A Local’s Guide To Whale Watching In Sydney
WONDERING WHERE TO EXPERIENCE WHALE WATCHING IN SYDNEY? I’VE GOT YOU COVERED!
Every year from May to November, more than 40,000 whales make their way from the freezing waters of Antarctica to the warmer Pacific ,and the best part? Sydney sits right along their migration path. That means we get front-row seats to one of nature’s most incredible shows!
If you’ve been wondering which cruise to book or where the best viewing spots are, I’ve got you covered. In this guide to whale watching in Sydney, I’ll walk you through everything ,from the best time to spot them and the top tours to book, to what to wear and my personal recommendations from past seasons. Let’s plan your perfect whale-watching adventure together!
OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION
If you really want the best chance to see these gentle giants up close, I’d definitely suggest booking a guided whale-watching tour. The crews know exactly where to go, and many of them have marine biologists on board who make the whole experience even more fascinating. You’ll learn so much while you watch and trust me, it’s worth every minute out on the water.
➡️ Sydney Whale Watching Adventure Cruise– $65
Why Trust Our Sydney Whale Watching Guide
We’ve been living in Sydney since 2019 and have gone on multiple whale watching cruises from luxury catamarans to speedy RIBs. Every winter, we dedicate at least one weekend to catching sight of these gentle giants up close.
I’ll never forget the first time a humpback breached just 20 metres away from our boat the sound, the splash, the awe on everyone’s faces! Everything in this post comes from our first-hand experiences exploring Sydney’s coastline.
What Month is Best For Whale Watching in Sydney
If there’s one Sydney ritual worth planning your winter weekends around, it’s whale watching. The annual humpback whale migration runs from May to November, but we recommend booking a whale watching tour between the end of June and the beginning of July, and between the end of August and throughout September.
From May to August, you’ll see soon-to-be mother whales migrating north from Antarctica to give birth in the Coral Sea. After their calves are born, the mothers make the same journey back, but now, they’ve got their newborn calves in tow! This return leg, from mid-August to November, is your best chance to spot baby calves!
Where Is the Best Place to Go Whale Watching in Sydney
Out of all the spots scattered along Sydney’s dramatic coastline, a few stand out. Here are our top 7 picks for whale watching locations around the city.
1. Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Popularly known as the Palm Beach Lighthouse, this whale-watching spot ranks as one of our top picks in Sydney. Why? The northern tip of the Palm Beach Peninsula looks straight out to the Pacific and forms part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. From the top of the lighthouse, 91 metres above sea level, you can see the full sweep of the Northern Beaches coastline, Pittwater to the west, and the Central Coast stretching into the distance.
We’ve done this short walk multiple times, and in our opinion, it’s one of the most rewarding short hikes, especially during whale watching season in Sydney. For the complete insight, read our Palm Beach Lighthouse Walk Guide.
2. Cape Holander
Cape Solander is a prime whale watching spot in Sydney! Did you know whales sometimes swim as close as 200 metres from the coast here? You’ll find it on the Kurnell Peninsula, on the southern side of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, about 38 km or roughly an hour’s drive from Sydney CBD.
It’s also the starting point of the Cape Baily Walking Track, which winds its way to Cape Baily Lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll come across other natural landmarks like Tabbigai Gap, Blue Hole Gorge, and the Yena Track.
The lookout is named after botanist Daniel Solander, who arrived with Captain James Cook when they landed at Kurnell, not far from the cape itself!
3. South Head
Apart from the gorgeous Hornby Lighthouse on South Head, it’s the sheer ocean cliffs and The Gap are reasons for us to keep coming here again and again!
At the top of The Gap Lookout, you’ll have unspoilt views over the Tasman Sea and Sydney Harbour and spot the mighty whales passing by! For even more beautiful vantage points, walk the South Head Heritage Trail.
4. North Head
Manly Beach is the gateway to Sydney’s Northern Beaches, a chain of golden-sand havens stretching all the way up to Palm Beach. Pack a picnic and head to the Northern Beaches this season to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty while watching the gentle giants of the sea swim by.
North Head in Manly is a top whale-watching destination for both locals and visitors. The walking tracks through North Head Sanctuary lead to Fairfax Lookout and North Fort, with expansive sea views and a good chance of spotting humpbacks and southern right whales.
Just 11km from the CBD, this stretch of coastline feels surprisingly remote. Early morning or late morning are the best times to whale watch, as the light makes it easier to spot the tell-tale ‘blow’ when whales surface offshore.
5. Royal National Park
Just an hour’s drive south of Sydney, Royal National Park is one of the best places to spot migrating whales from land, and it’s completely free. The Coast Track follows the coastline along high cliffs, giving you clear views out to sea. Some of the top spots for whale sightings include Providential Point near Wattamolla and The Balconies near Wedding Cake Rock.
