The best way to experience these magnificent mammals and view famous sydney landmarks is from onboard a whale watching sydney cruise. She also has outdoor seating great for up close whale viewing. All along australias coastline are fantastic spots to see whales. Im planning a trip to sydney and melbourne in december. Whale watching in sydney is one of most interesting attractions during winter season. The sea is not calm and bumpy in the end of the whale watching season. In october 2012, lucky whale watchers also caught a glimpse of the largest animal on earth, the incredible blue whale, just off south head. Killer whale season whale watch trips in april and may 2020.
Every year, thousands of gray whales travel between mexico and alaska, one of the longest known maritime migrations. Best time for whale watching in australia about australia. Whale watching is a popular activity in sydney, so to receive the best rates on a whalespotting cruise try looking on the outskirts of the season, meaning early april and late november. Weve been walking sydneys coastline for years, so here are our tips on how to take advantage of nature to get the best out of your. The whale watching sydney company offers different tours, but only the discovery cruise is suitable for young children as the boat is big enough to accommodate walking around. Sep 28, 2015 whale watching expedition outside sydney harbor, august 2015. Frequently asked questions whale watching cruises sydney. Thousands of humpbacks gather in the warm waters to mate and give birth.
Departure is from circular quay or darling harbour and there are morning and afternoon sessions. The most commonly sighted whales are humpbackssome 20,000 of them traverse australias eastern coastline during their annual migration. The migrating population is named the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population or the australian east coast humpbacks. Coral bay ecotours batemans bay, located on the southern nsw coast around a three and a half hour drive to the south of sydney, is one of the hidden gems of australian whale watching. The humpback whale migration passing sydney takes place between april and december each year.
Whale watching in sydney official sydney tourism website. It is the middle of winter and sea can be rough and you wont have much fun to be on the boat, so some whale watching tours are canceled because of weather during. In sydney, winter is your best bet to catch a glimpse of some humpback whales, as 20,000 of them make moves along the new south wales coastline between may to august. Each whale swims past the sydney coast over a 6 hour period, so they may pass us in the night time when no one is watching. The whale watching cruise crew is awesome and give us very good service. Whether youre a swimmer and ready for the once in a lifetime experience of swimming with whales, or if youd rather keep your feet on the ground and see whales frolic in the ocean from the beach or a cruise, theres a spot in australia perfect for your style of whale watching. All you need to know about whale watching in australia. Jul 08, 2017 whale watching in sydney, australia may to november sydney, australia is one of the best places in the world to spot whales because of its position along the migration path of the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population. Sydney, australia is one of the best places in the world to spot whales because of its position along the migration path of the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population. Discovery cruise 3hr our premium three hour discovery cruise provides the ultimate whale watching experience on the best boat in sydney. Wild about whales is a celebration of whales along the nsw coastline. Fortunately these days the siren is still sounded, but only to alert the public that whales are nearby. Northern migration edit from april to mid august the humpbacks are heading north to give birth and mate in the waters of the coral sea. In july 20, a blue whale was again spotted cruising off cape solander in kamay botany bay national park, in sydneys south.
Our premium three hour discovery cruise provides the ultimate whale watching experience on the best boat in sydney. Whether you are a local or a visitor, whale watching in sydney on the iconic sydney harbour and surrounding coastline is a magical experience. August looks like quite month in this chart, but is not because there are no whales. Nsw whale watching season wild about whales nsw national. Best fleet of purpose built, comfortable and fast whale watching boats. Coral sea to mate and give birth from late april to august, and return southwards from. End of junejuly and then october is probably the best time of year for whale watch in sydney. Whale watching australia 2017 sydney, gold coast, hervey. It is not the most tourist season in sydney, but you should try whale watching if you are visiting the city during this period. Humpback whales are the most likely whales you will spot during the sydney whale watching season in 2018, however you may be among the lucky to spot orcas and. Oct 01, 2015 end of junejuly and then october is probably the best time of year for whale watch in sydney. You can purchase sydney eco whale watching tour gifts, which although seasonal, is a unique gift idea.
