One of the most spectacular sights to see in Sydney, Australia is the whales that travel through NSW during their seasonal migration. Whale watching in Australia is one of the most sought-after, once-in-a-lifetime events that you won’t want to miss if you are in Australia anywhere from May to November.
Thousands of marine enthusiasts and visitors travel to the country to witness this breathtakingly beautiful experience. There are approximately 38 vantage points located on land to catch this extraordinary opportunity, each with their own unique views of the country’s action-packed coastline, but the best views are out in the open sea.
There’s no denying that whale watching in Australia is an unforgettable experience. With ocean wildlife second to none, Australia is one of the number-one places for marine research and marine wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re embarking on an adventure on your own or traveling with the whole family, whale watching is simply an experience that you don’t want to miss.
Whale-Watching Season
During whale-watching season, these large majestic mammals migrate over 2000 km along the NSW coast. Currently, more than fifty percent of the world’s cetacean species – whales, porpoises, and dolphins – inhabit the waters of Australia.
Most commonly spotted on the NSW shore are southern and humpback whales. This annual migration runs from May all the way to November and hits its peak around July and September. During these months, it’s common to see playful porpoises, clever dolphins, and majestic whales interacting with each other throughout the salty blue waters.
Whale-Watching Cruises
During whale-watching season, there are a number of popular cruises that depart from the Sydney Harbour. Whale-watching cruises are your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these gentle giants of the sea close up and personal during their annual migration.
Cruises often begin in the harbour of Sydney, make their way past the exciting Opera House, and venture into to open water. Orca, Minke, southern, and humpback whales all visit Australia’s coastline and love to show off their tail slaps, breaches, and sometimes even winks when they feel extra curious. Afternoon cruises often operate daily while morning departures take place on the weekends during the season.
A Trip of a Lifetime
Explore the intense spiritual connection between the whales and Aboriginal people. If you’re lucky, you may be able to witness a humpback breaching or launching itself out of the ocean or even mothers and calves playing gently together.
If you are planning a trip to Sydney any time soon, you won’t want to miss this engaging opportunity. Whether you or a member of your family is a marine enthusiast or you are simply passing through, whale watching in Sydney is an experience that you won’t regret.