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.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

The ultimate guide to whale watching in Byron Bay