right whale. You can head out on your own or book a seat on a whale watching tour (Captain Cook Cruises has a good one!).

It’s not so common to see whales from Sydney Harbour but it has happened on the occasional harbour cruise.

Where’s the best place for whale watching in Sydney?

There are plenty of places along the coast that are perfect vantage points for whale watching. South Head Heritage Trail is a great spot, but if you’re unsure and want to almost guarantee a sighting, definitely book one of the whale watching tours for the best experience.

Is north head or south head better for whale watching?

Both of these spots near Sydney Harbour offer great vantage points for whale watching, but north head is further away from the direct migration path of the whales than south head so while it’s splitting hairs, if you’re only going to hit one, you’ll want to cross north head off your list.

Remember that Sydney Harbour is just one place to spot whales, you’ve got the entire new south wales coastline to catch a glimpse!

How big are humpback whales?

Humpback whales are huge, majestic creatures, reaching lengths of up to 16 metres and weighing up to 36,000 kilograms each.

Feature photo by Georg Wolf from Unsplash

TOC image by @sophandthesea