The Ultimate Guide To Whale Watching In Byron Bay

Find out how you can make your whale watching experience extra special in Byron Bay.

The whale migration season is one of nature’s most spectacular sights and NSW coastal national parks are the ideal place to catch the action. Plan your next coastal adventure to Byron Bay to experience the whales enjoying their natural playground.

When can you see whales in Byron Bay?

You can observe the yearly migration of humpback whales passing by Byron Bay from May to November. And while it is possible to spot the whales as early as May, the tours don’t generally start up until June when the whales are travelling north from their Antarctic summer feeding grounds past Cape Byron and onto their breeding and birthing grounds.

As real estate prices indicate, Byron Bay is a beautiful part of the world to be. In addition to dedicated whale watching tours, there are a vast array of activities in the area such as bushwalking, bird watching, photography and guided discovery activities where you might see whales by default.

Byron humpback whale — Humpback whales pass Byron Bay from May to November.

What whales are you likely to see off the coast of Byron Bay?

According to a spokesperson from Byron Bay Whale Watching, 99.9 per cent of whales spotted on a tour off the coast of Byron Bay are humpback whales. To increase the likelihood of seeing whales while in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, book a tour from late June to late September as this is peak time for traffic along the humpback highway.

Can you spot whales in Byron Bay from the land?

Home to some of the most enviable whale watching in the country, NSW coastal national parks are the perfect location to see the annual migration. Wander along the Cape Byron walking track to see breaching humpbacks along the way, rated as one of the top 10 things to do in Byron Bay. It’s little wonder Cape Byron State Conservation Area is a popular whale-sighting spot as there are top spots to stare out to sea at Captain Cook Lookout , the lighthouse and the surrounding cliffs.

What are some of the best vantage points?

During the whale season, it is also easy to spot whales from the beaches and headlands in the Cape Byron State Conservation Area. BYO binoculars. There are also vantage points at the viewing platform at the end of the Three Sisters walking track in Broken Head Nature Reserve, which is a few minutes’ drive south. According to local yoga instructor Marie Baker, whales have also been spotted mid-warrior pose during a First Light Beachfront Yoga class at Elements of Byron. It’s oh-so-Byron.

The Pass Byron — Go whalespotting at The Pass.

Was Byron Bay a whaling station?

Byron Bay was known as a whaling town between 1954 and 1962. During that time, a total of 1146 humpbacks and two Sei whales were slaughtered. Whalers hunted whales for their oil, which was used in lamp fuel, lubricants, candles and as a base for perfumes and soaps. The largest whale caught at Byron Bay was a female that was 15.9 metres long. During the time the whaling station operated in Byron Bay, a whopping 10,000 tonnes of oil was produced from the slaughter of these majestic creatures. Although Australia ceased whaling in 1978, humpbacks, bowhead, blue and right whales are some of the most endangered species on earth.

A whale breaches in front of Byron Bay lighthouse.

How has the whale population recovered since then?

A research paper published in the international scientific journal Marine Mammal Science, indicates the number of migrating humpback whales travelling up and down the coast has increased by an average of 10 per cent since 1997. The study, entitled A citizen science approach to long-term monitoring of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Sydney, Australia, was led by researcher Vanessa Pirotta, of the Marine Predator Research Group, Macquarie University. And according to an article published in The Lighthouse the study used long-term data to demonstrate that northward-migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) had “shown signs of recovering post-exploitation". The article states that a whale observation program has also run in Byron Bay since the 1980s but only records data for two weeks of the year, compared to two months a year at Cape Solander, located near to the southern entrance to Botany Bay.

What are the best whale watching tours in Byron Bay?

Byron Bay Whale Watching , Byron Bay Charters and Blue Bay Whale Watching all slice out to sea from the Northern Rivers’ town to try and spot the gentle giants in their native marine habitat. There are trained expert eco guides onboard all of the custom-built vessels during the intimate tours to answer any questions they might have about the whales. And those who book a tour with Byron Bay Whale Watching can also listen through a hydrophone to hear live humpback whale song as they hump and bow all around. In addition to spotting whales, passengers are likely to encounter dolphins, sea turtles and migratory sea birds.

Where to stay in Byron Bay with ocean views?

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottages

Stay a few days at one of the accommodation options in the national parks, such as The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottages . The cottages offer sweeping views of white-sand beaches, coastline and the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse from the summit of Cape Byron State Conservation Area. The cottages have been lovingly restored to retain their heritage charm, with the addition of modern conveniences to ensure you holiday in style. There are two lighthouse cottages, each with three bedrooms, sleeping up to six.

Byron lighthouse cottages — Panoramic views from the lighthouse cottages.

Mildenhall Cottage

With spectacular coastal vistas and direct access to one of Byron’s best beaches, award-winning Mildenhall Cottage is the ideal holiday accommodation for those who love nature and the beach. The cottage is one of four 1920s-1950s beach shacks that have been carefully restored to offer modern convenience with eco-tourism accreditation, while still retaining its original character, heritage and charm.

Luxury places to stay in and around Byron Bay

Visitors to Byron are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. You can book a boho-chic Airbnb so you can stare out at the watery landscape where whales are regularly spotted during the season or dial things up by staying at one of the region’s best beach houses or apartments.

You can also turn your back on the sea and enjoy the region’s subtropical rainforest at the newly minted Crystalbrook Byron (formerly known as Byron at Byron). Embrace Byron’s lifestyle at the resort, which has 92 guest suites, an infinity pool, daily yoga classes and an Eleme Day Spa. Meet your new friends from the whale-watching tour at Forest, the on-site restaurant, which only uses sustainably sourced seafood.

Crystalbrook Byron pool — Poolside at the newly minted Crystalbrook Byron.

Belle Escapes has expanded its offerings beyond NSW’s Central Coast with Alcorn Cottage at Knockrow , which is paradise for those seeking to avoid the paparazzi as it’s located on a 40-hectare farm that is completely private and separate to the caretaker’s residence. The faithfully restored farmhouse is the embodiment of a tree change done well. It’s warm, liveable and stylish while combining the past with the present. Want lunch at Harvest Newrybar? It’s five minutes away. Want to see the sunrise? Walk to the top of the hill and look out over Byron Bay hinterland down to Lennox Head.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

The ultimate guide to whale watching in Byron Bay