The ultimate guide to whale watching in Sydney

Play I Spy on the ocean’s most majestic giants with our guide to the best whale watching in Sydney.

Thousands of whales escape the cold of Antarctica and migrate to Australia to warm up every year – but they don’t just chill motionless in Sydney’s toasty seas. The mighty mammals make the most of their time spent down under to breed, calve, and feed. Increase your chances of an encounter right off the coastline, home to Sydney’s best bush and coastal walks, with our top tips for whale watching in Sydney.

Whale watching season in Sydney

a mother and calf whale migrating along Bondi Beach — Whales migrate along the vast seascape of Bondi Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sydney’s whale watching season is based on migration patterns. It’s all about when mamas leave Antarctica to give birth in the warmer waters of the Coral Sea and then when they return to Antarctica for food. Although the season starts further south around April, the best chance to go whale watching in Sydney is a rather generous window between May and November. Drilling that down further, from May to August, whales are on their northern migration to Tropical North Queensland, so you may see them on the move.

Our advice, however, is to get your binoculars on from mid-August to November when whales are on their southern migration back to the Antarctic. It’s when they trolley their newborn calves back home with them and so they’re feeding and teaching their little ones how to swim. An absolute must-see or what? Bear in mind, it’s not uncommon to see whales in Sydney’s waters throughout December, but the sighting frequency is low so be sure to manage your expectations.

two humpback whales passing through Sydney during their migration up the NSW coastline — Humpback whales pass through the NSW coastline during their migration. (Image: Destination NSW)

Each year, there are around 16,000 whales swimming past and through Sydney’s waters. A large proportion of these are humpbacks, but southern right whales can also be spotted. It goes without saying that the annual migration is a sight to behold. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch whales flipping and rolling, an awe-inspiring showcase that attracts roughly 1.6 million visitors to Sydney’s shores per year. Of course, they certainly don’t perform on command – we need to adjust to the lifestyles of these otherworldly beauties and go looking for them.

Best time of day to see whales in Sydney

a humpback whale breaching near Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline — Witness the magnificent humpback whale spectacle. (Image: Destination NSW)

Experts say ideal conditions peak between 11am and 3pm during the day due to the sun sitting directly overhead, making visibility top-notch. It’s also worth noting that if you plan on booking a whale watching tour on the water, cheaper rates are offered in the mornings because sightings are fewer. Regardless, if you stick to the May to November window and get looking from Sydney’s best vantage points (more on that later) regularly when you can, you’ll increase your odds.

Whale watching tours in Sydney

Sighting a whale will go down as one of the best animal encounters of your life, and your best bet in making it happen is from a boat with an expert guiding you. From all-out luxury endeavours to budget-friendly drop-ins, there are plenty of options to suit a range of timeframes and tastes.

Sydney Harbour Whale Watching

Sydney Harbour Whale Watching offers daily whale watching cruises lasting 2 hours and 45 minutes, departing from Sydney’s Circular Quay. The fully equipped vessel offers indoor and outdoor seating so you can comfortably admire these marine beauties.

Got some burning questions? There will be a marine biologist on board to answer any of your oceanic questions and enhance your whale watching experience. For something more romantic, they also offer sunset cruises or private expeditions.

Click on the video below for a little taste at what you might see!

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Price: From $65 per person

Sydney Princess Cruises

Offering four-hour cruises at both breakfast (Saturday’s and Sunday’s only) and lunch, Sydney Princess Cruises sets sail from the heart of the city. Departing from and returning to Circular Quay’s Eastern Pontoon, these guys explore Sydney Harbour and out past the heads with more than two decades of experience under their belt.

Fascinating intel and facts are dished out over full meals, tea and coffee, plus there are both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. They also offer a two-and-a-half-hour tour (no meals included).

Best of all, whale spotting is guaranteed, and if the odds aren’t in your favour, you’re invited to hop on a second cruise to try again free of charge.

Price: Adults from $89 per person

Captain Cook Cruises

A two-and-a-half-hour cruise from Circular Quay is on offer from the friendly folk at Captain Cook Cruises , who leave from Circular Quay twice every Saturday and Sunday. Departing from Wharf 6, the comfortable vessel provides indoor and outdoor seating plus expert commentary to help you find what everyone’s looking for. Again, whale sightings are in the bag but if you don’t catch one, you can ride again for free.

Price: Adults from $62 per person.

Whale Watching Sydney

Glide the water in style on board a high-speed, purpose-built catamaran taking passengers from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay out to open waters in just 15 minutes. Whale Watching Sydney offers two Sydney cruises – a two-hour voyage and a two-and-a-half-hour one.

The vessel itself is built with two spacious viewing decks and air-conditioned cabins, and you’ll receive tea and coffee while on board. There’s also a licensed bar to purchase additional spoils. Like many of the other whale watching tours in Sydney, you’ll get a free return trip if you don’t spot any gentle giants on your first cruise.

Price: From $85 per adult.

Groupon

Take advantage of a great deal on Groupon , including a four-hour whale watching tour with expert commentary and either a hot buffet breakfast or a BBQ lunch.

Price: Adults from $50 per person.

Where to see whales in Sydney from shore

an aerial view overlooking Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell in Sydney's south — Admire incredible coastal views at Kamay Botany Bay National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Not up for a day on the water? There are plenty of vantage points around Sydney made for off-water whale-watching.

Bare Island Fort at La Perouse (16 kilometres southeast of Sydney’s CBD), offers a scenic view, perfect not only for whale watching but also for picnics, bird watching and exploration. It’s only open for tours on Sundays but it’s worth the wait.

Directly across the other side of the bay, Cape Solander is regarded as one of the best spots in Sydney to whale watch from shore as you can get within 200 metres from the giants. Located near Kurnell in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, it has a viewing deck with information boards.

sandstone cliff walls lining the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell — Waves gently crash on the sandstone cliff walls at Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell. (Image: Destination NSW)

For the more adventurous, the Cape Baily Coastal Walk in Kamay Botany Bay National Park is a two-and-a-half-hour trek to the cliffs. Even if you don’t get to see whales, you’ll score the chance to see wildflowers along with diverse birdlife such as sea eagles, kestrels and terns.

Finally, the Curra Moors Loop Track in the Royal National Park offers a 10-kilometre loop with coastal views and whales are often sighted. On route to whale watching glory, you’ll also pass waterfalls and jaw-dropping sandstone cliffs among other natural wonders.

What to bring

Even if the sun is shining, dress warmly for your whale watching expedition. Ocean winds make carrying a windproof jacket or thick jumper essential.

If you’re venturing out on a boat for the morning or afternoon, it might be best to pack some seasickness tablets too — conditions can get rather choppy. On that note, it’s a good idea to ditch heels in favour of sturdy shoes with plenty of grip.

Further day bag supplies should include sunscreen, sunglasses and your camera, of course.

Once you’ve spotted the whales, it’s time to get acquainted with Sydney’s best secret swimming spots.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.