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Whale Watching Season – Where to See Whales in Sydney

sydney whale watch

Do you know over 50% of whale species on Earth inhabit the waters around Australia? The annual migration lasts from May to November, with the largest scale in July and September!

During the whale watching season, a large number of whale-watching activities will be held in national parks and surrounding areas, including marine viewing platforms in national parks, cruises from Circular Quay, and whale watching by seaplane.

What is the best month to go whale watching?

From June to November each year, a group of gentle giants migrates from the Antarctic to the east and west coasts of Australia to give birth to their calves before returning to the cold Antarctic. During this period, there are opportunities to catch a glimpse of these whales along the coastline of Australia.

How to go whale watching?

It’s actually very simple! You can choose from a variety of whale-watching cruises, which are mostly concentrated at Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. Alternatively, you can explore the coastline and national parks to find the best whale-watching spots.

If you are prone to motion sickness, make sure to bring some medication before boarding the boat! The ocean can be rough, and many people on our trip experienced motion sickness.

Where to See Whales in Sydney

There are many advantageous whale-watching locations (at least 38 or more) in Sydney and its surrounding areas. Here are some of the most famous whale-watching spots in Sydney, which also offer excellent hiking routes!

Cape Solander whale watching platform, located in Kamay Botany Bay National Park. The best time to visit is from June to July, when you can see humpback whales and southern right whales, which sometimes swim as close as 200 meters from the shore.

Fairfax Walk, located in Sydney Harbour National Park. This trail is a loop around North Head and is an excellent whale-watching trail, with magnificent views of the sea.

South Head Watson’s Bay. From June to September, along the road to South Cape, you will find a series of whale-watching spots. Even if you take a whale-watching cruise, this is a must-see destination.

Barrenjoey Head Palm Beach, located in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the northernmost part of Sydney.

Walking along the path to the lighthouse, you can enjoy spectacular sea views and spot migrating whales.

Royal National Park, located in the south of Sydney, offers countless whale-watching spots along the way, including sandstone cliffs, headlands, and lookout points.

If you are lucky enough, you may see the magnificent sight of humpback whales leaping out of the water. Other precious scenes include whales sticking their heads out of the water (known as spy-hopping) and mother whales playing with their calves in the waves.

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