From whale beach to bondi, there are plenty of chances to see these grand monarchs of the deep. Success rate is 98% and all cruises are guaranteed to see whales. Memorial day through late august we offer whale watching at sunset. A whale watching trip i went on elsewhere couldnt get closer than a couple of hundred metres to the whales. Our coastline offers some of the best places to see whales up close, with superb tours departing locations around the nation, including sydney, perth, gold coast, sunshine coast, melbourne and more. Subscribe to naturescapes for the latest news from nsw national. 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. The migrating population is named the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population or the australian east coast humpbacks.
Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales. See how the season progresses with the whale sightings counter. 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. Start your whale watching year with ease why not visit hawaii. Whale watching in sydney highlights from destination nsw on vimeo. Humpback whales and southern right whales sail north for warmer waters throughout june and into july, and return southwards from around september to november. Whale watching from land, south coast nsw eurobodalla. Migrating whales have already been spotted along the nsw coast from eden to kingscliff as the 2017 whale watching season kicks off in earnest. It is not the most tourist season in sydney, but you should try whale watching if you are visiting the city during this period. With we try to inspire and give you the best information about whale watching. Find australias best whale watching cruises this whale watching season. Up to 6,000 humpback whales migrate past moreton island each season.
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. Whale watching season in banderas bay and the pacific ocean near puerto vallarta officially begins december 8 th and runs through the winter until march 23 rd. Thousands of humpbacks gather in the warm waters to mate and give birth. They head north to the warm coastal waters of queensland and the coral sea to mate and give birth from late april to august, and return southwards from around september to november. Click here to read an intimate story about narooma and its whales. There are a plethora of options available to all enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the whales as they travel the eastern coast of australia as part of their yearly winter migration. Whaling in australia took place from 1788 to 1978 and was once commercially successful. New south wales whale watching whale watch tour bookings. The ultimate guide to whale watching in sydneys waters. From 2hour trips to multiday cruises, whale watching during whale season is a highly popular activity. Whale watching in nsw nsw environment, energy and science. Northern migration whale watch from sydney whalefree. From may to november, the pacific coast migration goes from south to north and back again as the whales seek warmer water for the winter months. Whale watching in australia has grown tremendously over the last decade.
Download our free app to find the top whale watching spots in nsw and submit your sighting. Jun 01, 20 the northern nsw whale watching season officially started today 1 june and continues until early november 20. 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. Commercial whale and dolphin watching operators form an important naturebased industry that attracts a large number of tourists to coastal towns. Jervis bay, sydney, port stephens, port macquarie and byron tweed heads. Nsws coastal national parks during the annual whale migration season from may to november.
Whale app app wild about whales nsw national parks. Known as the humpback highway, humpback and southern right whales are the most commonly sighted, but you may also spot orcas, blue whales, minke whales and sperm whales. The whale watching season in sydney is quite long maynovember, but it is not always very busy. Australia is fortunate to have many whale and dolphin species use our waters, making it an ideal place to participate in whale and dolphin watching. Between may and november, thousands of majestic humpback and southern right whales make their.
Off the coasts of california, there is no shortage of whale watching tours available for whale season. Between may and november, thousands of majestic humpback and southern right whales make their way along the coast in an incredible annual migration. The humpback whales that we see off the new south wales coast spend the summer in antarctica feeding upon krill and putting on lots of weight. Whale watching capital of australia hervey bay the calm, protected waters of hervey bay provide the perfect conditions for mother humpbacks to teach their newborn calves survival skills before continuing their migration along the queensland coastline from june to november every year. Interested in the latest whale sightings off the nsw coast. This app is the official whale watching guide to new south wales developed by the nsw national parks and wildlife service. During whale watching season there are plenty of opportunities to jump on whale watching cruises and see these majestic marine mammals up close. You can go whale watching all winter and spring may november in sydney.
However, it is important to do your research before embarking, as not all whale watching tours are created. Download wild about whales and enjoy it on your iphone, ipad and ipod touch. But before you begin your adventure be sure to check out our tips and guidelines for the ultimate whale watching experience and discover more about the species of whale, dolphins and porpoises found in australian waters. The regulations apply to all people interacting with whales and dolphins, including commercial operators tourist or otherwise and people operating private vessels. The humpback whale migration passing sydney takes place between april and december each year. Take the plunge and explore our parks, go whale watching and discover what there is to see and do. If a tour is out of your price range, see the various land based viewing options. Whale watching season whale watching iceland tours. Would be nice to include day tours and boat trips in sydney. The ten best spots for whale watching on the nsw coast. Whale watching season starts in nsw posted june 01, 2011 10.
