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Best Time to go Whale Watching

a large white boat on water with a city in the background

When is the Best Time to see Whales?

Whale Watching from mid May to mid November is good for Whale Watching in Sydney. Mid May to August is the northern migration and August till mid November is for the southern migration. These are the times the whales are migrating past Sydney. People often want to know if whale watching is better in the morning or the afternoon. In all honesty, there is no “best time”. As a rule, the ocean is calmer in the mornings, however this may not always be the case.

Best Places in Sydney to see Whales

1. Cape Solander, Kurnell – This is the site where the official Sydney whale watching count takes place. It also has some of the most amazing coastline in Sydney. Coffee and take-away food available in Kurnell, near the entrance to the national park, only 3km away from the whale Watching platform.

2. Barrenjoey Headland – This is a relatively small peninsula with the vast stretch of Pacific Ocean to the east, the gateway to the Hawkesbury River to the north and gorgeous still waters of Pittwater to the west. If you were looking for a location with a great short bushwalk and whale watching as a bonus, you’d have to go with the Barrenjoey Headlands.

3. Fairfax Lookout, North Head – The gateway to Sydney Harbour. 80 metres high and further east than all of South Sydney, you can see whales coming for miles. North Head is a fantastic place to spend a winter afternoon watching whales, with food only a km away from the lookout at the Bella Vista Café this is an awesome place to spot these marine Mammals.

4. Gap Bluff, South Head – If you’ve never visited this beautiful place, there’s no better time than the present with the newly completed walkway to the top. It’s easy to extend your walk out to South Head to the north or walk down south to Bondi if you’re keen. Then again staying for the whale watching is good too. The nearby Robertson Park overlooking Watsons Bay has plenty of cafes and pubs to grab a bite to eat or a drink.

5. Bondi Beach – Bondi rarely needs a lengthy introduction. One of if not Sydney’s’ most famous beaches Bondi is a hub for activity year-round. Did you know that you can walk north from Bondi to Watsons Bay and the harbour and south from Bondi to Bronte, Coogee and beyond? There are loads of ways to enjoy this lovely area with whale watching being one of the best. If you are looking for food or drink take your pick as Bondi has a massive variety of restaurants sure to cater to everyone’s individual tastes.

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