Whale watching season is upon us! If you’re looking for the best spots to go whale watching, Sydney should be on top of your list! Spend quality time with your family and head on over to the best whale watching spots in Sydney.
When is the whale watching season in Sydney?
Whale migration happens between the months of May and November, but the best time to go whale watching in Sydney is during the last weeks of June up to the middle of July when whales head north from Antarctica to warmer waters and are much closer to the coastline than when they’re going south.
The best time to spot these magical creatures is during the mornings to early afternoons when the sun is overhead so you can take your kids and make a day trip out of it!
What to wear while whale watching in Sydney?
To make the best of your day trip, be sure to wear comfortable clothing to keep yourself warm and don’t forget your sunglasses and also sunscreen to protect you and your kids from the sun. Remember to pack your cameras as well! Binoculars are optional, but you can bring one if you want to have a closer look at these magnificent creatures.
Where to go whale watching in Sydney?
The best places to go whale watching in Sydney are either on cruise ships or places that are nice and high. Make sure you go to spots with deep waters so you and your kids can have a mighty good chance of witnessing a whale breaching! The kids will surely enjoy the sight of humpback whales and Southern Right whales fluke diving into the waters.
Here are 6 whale watching cruises and spots in Sydney you can enjoy with your family. Happy whale watching!
- Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Lunch
- Sydney Whale Watching Cruise by Captain Cook
- Newcastle Whale Watching Cruise
- Jervis Bay Whale Watching Cruise
- Cape Solander, Kurnell
- Barrenjoey Lighthouse
1. Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Lunch
Get up close with different whale species as they migrate to the North!
You and your kids will surely enjoy this 4-hour whale-watching cruise in the heart of Sydney!
Choose from a breakfast buffet or a BBQ lunch buffet and enjoy an informative commentary from the captain as you cruise through the calm waters of Sydney. Hear about whale migration patterns and behaviour as you enjoy the fantastic view through unrivalled water-level viewing decks. Prepare your camera as approximately 30,000 humpback whales will move through the waters during migration!
How far from Sydney: This whale watching tour starts in Sydney already!
2. Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise by Captain Cook
Have a fun day out in the sun with your family as you watch friendly whales pass by. Image credits: @captaincookcruises
Create unforgettable memories with your family as you sail out into the best spot to go whale watching - Sydney’s calm waters! Catch a glimpse of the ocean’s gentle giants with Captain Cook Cruises.
Grab this opportunity to go on a 3-hour morning or afternoon whale-watching cruise on a catamaran with two decks, open-air viewing, and an all-weather lounge. Morning cruise opens at 10 am while afternoon cruises start at 1:15 pm. Whale sightings are guaranteed as spotters on land will assist certified whale watchers on board with you. If you're lucky, dolphins might swim up to play as well!
How far from Sydney: This whale watching tour starts in Sydney.
3. Newcastle Whale Watching Cruise
Watch in awe as whales put on a show for you and your family! Image credits: @thegreatadventureofliving
Watch whales jump and play on the serene waters of Newcastle as you travel in comfort aboard a custom-built vessel in this 2-hour whale watching experience!
Humpback whales are known for their playful nature so keep your eyes peeled for them! You might get the chance to have front row seats to their “shows” as they splash their tails and show off their calves. Who knows, you might also spot the local resident dolphins! Complimentary high-quality digital images of your trip are included so you can remember this memorable experience forever.
How far from Sydney: Newcastle is 1 hour and 57 minutes away from Sydney CBD.
4. Jervis Bay Whale Watching Cruise
Experience a magnificent 2-hour whale-watching cruise along Jervis Bay!
Head on over to Jervis Bay and climb aboard a smooth 2-hour whale-watching cruise past stunning rocky scenery and long white beaches to get up close to these majestic creatures of the sea!
Tour around Jervis Bay with an experienced guide onboard to teach you more about the whale migration patterns and Australia’s East Coast. Travel under towering sea cliffs and rocky headlands, and explore Honeymoon Bay and Port Perpendicular Lighthouse. An exhilarating fun-filled family day awaits you and your family as tours start at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm.
How far from Sydney: Meet up at 58 Owen St, Huskisson, NSW, which is roughly a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney!
5. Cape Solander, Kurnell
Enjoy the perfect view for whale watching with your kids! Image credits: @ancilladhian
Looking for the best whale watching spot near Sydney? Head on over to Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park which features the perfect vantage point as whales swim as close as 200m from the coast!
Take your family out for a coastal walk and admire the natural beauty of the sandstone coastline and clear horizon. Go bird watching and spot different bird species such as the white-bellied sea eagle as well as local flora. The park gates open at 7 am so it will be a fun way to start your family day!
How far from Sydney: Cape Solander is 45 minutes away from Sydney CBD.
6. Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach
Go whale watching for your next fun family weekend! Image credits: @madamevita
Another great place to whale watch is the Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This iconic heritage lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Broken Bay and the Central Coast!
If you and your family enjoy fitness activities, you can try trekking on the 1-km Barrenjoey track or the more challenging Smugglers track up the lighthouse! You can explore the outside of the lighthouse while a guided tour is available if you want to check the interior. Be sure to pack your binoculars when you go whale watching!
How far from Sydney: It takes just less than an hour drive from Sydney CBD to Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
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