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Sydney's best whale watching spots

Whale watching, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW

A whale breaches out of the water off Sydney waters.

#feelnewsydney

Sydney's best whale watching spots

Whale watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

A whale breaches out of the water off Sydney waters.

#feelnewsydney

Hashtags #feelnewsydney

Every year from May to October, some of the largest animals to ever exist travel north (then back south) the NSW coast and Sydney offers a perfect vantage point to see them on their journey. Known as the Humpback Highway, the stretch of coast sees more than 40,000 humpback whales (plus the occasional southern right whale) travel from their Antarctic feeding grounds to the warm bays of Queensland.

Whether on a picturesque headland or a speedboat out on the water, you can spot the creatures glide past on their journey north at the beginning of the season, then returning, with a new family, around October to November. If you’re lucky you’ll catch one of the whales, each 40 tonnes and the size of a firetruck, perform a fin wave, feed their young or even burst out of the water and crash into the ocean’s waves leaving you feeling utterly in awe of the complexity and beauty of nature. The best time to catch a glimpse is right in the middle of the migration season, in June to July, when the majority of the pods will be cruising past. So, bring your binoculars: here’s the pick of Sydney’s whale-watching spots, from north to south.

Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach

At the northern edge of Sydney, 45km from the city, Barrenjoey Headland at Palm Beach is where the whales swim the last leg of their migration before birthing calves between the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef. It’s also where you’ll get the first sight of the humpback calves on their way back. For the best view, hike up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, just over 90 metres above sea level, for sweeping views along the coast — keep your eyes peeled for the tell-tale burst of spray.

 

North Head, Manly 

Take the memorable ferry ride from Sydney Harbour to Manly, make your way through the buzz of cafes and bars to the cool, quiet bushland of North Head in the Sydney Harbour National Park. Perched high above the water, elegantly designed Burragula (southern lookout) and Yiningma (northern lookout) show off uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. The paved Fairfax walk connecting the two lookouts is an easy 1km track delivering coastal bush scenery plus more epic ocean views.

West Head Lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Credit: Destination NSW

Barrenjoey Headland viewed from West Head lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

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West Head Lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Credit: Destination NSW

Barrenjoey Headland viewed from West Head lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

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Whale Watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

Humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline.

#feelnewsydney

Whale Watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

Humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline.

#feelnewsydney

South Head, Watsons Bay

A lesser-known ferry ride is the pretty 25-minute commute to Watsons Bay, on the other side of harbour and the base of South Head. Embark on the 2km South Head Heritage Trail and soak up spectacular beach and harbour views as you make your way to the vista. If you have no luck there, continue on to the Gap lookout. Afterwards, refuel with a classic fish and chips (or an extravagant seafood platter) and ridiculously gorgeous harbour views at the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.

Cape Solander, Kurnell

Head to Cronulla, the beachy capital of the Sutherland Shire, and nab your supplies for a whale watching adventure in Kurnell, the lands of the Gweagal people and the site where Captain Cook first landed in Sydney. From Silver Beach (netted for safe swimming) walk out to Cape Solander, one of the best vantage points for whale watching in Sydney. If you’re keen to add on a hike, head south on the Cape Bailey walking track, an 8km loop offering panoramic views and more whale watching opportunities.

Watsons Bay, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

Aerial overlooking Watsons Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

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Watsons Bay, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

Aerial overlooking Watsons Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

#feelnewsydney

Whale Watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

Humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline.

#feelnewsydney

Whale Watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

Humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline.

#feelnewsydney

The Coast Track, Royal National Park

Pack your adventurous spirit and traverse one of Sydney’s most renowned hikes, The Coast Track, a winding 26km trail between Bundeena and Otford. Hugging the cliffs for much of its route, the entire track will take up to two days (but speedy walkers can do it in one) and offers plenty of lookout points to spot humpbacks and southern right whales on their journey up or down the coast. Although June and July are the best time for spotting whales, the spring months (when whales are returning with their young) see the track painted in wildflower blooms.

On the water

Meet the magnificent creatures in their world via a whale-watching cruise, departing regularly from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Manly and Cronulla during the season. The cruises follow the whale pods (from a safe distance) along the coast, with vessels ranging from fast and nimble speedboats with tours like Ocean Extreme and Manly Ocean Adventures, to larger ferry-style boats with Captain Cook Cruises, Oz Whale Watching, Whale Watching Sydney and Cronulla Whale Watching, to name a few.

Captain Cook Cruises, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying harbour views aboard a Captain Cook Cruises vessel in Sydney Harbour.

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Captain Cook Cruises, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying harbour views aboard a Captain Cook Cruises vessel in Sydney Harbour.

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Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW

The Cronulla to Bundeena ferry returning to the Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla.

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Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW

The Cronulla to Bundeena ferry returning to the Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla.

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