The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in Sydney
If you’re in Sydney during the winter months, you’re in for a treat! Whale watching is one of the most magical experiences you can have on the water, with thousands of majestic humpback whales passing by on their annual migration.
Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast, a photographer looking for that perfect breach shot, or just someone keen to witness nature at its finest, this guide has everything you need to know to make the most of your whale-watching adventure.
Want to see the whales from the water?
When is Whale Watching Season in Sydney?
From mid-May to late November, Sydney’s coastline comes alive with the sights and sounds of humpback whales making their way from Antarctica to the warm tropical waters of the Pacific. During this migration, they often put on a spectacular show—breaching, tail-slapping, and even waving their fins as they pass by.
If you’re hoping to spot these gentle giants, the best times of day for whale watching are usually early morning or late afternoon, when the lighting is just right and the ocean is calm.
Where to Go for the Best Whale Watching in Sydney?
Want to see the action up close? You’ve got two great options: by boat or from land. Each offers a unique experience, so why not try both?
By Boat – The Ultimate Whale-Watching Experience
A whale-watching cruise is hands down the best way to get an up-close encounter. With experienced guides and skippers who know where to find the whales, a boat tour maximises your chances of witnessing these incredible creatures in action.
For the very best place to watch these gentle giants up-close and personal:
By Land – Stunning Lookout Points
If you prefer to stay on solid ground, you can still catch plenty of whale action from one of Sydney’s coastal lookout points. Some of the best spots include:
- North Head lookout (Manly) – Panoramic views and high vantage points make it a favourite for whale spotting.
- Mackenzie’s Point lookout (Bondi Beach) – A top choice for those who want to combine a coastal walk with a whale-spotting session.
- Cape Solander lookout (Kamay Botany Bay National Park) – One of Sydney’s prime whale-watching locations, attracting thousands of visitors each season
View our “Get Ready for Sydney’s Whale Watching Season: 5 Awesome Viewing Locations You Can’t Miss!” blog on other amazing locations to view whales by land in Sydney.
What Kind of Whales Can You See?
The most common visitors to Sydney’s waters are humpback whales, known for their playful nature and spectacular breaches. But if you’re lucky, you might also spot:
- Southern right whales – Another regular on the migration route.
- Minke whales – Smaller but just as fascinating.
- Orcas (killer whales) – Rare, but possible!
- Dolphins and seals – These friendly creatures are often spotted alongside migrating whales.
Why Do Whales Migrate?
Every year, humpback whales travel from the icy feeding grounds of Antarctica to the warm, calm waters of northern Australia to breed and give birth. This 10,000-kilometre round trip is one of the longest migrations of any mammal on Earth!
Whales need to surface to breathe, which is why we get to see them so often during their journey. Their blow (spout of water) is usually the first thing you’ll spot, followed by their massive tails or even a full-body breach if you’re lucky
Ready to go whale watching?
What to Bring on a Whale-Watching Tour?
Whether you’re heading out to sea or watching from land, here’s what you’ll want to pack:
- Binoculars – Get a closer look at the action.
- Camera – For capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
- Warm Clothing – It gets chilly out on the water, even in Sydney!
- Sunglasses & Sunscreen – Protect yourself from the elements.
- Seasickness Tablets – If you’re prone to motion sickness, better safe than sorry!
Want to see these amazing creatures from up-close?
Beyond Whale Watching – More Amazing Cruises in Sydney
While whale watching is an unforgettable experience, it’s not the only way to explore Sydney’s stunning waterways! If you’re keen to experience Sydney Harbour from a different perspective, why not check out some of these other fantastic cruises:
- Lunch Cruises – Enjoy a scenic meal on the water. View our options here
- Dinner Cruises – A magical way to see the city lights at night. Book a dinner cruise
- Sightseeing Tours – The perfect way to soak in the beauty of Sydney Harbour. See more details
Ready to Go Whale Watching?
Now that you’re armed with all the info you need, it’s time to experience the magic for yourself! Whether you choose to book a whale-watching cruise or head to a lookout point, one thing is for sure—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Why Book with Sydney Harbour Days?
At Sydney Harbour Days, we partner with top yacht and boat companies to offer the perfect whale-watching experience.
- Local Sydney business with dedicated staff to help you plan your adventure
- A range of private charters and ticketed cruises for all group sizes and budgets
- Easy, stress-free booking – we do the running around for you!
- Best of all? You pay the same price as booking directly with the boat company!
Sounds good, right?