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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

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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.

This winter, these secret Sydney harbour suites are the staycation we’ve been looking for.

Whether it’s the crisscrossing ferries or the white sails of the Opera House rising out of blue depths, Australia’s biggest city lives for its harbour. But while locals might glance at that watery expanse on their daily commute across the Bridge, it can still be hard to truly connect with Sydney’s maritime soul. The secret: seeing the harbour eye-to-eye, right at water level. And what better place to submerge yourself in that energy than sleeping there? That’s where Pier One Sydney Harbour comes in (and with new all-inclusive bed and breakfast benefits, there’s even more to love).

All-inclusive VIP benefits

Who Is Elijah Amenities at Pier One Sydney Harbour — Book in for the all-inclusive VIP treatment.

The hard truth is that it will be very difficult to tear yourself away from your ultra-luxurious harbour home-away-from-home to explore the city. If you want to make leaving even harder, opt for Pier One’s all-inclusive VIP treatment.

The Bed and Breakfast with Suite Benefits package turns up the volume on what is already the ultimate staycation, with complimentary valet parking, daily breakfast for two and turndown service. The biggest perk? Enjoy a bottle of French champagne every day during your whole stay

Pier One Sydney Harbour

The five-star Pier One Sydney Harbour is quite literally old Sydney through and through. Built on what was once a working cargo wharf and the passenger terminal for those heading to the North Shore before the bridge was constructed, the heritage building sits right between the tangle of cobblestones, pubs and alleyways of The Rocks and the historic docking zone of Walsh Bay – at the centre of the city’s old sea trade.

If knowing the hotel’s history isn’t enough to get your sea-longing going, the interior design certainly will. As soon as you step up to the concierge desk in the lobby of the restored building – which underwent a $15 million redevelopment in 2019 – you’re immersed in Sydney’s seafaring tale. Weathered wood panelling and white marble floors surround you, while loop lighting installations hover above the bar island just beyond, ringed with stools ready for intimate, martini-tinted conversations. Steel rivets and timber beams speak to its past, and glass-walled views anchor you firmly in the present-day life on the harbour.

Pier One Suites

Pier One Sydney Harbour admiral suite — Enjoy incredible views from your suite.

Across the 189 rooms and suites built on and over the water, the maritime theme continues. Sculptural aged brass fittings, exposed girders, colour schemes that evoke shifting currents, and mirrors that reflect ripples that – depending on your booking – sit just metres from your pillow.

United on theme yet unique in set-up, each room or suite is different. On the ground floor, dog-friendly rooms with direct access to the pier are all prepped for pampered pups, while others have views and even balconies overlooking Walsh Bay, the Bridge and the Harbour.

But the 19 suites step things up even more. Gaze out through floor-to-ceiling windows, or get even closer. Your private balcony is made for sipping a Nespresso coffee on as the sun comes up – or soaking in the bathtub of the Admiral Suite on the deck, a drink from the locally stocked mini bar in hand. This mini bar was recently completely transformed, so you have more Aussie favourites to choose from, including alcohol and snacks.

Dining at Pier One

Pier Bar Pier One Sydney Harbour — Settle in for an afternoon of good drinks and views.

Once you’re checked in, start your afternoon with a spritz at PIER BAR – or arrive by boat via the private pontoon if the occasion calls for it – and settle into one of the cabanas. Weekdays bring Happy Hour (or ‘sunset hour’ at Pier One); weekends bring the DJs. After an even sweeter experience? The Everyday Creamery and Matcha Kiosk is slinging mango and vanilla soft serve – classic and those spiked with Midori and gin alike.

PIER Dining is an ode to contemporary Australian flavours across the terrace, pier and dining room. On its seafood-leaning menu are Sydney rock oysters from Merimbula, potato scallops with salmon roe and crème fraîche, chicken with melting sundried tomato butter, vodka rigatoni with Shark Bay prawns. And the ‘Pierlova’ – that’s pavlova with chocolate, dulce de leche and banana is worth saving room for. Make sure to ask for the wine list – it’s 100 per cent Australian drops.

Around town

luna park, sydney opera house and sydney harbour bridge — Explore the neighbourhood during your stay. (Credit: Destination NSW)

If you’re strong enough to polish off just one last pastry from the breakfast buffet and walk out the door, we applaud you. Luna Park across the harbour beckons with its wide grin, while a glance upward might spur you to climb the Bridge’s famous iron arches. The Opera House – just across Circular Quay from the Museum of Contemporary Art – sings out for a concert.

You’ll want to book ahead for those hot-ticket performances at Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Dance Company, just a few minutes’ walk south of the hotel. Ten minutes further brings you to the waterfront bars, restaurants and clubs of Barangaroo, or the karaoke, gardens and dim sum of Chinatown further afield.

Keep the mellow of your weekend getaway going with a stop at Barangaroo Reserve, watching the yachts go by – all before returning for that Sydney sundowner at Pier One.

Ready to make that Pier One stay a reality? Book the ultimate Sydney staycation at pieronesydneyharbour.com.au

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.

Whale watching season in Sydney

Best time of day to see whales in Sydney