From May to November, Sydney’s coastline turns into a whale highway as thousands of majestic humpbacks migrate north. Whether you’re a local or visiting, there’s nothing like spotting a tail slap or a breach from one of Sydney’s stunning coastal lookouts. Here are the best spots to watch the magic unfold.
Quick Whale Watching Tips
🗓 Northern Migration
May – Early August: Whales head north towards warmer breeding grounds.
🗓 Southern Migration
September – November: Whales return south with their calves—this is when you’re more likely to spot mothers and babies close to shore.
⏰ Best Viewing Times
Early mornings and late afternoons offer calmer seas, making it easier to spot whale blows and breaches. Fun fact: whales are more likely to leap out of the water on windy days!
🔭 What to Bring
Binoculars, a camera, a jacket, water, hat, sunscreen, and comfy shoes for those cliffside walks.
👀 How to Spot Them
Watch for sprays of water on the horizon (whale blows), tail slaps, or big splashes.
Ready to plan your whale watching adventure?
Here are some of the best spots around Sydney to catch these majestic creatures in action
1. Cape Solander
📍 Kurnell
🚗 How to get there: 50-min drive from Sydney CBD
One of Sydney’s most famous whale-watching spots. A new whale watching platform with Rangers often recording sightings here.
Bonus Tip: Check out the free whale sighting log at the platform to see recent activity.
(Image: NSW National Park via www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au)
2. North Head
📍 Fairfax Track, Manly
🚗 How to get there: 10-min drive from Manly Wharf or a scenic hike through Sydney Harbour National Park
Perched high above the Pacific, North Head offers panoramic views perfect for spotting migrating humpbacks. The walking trails around the area give you plenty of vantage points.
Bonus Tip: Go early to beat the crowds and enjoy sunrise over the ocean.
(Image: Manly Observer via www.manlyobserver.com.au)
3. The Coast Track
📍 Royal National Park
🚗 How to get there: Access points at Bundeena, Wattamalla or Otford
Stretching 26 kilometers along the rugged cliffs of Royal National Park, the Coast Track offers some of Sydney’s most breathtaking whale watching opportunities. You can spot migrating humpbacks while hiking sections of the track (check online for closures), or head straight to Providential Point at Wattamalla— a stunning lookout just a 10-minute walk from the carpark that’s perfect for whale watching without the full trek.
Bonus Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars to catch distant whale blows and breaches.
(Image: Sydney Uncovered via www.sydneyuncovered.com)
4. Barrenjoey Lighthouse
📍 Palm Beach
🚗 How to get there: Park at Palm Beach carpark and take the 20 min walk up to the lighthouse.
Sitting high above Palm Beach, this elevated vantage point gives you a great chance of spotting whales breaching and tail-slapping offshore. The walk to the top is steep but worth every step for the panoramic views.
Bonus Tip: Try visiting early in the morning to enjoy calm seas, fewer crowds, and golden sunrise light perfect for whale watching (and photos!)
(Image: Sydney Uncovered via www.sydneyuncovered.com)
5. South Head
📍 Watsons Bay
🚗 How to get there: Park at Watsons Bay or catch the ferry from Circular Quay, then follow the short South Head Heritage Trail
With its dramatic cliffs and sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean, South Head is a classic Sydney whale-watching location. The short, easy walk to the iconic Hornby Lighthouse is lined with plenty of vantage points to spot humpbacks on their migration. It’s also a great spot to combine whale watching with fish and chips at Watsons Bay after your walk.
Bonus Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for calmer seas and fewer crowds — you might even get the lighthouse lookout all to yourself.
(Image: Sydney.com via www.sydney.com)
6. Gerrin Point Lookout
📍 Bouddi National Park
🚗 How to get there: Park at Putty Beach and follow the Bouddi Coastal Walk (about 1.1 km to the lookout)
This clifftop lookout along the Bouddi Coastal Walk offers breathtaking views of the Pacific and is a prime spot for whale watching during the migration season. The elevated position gives you a wide ocean horizon, and the walk to reach it is scenic with wildflowers and ocean breezes.
Bonus Tip: Bring a lightweight jacket — even in warmer months, the winds along the cliffs can be strong.
(Image: NSW National Park via www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au)
So, whether you’re perched on a cliff with a coffee or hiking to a secret headland, Sydney’s coastline offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Grab your binoculars, head out this weekend, and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled—you never know when a whale might breach!
