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.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike. Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track, where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.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