This is the second-oldest national park in the world, and it’s full of rugged natural beauty. Bring warm clothing, a pair of binoculars, and a bit of patience. Keep watching the water, whales are often seen breaching close to the coast during the migration season. Some of the best viewpoints are just 30 minutes from the Bundeena ferry wharf.
6. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Stretching six kilometres along Sydney’s eastern beaches, this walk is as scenic as it gets. Marks Park, Bronte Cliffs, and the path near Waverley Cemetery are standout spots to pause and scan the water. Locals often spot whales mid-stride here, especially in June! Cafés and takeaway windows are scattered along the track, making this one of the easiest ways to combine whale watching with coffee and coastal air.
Best Whale-Watching Tours in Sydney: Our Top 4 Picks
To help with which tour to book for the best whale watching experience in Sydney, we’ve created this table to distinguish the recommendations we have. If you tend to get seasick or motion sickness, we recommend opting for a quick 15-minute ride and taking medication to help with the feeling.
| Tours | Duration | Ideal For |
| Klook | 2.45 hours | Those who are budget consious |
| Sydney Princess Cruises | 4 hours | Those wanting a full experience |
| Captain Cook | 2.5 hours | First Timers |
| Ocean Expert | 2 hours | Adventure seekers |
🐳The Best Budget Pick:
This Sydney Whale Watching Adventure Cruise is my top pick if you’re looking for a great experience without spending too much, tickets start at just around AUD 65. The 2 hour 45 minute cruise gives you the chance to see these incredible whales up close, right from Sydney Harbour!
You’ll have an English-speaking guide on board who keeps things interesting with live commentary and fun facts throughout the trip. And here’s something I really appreciated if you don’t happen to spot a whale, they’ll give you a free return voucher that’s valid for 12 months.
This is the exact cruise I went on, and honestly, it was amazing. I’ll never forget the moment a humpback breached just 20 metres from our boat ,the splash was huge, and everyone on deck gasped at once. We ended up seeing at least five different whales that day, and it was absolutely breathtaking.
If you’re planning to go, try to get to the meeting point about 30 minutes early. It gives you enough time to check in, find a good seat, and just enjoy the anticipation before you head out on the water.
Highlights
✅ Departure Point: Eastern Pontoon, Circular Quay
✅ A guide & live commentary on board
✅ Duration: 2.45 hours
✅ Departure times: 12:45, 15:30, 18:15
Not suitable for:
This cruise is suitable for everyone, but children aged 0–15 years must be accompanied by a paying adult.
➡️ BOOK HERE
P.S. Use HATEXPLORESKLOOK for 10% off!
Ocean Extreme
I’ve been on quite a few whale-watching tours in Sydney, but Ocean Extreme easily stands out as one of the most thrilling ones I’ve tried. They’ve been running tours for over 25 years, and you can tell they really know what they’re doing. What I loved most was the high-powered, open-air boats, they take you right into the middle of the action. The 2025 season started on May 17 and runs through November, and every tour comes with a whale sighting guarantee, which is always reassuring.
Their cruises leave from Campbell’s Cove Pontoon in Circular Quay, and you can choose from three very different boats depending on the kind of experience you want. I went with EXTREME, their fast, open-deck RIB that’s built purely for adventure. With twin 425hp V8 engines and straddle seating, it’s definitely made for thrill seekers — and honestly, the adrenaline rush was unreal!
If you’re someone who prefers a calmer ride, I’d suggest OSPREY. It has comfortable seats, a canopy for shade and rain, and room for about 28 passengers — perfect for families or anyone trying whale watching for the first time. There’s also ORCA, their newest and fastest boat, which only takes 12 people and can hit speeds of up to 49 knots. It’s great if you’re after a more private, up-close encounter with the whales.
Highlights
✅ Three high-speed RIB options: EXTREME, OSPREY, ORCA
✅ Departs from Campbell’s Cove Pontoon, Circular Quay
✅ Duration: 2 hours
✅ Price: $139
✅ Minimum age: 6+ (OSPREY), 12+ (EXTREME and ORCA)
➡️ BOOK HERE
Captain Cook Cruises
Captain Cook Cruises has been running whale watching tours in Sydney for over 50 years. Their experience shows—from smooth boarding at Circular Quay to the large, family-friendly catamarans with plenty of space to move around and soak in the views. The 2025 season runs from mid-May to early November, and there are three different cruise options to pick from.
The Whale Watching Cruise is a classic 2.5-hour tour running daily during school holidays and weekends, with bonus departures on public holidays. The Explorer Cruise includes extended commentary for anyone wanting to dig deeper into whale behaviour and marine life. If you’re up for a full day out, the Whale Watching + Taronga Zoo combo lets you disembark at the zoo after your cruise and explore at your own pace before ferrying back to the city.