The ultimate guide to whale watching in sydneys waters this. Whale watching is a popular pastime in sydney in the winter and spring. May 08, 2019 the whale watching season in sydney is between may and november each year but some times are better than others to increase your chances of seeing whales. Also, see other marine wildlife such as dolphins, albatross, seals and the beautiful coastline of sydney. Whale watching sydney 2020 all you need to know before you. We saw migaloo for the first time in 2014 and in 2011 we were lucky enough to see an all white humpback whale calf, so chances have doubled to see an all white whale. From december to march april they mate and give birth in the warm and shallow waters off the baja california, mexico. The humpback whale migration passing sydney takes place between april and. The best whale watching in sydney where you are more likely to spot whales from the shore is during winter when as many as 20,000 of them migrate along the new south wales coastline. Start your whale watching year with ease why not visit hawaii. Every year, whales migrate along the nsw coastline. Whale watching sydney all you need to know before you go.
Best time for whale watching in sydney vi travel tips. Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales. Sydney harbour discovery, oz whale watching oz whale watching was awarded the new south wales gold and silver tourism awards for 2015. It is extraordinary to think that right in the heart of australias largest city you can have a unique whale watching experience. During whalewatching season, youll see these majestic mammals from many headlands in sydney and at destinations from byron bay in the north to eden in the south. Whale watching in sydney, australia may to november. You can also spot minke whales, orcas, pilot whales, and southern right whales, as well as common and bottlenose dolphins around sydney, and if youre visiting later in the season you might even see some whale calves swimming and playing alongside their. June october situated in a remote location that necessitates a fair degree of travel time and effort to reach lies perhaps australias best landbased whale watching destination. Find out what the whales get up to on their epic journey. There are excellent vantage points in sydney and whalewatching cruises out on the water where you can see these giants of the deep at play.
With so many options and discounts available to you, you should really try whale watching. Jul 09, 2018 324 got invited on a whale watching cruise in sydney by fantasea. Each year, from may to november, more than 30,000 whales make their way along the humpback highway, a migration route from antarctica to the pacific that runs along the coast of nsw. I seen more than half of the passenger onboard was. Whales 9news latest news and headlines from australia. Take a hike sydneys mostnorthern tip is barrenjoey headland in kuringgai chase national park.
From barrenjoey at the northernmost tip of sydney, all the way down the coast to royal national park, we show you the six best, most easily accessible. Whales migrate in their thousands along the nsw coast, which stretches more than 2,000 km. Call us if you need help choosing a whale watching tour from sydney. A whale has been freed from a fishing net or drum line it became entangled in off sydneys northern beaches. In sydney, the whale migration goes between may and november. But the absolute best time to see them is late june and early july probably the last week of june and the first week of july, around about the winter solstice. Top spots for whale watching in australia tourism australia. Aug 31, 2017 whale watching in sydney is one of most interesting attractions during winter season. Equipped with state of the art technology, comfortable indooroutdoor seating and viewing decks over 3 levels. Signing up today is for future emails on future deals that may warrant special attention. Whale watching season has commenced and from now until december thousands of humpback whales will pass the coastal shores of sydney in the biggest mass migration in the world.
Commercial whale watching tours run daily through the humpback seasons and can be boarded at darling harbour, circular quay and other wharfs around sydney harbour. Experience a truly unforgettable whale watching trip and get up close and personal to humpbacks and many other marine species such as southern rights, orcas and minke whales, dolphins, seals, fairy penguins and albatross. Whale watching in nsw nsw environment, energy and science. April 27, 2018 sfgate article, record number of killer whales show up to feast in monterey bay. April 20, 2018 ksbw news story, orcas hunt gray whale calves in monterey bay. All cruises depart on time, therefore we require you to arrive 20 minutes before departure, with your booking paperwork. Bremer bay canyon is also a good option to meet orcas, who are mostly sighted between february and april. The australian coastline provides bountiful opportunities to observe any number of whale species on their annual migration. Afternoon cruises operate daily, while morning cruises depart on weekends only. In nsw, its common to see humpback whales, southern right whales and dolphins, but you may also spot orcas, blue whales, minke whales and sperm whales. The whale watching season in sydney is between may and november each year but some times are better than others to increase your chances of seeing whales.
