It’s that time of year that sends people into a frenzy; no it’s not the Boxing Day sales, it’s whale watching season!
To find out what all the excitement was about, I recently snuck out of the office and climbed aboard the Katrina, a beautiful 40 foot yacht, and got ready to see Sydney in style.
All aboard
It doesn’t take long for me to see why whale watching in Sydney is such a unique experience. As we depart the Harbour we take in all the major sights including the Opera House, Luna Park, Sydney Harbour Bridge (which we pass underneath), Taronga Zoo and more. Even Sydney locals will appreciate seeing these landmarks from a different angle.
As we pass out of the Harbour I can feel the anticipation building, as my fellow companions scan the sea with intense concentration, camera at the ready, all hoping to spot the first whale of the day (with a Tim Tam promised to the person who spots the first whale, this is serious business).
After about half an hour of searching, I spot them – a group of three humpback whales just behind the boat! There’s a flurry of excitement as we watch a tail emerge from the sea.
I am blown away by just how big these creatures are. As Tony, our skipper put it; the comparison of our boat against a Humpback Whale was like a sports car against a semi trailer – HUGE!
As the morning progresses we’re treated to more whale sightings and even spot a seal swimming by. Thank you Mother Nature 🙂
Then around noon it’s time to sail back. Perched on the bow, I watch as our spectacular city gets closer. There really are very few places in the world where you can see whales so close to a major city which is in part, what makes Sydney such a special place to go whale watching.
What’s more, after your cruise you’re in the perfect location to treat yourself to lunch on the harbour and hit the shops. Need I say more?
When to go: End of May to early November
If you’re not heading to Sydney this whale watching season, here are my picks of the best whale watching destinations in Australia to make sure you make the most of the annual migration!
Port Stephens, NSW
Port Stephens is such an easy day trip from Sydney and an excellent whale watching destination. Along your cruise, keep your eyes open for the hundreds of local bottlenose dolphins that call the bay home.
When to go: Mid May to early November
Byron Bay, NSW
Byron Bay is a popular whale watching destination. For something different, try a whale watching flight. This is a great way to observe the migration and you will get a perspective unlike any other. Marvel at the sheer size of these majestic creatures as they pass by Cape Byron.
When to go: Early June to early November
Gold Coast, QLD
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most famous whales watching locations, with thousands of whales passing the glittering coast every year. With crystal clear waters and pristine beaches, whale watching on the Gold Coast is an incredible experience.
When to go: June to the end of October
Hervey Bay, QLD
The sheltered waters of Hervey Bay make it a great place to go whale watching. Watch as the whales frolic and play in the calm waters while taking in fantastic views of Fraser Island.
When to go: Mid July to the end of October
Exmouth, WA
The Exmouth Gulf is a resting point for the Humpback Whales during their annual migration and with thousands of whales passing the WA coast every year, the odds are high that you will spot a whale!
A real highlight of this discovery cruise is hearing the whale sing through the onboard hydrophone. Plus a professional photographer is on board and all guests receive a complimentary photo CD of the cruise.
When to go: Early August to the end of October
Hot tip: If you are prone to motion sickness, see your doctor or pharmacist about getting some anti-nausea medication to combat sea sickness.