A Go-To Guide To Whale Watching In Merimbula

A sighting of these majestic beasts is nearly guaranteed when armed with the right information.

Whale watching in Merimbula is most memorable due to the huge number of humpback whales that pass by on the Sapphire Coast’s so-called Humpback Highway. But it’s also possible to sight southern right whales, minke, orca and even the rarest of blue whales during the annual migration season from about August to November. It’s impossible not to lose yourself in the enormity of the experience. Here’s our guide on where to go whale watching in Merimbula.

Whale-watching season in Merimbula

Whale watching is popular right along Australia’s East Coast, from Port Stephens to Byron Bay. And it’s certainly one of the best things to do in Merimbula. The season extends from mid-July to November and peaks with the whale-watching festival in nearby Eden on the Sapphire Coast.

You can spot the whales travelling north from Antarctica to the Coral Sea between May and July. During August, there will be whales travelling both north and south. The largest number of whales pass by the Sapphire Coast during September and October.

a close-up shot of a whale in Merimbula — See the ocean’s gentle giants up close. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

The best time of day to see whales in Merimbula

It’s hard not to hold your breath at the drama of seeing a whale breach against the blue of a towering sky. The best thing about spotting whales while you’re in the ocean is the endless clear space all around. You will expand your sense of wonder while whale watching in Merimbula especially at dawn, when the ‘blow’ is backlit by the morning sun.

There’s also less glare glinting off the ocean later in the afternoon, which means whale watching in Merimbula is a bit easier in the late afternoon. Spring is best for whale watching according to data collected by volunteers during the annual whale count. And seeing the whales propel their mass out of the ocean is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

a huge whale jumping out of the water in Merimbula — Spring is the best time to spot whales in Merimbula. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

Whale-watching tours in Merimbula

You can choose your own adventure while whale watching in Merimbula along the Sapphire Coast Whale Trail. The region’s rugged coastline, a geographic embroidery overlaid with pink sandstone and red mudstone, is a playground for nature lovers. Head out on a whale-watching mission in Merimbula on a day when the sky is slate blue. From 2.5-hour whale-watching cruises to sunset cruises and discounted cruises on Groupon , there’s a whale-watching cruise to suit.

Sapphire Coastal Adventures

Sapphire Coastal Adventures is one of the best-known local whale-watching tour operators in Merimbula. The adventure company operate out of both Bermagui and Merimbula when the humpback whales are on their southern migration from the Queensland coast.

During this time, the mothers can be seen playing with their calves off the Sapphire Coast. Sapphire Coastal Adventures also operate daily whale-watching tours from Eden during the season when tens of thousands of whales leave Antarctica and begin their journey to warmer waters along the East Coast.

Cat Balou Cruises

Book a few nights’ accommodation in Merimbula so that you are close to the launching-off point for an expedition with Cat Balou Cruises and Whale Watching Eden . You can spot the whales travelling north from Antarctica to the Coral Sea between May and July. During August, there will be whales travelling both north and south.

The cruise company hosts twilight cruises out of Twofold Bay between May and mid-November. If you’re lucky, you might sight seals and dolphins too. Eco-conscious travellers will appreciate the company’s sustainable approach to running the cruises.

a seal swimming in the water, Cat Balou Cruises — You might also spot seals and dolphins from a Cat Balou Cruise while searching for whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best vantage points to spot whales from the coast

Download the Wild About Whales app and bunker down in one of Merimbula’s best cafes to plot a course around the top whale-watching spots. The Sapphire Coast lies within the country of the Yuin-Monaro Nations, the Traditional Custodians of the region for tens of thousands of years. Walk in their footsteps along the Wajurda Point Walking Track until you get to Wajurda Point lookout in Mimosa Rocks National Park.

scenic coastal views from the Mimosa Rocks National Park, Tanja — Mimosa Rocks National Park offers seasonal whale-watching opportunities. (Image: Destination NSW)

Take a walking holiday with The Sapphire Coast Guiding Co. on the Light to Light walk. You can also go at your own pace on a self-guided tour.

Bittangabee Bay in Beowa National Park is another place along the NSW South Coast where the ocean roils with activity during the whale-watching season.

the Bittangabee Bay in Beowa National Park — Whales are often spotted in Bittangabee Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

The view over the sky and sea will stop you in your tracks at the Disaster Bay Lookout even if you don’t spot whales. This vantage point is also known amid the bird-watching fraternity for being a top spot to sight sea birds.

an aerial view of the Green Cape lookout and lighthouse — Vast ocean views look stunning from the rocky peninsula of Green Cape lookout. (Image: Destination NSW)

Green Cape lookout is one of the best whale-watching spots near Merimbula. It’s where you can behold the glory of the Australian coastline from the Green Cape Lightstation which towers above the headland. The Green Cape Lighthouse and keeper’s cottage are so well preserved that they have become a landmark unto themselves.

a couple walking around the Green Cape Lighthouse, Green Cape — The Green Cape Lighthouse is not to be missed. (Image: Destination NSW)

What to bring on a whale-watching tour on land in Merimbula

For land-based whale watching, you should bring sturdy shoes, a camera, an all-weather windproof jacket and binoculars. And, regardless of the season, a hat and sunscreen are a must when you’re spending time in the Australian outdoors. Birdwatching is a popular pastime in Merimbula. Download the Merlin bird app , a digital field guide that will help you identify bird calls and songs while road-tripping along the NSW South Coast.

What to bring on a whale-watching cruise in Merimbula

Sharp-eyed whale watchers should bring a camera and binoculars. Bring ginger tablets to better handle the high seas, which affects a small fraction of visitors. Whale watching in Merimbula is a waiting game. In between scoping the sea for whales, you will spend time admiring the rugged headlands, thickets of banksia and groves of gums along the coastline.

whale watching with Sapphire Coastal Adventures — Don’t forget the essentials for your tour – including a hat. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat for sun protection regardless of the temperature or whether the sky is blue or curdled with clouds. Plan ahead and book dinner at one of Merimbula’s restaurants and bars so you can relive the performances put on by these behemoths.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

A go-to guide to whale watching in Merimbula