Whales have been entering the beautiful headlands of sydney harbour since long before sydney became the bustling city it. Finally, you can buy gift certificates for whale watching tours for a loved one if you wish, too. Apr 27, 2020 whale watching is a popular activity in sydney, so to receive the best rates on a whalespotting cruise try looking on the outskirts of the season, meaning early april and late november. Success rate is 98% and all cruises are guaranteed to see whales. Whale sightings whale watching cruises sydney, australia. The ultimate guide to whale watching in sydneys waters this winter. This can be a beautiful gift for those who love nature. These magnificent marine mammals can be spotted from land with a bit of luck and persistence but we wanted to make sure its not every day ones in sydney during whale migration season, after all. A whale has been freed from a fishing net or drum line it became entangled in off sydney s northern beaches.
Whales often cruise close to shore, so they are easy to spot, and have even been known to pop up inside sydney harbour. The ultimate guide to whale watching in sydneys waters. Weve selected the six best whale watching places in sydney. True blue is a custombuilt 16 metre super sea cat with three unobstructed 360 degree viewing decks. The whale watching season in sydney runs from late may to early november. April 17, 2018 sfgate article, tourists watch stunned as killer whales hunt, eat gray whale calves in monterey bay. Jump on board this sydney speed boat for your encounter with the. The whale watching cruise is too much bumpy when sailing and maybe we are in the end of the whale watching season and the sea is not so calm but we still manage to see some whale. This historic township was once a major whaling station, and a siren was blasted to alert the harpoonists that a whale was passing. We will never sell or release your email address without your approval.
Whale watching sydney harbour cruises captain cook cruises. The season is split into two distinct sections depending on the direction of travel of the majority of whales at that time. Currently, a 20% discount is offered for online bookings. Download the wild about whales app so you can follow the whales progress during the migration, and report any you see. Australia the best tips for whale watching in australia whaletrips. Get the latest sightings, learn whale facts and plan your next coastal adventure. This super fast cruise is our most thrilling which is best suited for the more adventurous at heart. During whalewatching season, youll see these majestic mammals from many headlands in sydney and at destinations from byron bay in the north to eden in the south more than 50 per cent of the planets species of cetaceans whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Sydney ferries services to darling harbour depart circular quay wharf 5 every half hour. A humpback whale and its calf were injured on monday after apparently being hit by a ferry in sydney harbour, with witnesses saying the animals had ugly gashes and cuts. Park near the surf club and climb the 3040 minute trail up to barrenjoey lighthouse. Our cruises depart from king street wharf 7, darling harbour, sydney. You can go whale watching all winter and spring may november in sydney. She is the perfect whale watching vessel as she has complete walk around lower decks allowing you to get so much closer to the whales. Then they go on their long journey to feed in the rich feeding grounds of the north. Whale watching in sydney and sydney harbour in particular is a special experience as you not only get to see various species of whales aboard a range of quality vessels, but also what is basically a great marine sightseeing tour of the harbour on the way. Now that whale watching sydney is part of the nrma, members can save 20% on whale watching cruises. An indepth guide to all the best whale watching spots in australia such as sydney, hervey bay, the gold coast, perth and more. The views over pittwater and the mouth of broken bay are breathtaking and 180degree ocean views as far as the eye can see give you a great chance to spot the whales spouts as they pass by.
Check out our pick of the best whale watching vantage points, tours and accommodation in nsw. From april to november tens of thousands of humpback whales migrate along the coast of sydney, between their. Aug 06, 2012 a humpback whale and its calf were injured on monday after apparently being hit by a ferry in sydney harbour, with witnesses saying the animals had ugly gashes and cuts. Spectators on both the east and west coasts have the chance to enjoy their own whale show, twice a year, as the mammals travel to and from antarctica for what should be known as the worlds longest lunch feasting on all types of fish, krill, and plankton. Whale watching in sydney more than 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises can be found in waters surrounding australia. Whale news headlines 9news latest news and headlines from. Please enter you nrma membership number when booking to redeem this offer. Whale watching sydney 2020 all you need to know before. You have to watch the child like a hawk though, as there are stairs to fall down, and rails to climb through. Weve been walking sydneys coastline for years, so here are our tips on how to take advantage of nature to get the best out of your whale watching time. While it only experiences a very short season of whale watching. May, 2020 sydney harbour discovery, oz whale watching oz whale watching was awarded the new south wales gold and silver tourism awards for 2015. The wild about whales website and app lists all the best viewing locations.