Highlights
✅ Over 50 years of experience in Sydney whale watching
✅ Three cruise options: Whale Watching, Explorer, Zoo Combo
✅ Spacious catamarans are great for families and first-timers
✅ Departs from Circular Quay
✅ Duration: 2.5 hours
✅ Suitable for all ages
➡️ BOOK HERE
Sydney Princess Cruises
Looking for a comfortable cruise with fewer crowds and a warm meal to go with your whale watching adventure? This Sydney Princess Cruises experience is just the thing.
Departing from Circular Quay, this cruise offers a more spacious setup, so you’re not jostling for views and can truly soak in the magic of the open sea. As you make your way through Sydney Harbour and out into deeper waters, keep your eyes peeled for the stars of the show: humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, and showing off their incredible power and grace.
Choose between a hot BBQ lunch (available daily) or a hearty breakfast on weekend cruises. Add to that fascinating commentary about the whales and their habitat, and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded and memorable outing.
Highlights
✅Departure Point: Circular Quay
✅ Spacious vessel with indoor and outdoor viewing areas
✅ Expert commentary on whale behavior and marine life
✅ Choose between hot breakfast (weekends) or BBQ lunch (daily)
Not Suitable for: Pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies who are younger than a year, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
➡️ BOOK HERE
Whale Behaviour To Understand
Understanding their behavior is incredibly interesting when you dig a little into it!
Lobtailing (Tail Slap): Equally thrilling is seeing a whale lobtail – where it lifts its tail flukes high above the surface and slaps them forcefully down. This tail slap sends a loud crack and big ripples through the water (sometimes enough to rock the boat). It’s thought this, too, can be a signal to other whales, or part of feeding (stunning fish).
Spyhopping: Another curious behavior is spyhopping, when a whale pokes its head vertically out of the water like a periscope. You’ll notice a whale surfacing with just its head (and maybe shoulders) above the waves, as if it’s looking around. This might let the whale inspect the boats or the shore. It’s when the animal’s head and even eyes rise out of the water. It looks almost like the whale is birdwatching us! Spyhopping is usually brief, but it’s a neat reminder of how curious these animals can be.
Flipper Slapping: Humpbacks also often roll onto their side and wave a giant pectoral fin above the water – a behavior called flipper slapping. You might see a flash of white (the fin’s underside) as they slap the surface. This may help them cool down in the sun or simply get attention.
Nursing: On very lucky days, you may spot a mother and calf together. A nursing whale ride is subtle: the tiny calf will surface at mom’s side, then slip beneath to feed.
What Do You Wear to Whale Watching in Sydney?
Since the whole watching season in Sydney falls during winter and early spring, we recommend layering to protect against the cold!
- Layers and a windproof jacket. Bring a beanie, scarf, or gloves in winter, too. In September–November (spring), you can shed layers once it warms up, but a windbreaker is still a must. In short, plan for colder-than-it-looks: you can always take layers off, but you’ll regret not having them if you get chilled.
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen. Don’t underestimate the glare. Even on cloudy days, the sun reflecting off the ocean can be intense. Polarized sunglasses are ideal for cutting glare and helping you spot distant objects. Bring a secure sun hat (with a strap!) – hats tend to fly off on fast-moving boats.
- Comfortable, non-slip shoes. Flat shoes keep you safe if you have to shift suddenly or climb up stairs on deck.
- Extras to pack. Binoculars are a great idea for spotting whales far off; even a decent camera or smartphone can grab memories when whales breach nearby (just be ready!). Some seasickness tablets or ginger tea can be a comfort if you’re prone to motion sickness (it’s better safe than sorry). Bring a reusable water bottle and maybe a light snack – tours last a few hours and there are limited food options.
FAQs: Whale Watching in Sydney
Are the Whale Tours Worth It?
Absolutely! Humpbacks pass Sydney by the thousands each season (around 40,000 migrate along our coast each year), so cruises are very likely to spot one. On top of whales, you get beautiful harbour and ocean scenery. It’s absolutely worth doing!
What is the Whale Watching Guarantee in Sydney?
Many Sydney whale-watching companies have a sightings guarantee. It implies that if no whales are seen on the cruise, you can often book another cruise for free or get a refund.
Which Whales Visit Sydney?
The star migrants are humpback whales. They pass through Sydney during May–November on their round trip between Antarctic feeding grounds and Queensland breeding waters. They travel around a 3,500 km journey each year past Sydney. Southern right whales also migrate along the NSW coast, and occasionally one is seen from Sydney’s shores (they prefer colder, southern parts of the migration corridor).
Smaller minke whales are sometimes spotted during the season, and surprisingly, even orcas have shown up in pods off Sydney on rare occasions. Blue whales (the biggest of all) are seen very, very rarely, usually on deepwater trips.
Wrap-Up: Whale Watching in Sydney
Whale watching is one of Sydney’s true seasonal joys. Every winter and spring, those distant blows and splashes become part of the local rhythm here – it’s practically a rite of passage to take a whale cruise or stand on a clifftop and watch the ocean. The next time you spot a spout way out on the horizon, know that’s one of our migratory visitors acknowledging Sydney.
