The ultimate guide to whale watching in Sydney

Play I Spy on the ocean’s most majestic giants with our guide to the best whale watching in Sydney.

Thousands of whales escape the cold of Antarctica and migrate to Australia to warm up every year – but they don’t just chill motionless in Sydney’s toasty seas. The mighty mammals make the most of their time spent down under to breed, calve, and feed. Increase your chances of an encounter right off the coastline, home to Sydney’s best bush and coastal walks, with our top tips for whale watching in Sydney.

Whale watching season in Sydney

a mother and calf whale migrating along Bondi Beach — Whales migrate along the vast seascape of Bondi Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sydney’s whale watching season is based on migration patterns. It’s all about when mamas leave Antarctica to give birth in the warmer waters of the Coral Sea and then when they return to Antarctica for food. Although the season starts further south around April, the best chance to go whale watching in Sydney is a rather generous window between May and November. Drilling that down further, from May to August, whales are on their northern migration to Tropical North Queensland, so you may see them on the move.

Our advice, however, is to get your binoculars on from mid-August to November when whales are on their southern migration back to the Antarctic. It’s when they trolley their newborn calves back home with them and so they’re feeding and teaching their little ones how to swim. An absolute must-see or what? Bear in mind, it’s not uncommon to see whales in Sydney’s waters throughout December, but the sighting frequency is low so be sure to manage your expectations.

two humpback whales passing through Sydney during their migration up the NSW coastline — Humpback whales pass through the NSW coastline during their migration. (Image: Destination NSW)

Each year, there are around 16,000 whales swimming past and through Sydney’s waters. A large proportion of these are humpbacks, but southern right whales can also be spotted. It goes without saying that the annual migration is a sight to behold. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch whales flipping and rolling, an awe-inspiring showcase that attracts roughly 1.6 million visitors to Sydney’s shores per year. Of course, they certainly don’t perform on command – we need to adjust to the lifestyles of these otherworldly beauties and go looking for them.

Best time of day to see whales in Sydney

a humpback whale breaching near Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline — Witness the magnificent humpback whale spectacle. (Image: Destination NSW)

Experts say ideal conditions peak between 11am and 3pm during the day due to the sun sitting directly overhead, making visibility top-notch. It’s also worth noting that if you plan on booking a whale watching tour on the water, cheaper rates are offered in the mornings because sightings are fewer. Regardless, if you stick to the May to November window and get looking from Sydney’s best vantage points (more on that later) regularly when you can, you’ll increase your odds.

Whale watching tours in Sydney

Sighting a whale will go down as one of the best animal encounters of your life, and your best bet in making it happen is from a boat with an expert guiding you. From all-out luxury endeavours to budget-friendly drop-ins, there are plenty of options to suit a range of timeframes and tastes.

Sydney Harbour Whale Watching

Sydney Harbour Whale Watching offers daily whale watching cruises lasting 2 hours and 45 minutes, departing from Sydney’s Circular Quay. The fully equipped vessel offers indoor and outdoor seating so you can comfortably admire these marine beauties.

Got some burning questions? There will be a marine biologist on board to answer any of your oceanic questions and enhance your whale watching experience. For something more romantic, they also offer sunset cruises or private expeditions.

Click on the video below for a little taste at what you might see!

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Price: From $65 per person

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Sydney Princess Cruises

Offering four-hour cruises at both breakfast (Saturday’s and Sunday’s only) and lunch, Sydney Princess Cruises sets sail from the heart of the city. Departing from and returning to Circular Quay’s Eastern Pontoon, these guys explore Sydney Harbour and out past the heads with more than two decades of experience under their belt.

Fascinating intel and facts are dished out over full meals, tea and coffee, plus there are both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. They also offer a two-and-a-half-hour tour (no meals included).

Best of all, whale spotting is guaranteed, and if the odds aren’t in your favour, you’re invited to hop on a second cruise to try again free of charge.

Price: Adults from $89 per person

Captain Cook Cruises

A two-and-a-half-hour cruise from Circular Quay is on offer from the friendly folk at Captain Cook Cruises, who leave from Circular Quay twice every Saturday and Sunday. Departing from Wharf 6, the comfortable vessel provides indoor and outdoor seating plus expert commentary to help you find what everyone’s looking for. Again, whale sightings are in the bag but if you don’t catch one, you can ride again for free.

Price: Adults from $62 per person.

Whale Watching Sydney

Glide the water in style on board a high-speed, purpose-built catamaran taking passengers from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay out to open waters in just 15 minutes. Whale Watching Sydney offers two Sydney cruises – a two-hour voyage and a two-and-a-half-hour one.

The vessel itself is built with two spacious viewing decks and air-conditioned cabins, and you’ll receive tea and coffee while on board. There’s also a licensed bar to purchase additional spoils. Like many of the other whale watching tours in Sydney, you’ll get a free return trip if you don’t spot any gentle giants on your first cruise.

Price: From $85 per adult.

Groupon

Take advantage of a great deal on Groupon, including a four-hour whale watching tour with expert commentary and either a hot buffet breakfast or a BBQ lunch.

Price: Adults from $50 per person.

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Where to see whales in Sydney from shore

an aerial view overlooking Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell in Sydney's south — Admire incredible coastal views at Kamay Botany Bay National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Not up for a day on the water? There are plenty of vantage points around Sydney made for off-water whale-watching.

Bare Island Fort at La Perouse (16 kilometres southeast of Sydney’s CBD), offers a scenic view, perfect not only for whale watching but also for picnics, bird watching and exploration. It’s only open for tours on Sundays but it’s worth the wait.

Directly across the other side of the bay, Cape Solander is regarded as one of the best spots in Sydney to whale watch from shore as you can get within 200 metres from the giants. Located near Kurnell in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, it has a viewing deck with information boards.

sandstone cliff walls lining the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell — Waves gently crash on the sandstone cliff walls at Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell. (Image: Destination NSW)

For the more adventurous, the Cape Baily Coastal Walk in Kamay Botany Bay National Park is a two-and-a-half-hour trek to the cliffs. Even if you don’t get to see whales, you’ll score the chance to see wildflowers along with diverse birdlife such as sea eagles, kestrels and terns.

Finally, the Curra Moors Loop Track in the Royal National Park offers a 10-kilometre loop with coastal views and whales are often sighted. On route to whale watching glory, you’ll also pass waterfalls and jaw-dropping sandstone cliffs among other natural wonders.

What to bring

Even if the sun is shining, dress warmly for your whale watching expedition. Ocean winds make carrying a windproof jacket or thick jumper essential.

If you’re venturing out on a boat for the morning or afternoon, it might be best to pack some seasickness tablets too — conditions can get rather choppy. On that note, it’s a good idea to ditch heels in favour of sturdy shoes with plenty of grip.

Further day bag supplies should include sunscreen, sunglasses and your camera, of course.

Once you’ve spotted the whales, it’s time to get acquainted with Sydney’s best secret swimming spots.

See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

Port After Dark tour Murray at night — Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

2. Wander art installations

Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night — See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

3. Learn through lasers

Heartbeat of the Murray at night — Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

4. Light up the lake

Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night — Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

5. Be captivated by local culture

Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night — Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

6. Discover a winter glow

winterglow festival — See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.

The ultimate guide to whale watching in Sydney

Play I Spy on the ocean’s most majestic giants with our guide to the best whale watching in Sydney.

Whale watching season in Sydney

Best time of day to see whales in Sydney