The first day of winter today marks the official start of the whale watching season around sydney and the new south wales east coast. To determine whale season for whale watching, it is best to first research the specific species of whale youd like to see and when whale migration season is in southern california. 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. This sydney cruise departs from darling harbour and passes many of sydneys famous landmarks on its way out of the heads to take you whale watching on weekends the harbour is alive with colourful sailing boats and the cruise will take you past luna park, the harbour bridge, circular quay, sydney opera house, kirabilly house, fort denison, bradleys head and the mansions of rose bay. Whale watching season starts in nsw abc news australian. An interesting time of the season with whales going both directions. About whales whale watching season info whale watching. In addition to the importance of whale dreaming during whale season, nsw is home to some top notch whale watching spots and experiences.
Aug 31, 2017 whale watching in sydney is one of most interesting attractions during winter season. Private whale watching tours northern nsw and gold coast. Whales often cruise close to shore, so they are easy to spot, and have even been known to pop up inside sydney harbour. Whale season in new south wales has an early start with tours operating from may until the end of the year in november. Destination nsw has come up with a list of the ten best lookouts, foreshores and national parks where you can engage with a whale. Whale watching wild about whales nsw national parks. The wild about whales website and app lists all the best viewing locations. This epic 6day drive showcases the best places to whale watch all along the nsw coastline. Whale watching sydney 2020 all you need to know before you. Whale watching season is on abc mid north coast nsw. Three levels of uninterrupted viewing plus a water level platform gets you as close to the whales as possible making this an ideal whale watch vessel. Whales have already been spotted migrating north off the east coast of new south wales, months before the whale watching season officially begins.
Oct 01, 2015 the whale watching season in sydney is quite long maynovember, but it is not always very busy. The whales are a little early for the official whale watching season which begins on july 1, when whales head north for breeding. The 10 happiest countries to live in the world 2019 seen as the worlds safest countries duration. Jervis bay geographically sits right in the middle of the whale migration path and as such, our region is lucky to experience a lengthy whale watching season each year. Get wild about whales and plan your coastal whale watching adventure now. South coast whale watching from whale watching cruises to clifftop lookouts in scenic national parks, there are many ways to enjoy whale watching season on the beautiful nsw south coast. Jun 18, 2015 the 10 happiest countries to live in the world 2019 seen as the worlds safest countries duration. Whale watching in australia is a popular recreational pursuit and a tourist activity along various coasts. The season is split into two distinct sections depending on the direction of travel of the majority of whales at that time. Whale watching day cruise whale watch tour bookings. Whale and dolphin watching department of agriculture. I understand there are reasons but it was still massively underwhelming. Its hoped a record number of humpback and southern right whales will pass the nsw coast this year.
Thousands of whales are seen from highlight locations including. 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. Governmental regulations limit any whale watching tours to this time period. Wild about whales is an annual campaign run by the nsw national parks and wildlife service during the nsw whale watching season each year. 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.
The overall whale watching season in the greater fraser island area typically begins in late july and lasts through to late november, so if youre looking to get the best out of two of the most visually impressive naturebased destinations in qld, then a trip to fraser island during whale watching season is a great choice that can make for. The much anticipated 2016 whale watching season commences in may 15th, just short of two weeks from today. Whale watching get ready to spot them, and other less common whale species, as you wind down the nsw coast, from cape byron state conservation area in the far north to ben boyd national park in the south. Whale watching in nsw every year, whales migrate along the nsw coastline. Many of these coastal parks and reserves provide excellent viewing opportunities for whale watching.
Whale watching in nsw more than 30,000 whales make their way along the nsw coast from may to november each year. Whale watching nsw whale watching season, activities. The long whale season in australia between may and november no doubt contributes to its growing popularity. Here is a chart with weekly humpback whale sightings in sydney between 2010 and 2012. Whale and dolphin watching is regulated by the australian government in commonwealth waters, also known as the australian whale sanctuary. Whale and dolphin watching department of agriculture, water. Home topics wildlife top 8 whale watching spots in nsw top 8 whale watching spots in nsw from may to november each year, australias east coast transforms into a whale watching hot spot, with vast numbers heading north to breed after a summer spent feeding in antarctic waters. 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. Best time for whale watching in australia about australia. However, it is the annual humpback whale migration that gives us the best opportunity to observe these magnificent mammals and their whale surface behaviours. But whale watching season differs throughout the country and so do the kinds of whales youll see. Check out our pick of the best whale watching vantage points, tours and accommodation in nsw.
Whale watching in sydney is one of most interesting attractions during winter season. Whale watching season whale watching nsw reflections. Whale watching australia 2017 sydney, gold coast, hervey. Every year, whales migrate along the nsw coastline. And some of the best spots are closer to you than you might think. Whale watching is a popular activity in sydney, so to receive the best rates on a whale spotting cruise try looking on the outskirts of the season, meaning early april and late november. From may to november, visitors can often spot a variety of different whale species including humpbacks, southern rights, minkes and pilots. From tweed to eden, the nsw coast provides perfect vantage points to see these majestic ocean giants. Nsw whale watching season wild about whales nsw national. Discovery cruise 3hr our premium three hour discovery cruise provides the ultimate whale watching experience on the best boat in sydney. Not far from the historic whaling town of eden, this lighthouse at the tip of green cape is probably the best whalewatching point in nsw. This brisbane whale season, try tangalooma resort whale watching. We focus on the most interesting whales to watch, the best countries to meet them and the perfect time to go there.
You can also stretch out your sea legs with a whale watching tour from coffs harbour. Whales migrate in their thousands along the nsw coast, which stretches more than 2,000 km. Available for android and ios, download the wild about whales app and log. Whale watching season is upon us, and the new south wales coast is one of the best spots in the world to catch these majestic creatures in action. Here are just a selection of some of the great whale experiences available in new south whales. Top 8 whale watching spots in nsw australian geographic. Its a trail rich with whales and tales of adventure, a selfdrive day tour that takes you to. May 07, 2008 the first of the humpback whales have been spotted off the coffs coast and 10,000 more are expected to follow. Why not see one of natures great ocean migrations for yourself. Whale watching adventures in south coast nsw visit nsw. Tips for whale watching season sydney 2015 youtube.
Right along the beautiful nsw coast, theres plenty of top spots to explore. We hope this website will be a good inspiration for. Equipped with state of the art technology, comfortable indooroutdoor seating and viewing decks over 3 levels. The closest point from brisbane to see the humpback whales. From eden in the south to byron in the north each location is witness to the majesty of the humpback whale migration. Sydneys best whale watching cruises with more than 25 years of experience. Whale watching sydney 2020 all you need to know before. Whale watching in sydney official sydney tourism website. Whale watching tours and coastal activities take place at nsw national parks all. All along australias coastline are fantastic spots to see whales. Find the best whale watching locations, cruises and other coastal activities within nsw national parks. Moonee beach and the nearby look at me now headland walk are standout whale watching spots.
From whalewatching cruises to clifftop lookouts in scenic national parks, there are many ways to enjoy whale watching season on the beautiful nsw south coast. Fortunately, whale watching season in southern california can include almost any time of the year if you know where to go. The ultimate guide to whale watching in sydneys waters this. You might also be lucky enough to see dolphins, turtles and a number of sea birds as part of the cruise. Whale watching in sydney more than 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises can be found in waters surrounding australia.
The good news however is that the east coast population of humpback whales are definitely on the increase, and with such large numbers expected to. At this time of year in the pacific northwest the sun does not set until approximately 9. With its unspoiled beaches and lush vegetation, the coffs coast is an idyllic spot for a whale watching adventure. Humpbacks on the move off nsw with 2019 migration season. These majestic creatures of the blue make their yearly migration from june to november gracing us with their presence while they jump, splash and spray about the ocean. Listen or download eye witness accounts here 50 minutes. Whale watching sydney offers daily cruises from darling harbour and circular quay to watch humpback whales. The warmest times to go will be during the beginning and end of the season, as theyre not in the deepest part of winter, but a sunny day in winter. Best custom built, fast and spacious vessels to give you the best day possible out at sea.