Whale Migration Sydney

Peter Letts   Nov 10, 2025

Whale Migration Sydney: The Great Journey - Some Really Good News

Every time winter rolls round in Sydney, something truly amazing happens along our coastline. The humpback whales, often called humpbacks, start making their way north from their summer feeding grounds in Antarctica, heading towards the Coral Sea to give birth - and it’s an absolute spectacle. The whale migration season in Sydney typically begins in mid May, with whale sightings increasing as the colder months set in. From late May through November, thousands of humpback whales make the 4,000 kilometre round trip along Australia’s east coast from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warm waters of Queensland and back again. And this year’s numbers are through the roof: experts reckon there are around 40,000 humpback whales taking the journey, which is just amazing to think about. And what makes this an even more incredible story is that a little over half a century ago, humpback whales were at the point of extinction, their numbers having been all but wiped out by commercial whaling.

But thanks to a bit of global clout - laws protecting whales, better ocean management, and loads of scientific monitoring - they’re now back in force. The east Australian population of humpback whales has been growing at a whackin’ 10% each and every year since the 1990s - which is just bloody incredible. With every passing whale watching season, more and more whales are turning up off Sydney’s most iconic headlands and vantage points – which just goes to show how conservation efforts can really pay off when we all work together towards a common goal. The east coast of Australia serves as the main migration corridor for humpbacks, and their journey is visible along Sydney's coast.

For anyone who calls Sydney home or is just passing through, this is basically a seasonal party. Every year, whale spotters at Cape Solander in Kurnell, North Head at Manly, Bondi’s coastal walks, Palm Beach, and even Botany Bay (which offers up some of the best views and whale spotting opportunities on the coast) report some amazing displays of breaching and tail-slapping - and even, occasionally, the sight of mothers teaching their little calves to swim. Darling Harbour is also a popular departure point for whale watching tours and a great spot to catch views of migrating whales. In fact, in 2025, the whales were even spotted breaching in Sydney Harbour - which left everyone with a big smile on their face.

At Abyss Scuba Diving, we’ve been seeing firsthand just how much the growing whale population is connecting people with the sea. Divers come back from a day on the reef with all sorts of stories about the whale songs they’ve heard echoing through the water, or even just catching a glimpse of a pod of whales in the distance. And these experiences really bring home the importance of marine conservation - it’s not just some abstract idea, it’s the real deal. National parks such as Royal National Park and Kamay Botany Bay National Park are also excellent whale watching spots, offering scenic coastal trails and prime vantage points for observing the migration.

 

 

During the migration, you get to witness all sorts of amazing whale behaviour - like spyhopping, where whales pop their heads vertically out of the water to get a look at what’s going on around them, or whale lifts, where they raise bits of their body above the water’s surface. The northern migration occurs from mid May to mid August, with whales heading north to breeding grounds, while the southern migration begins in mid August as whales start heading south back to Antarctic waters, typically concluding in late November. And the humpback’s return has inspired a whole new generation of marine scientists, photographers and just general ocean enthusiasts to get involved in conservation efforts and protect these incredible creatures.

Of course, we can’t get too complacent here. There are still loads of threats out there - like getting tangled up in fishing gear, getting hit by a ship, or just swimming through a load of marine debris. So we still need to keep working together with conservation groups, divers and policymakers to make sure that these amazing creatures keep on thriving.

Organisations like ORRCA and the Cape Solander Whale Migration Study are doing vital work, and we’ve got loads of citizen scientists volunteering their time to help monitor whale numbers and behaviours. Every single piece of data, every single photo and every single pair of eyes on the water helps to build up our understanding of these incredible creatures - and makes sure that they keep on coming back year after year. If you’d like to get involved, consider joining one of our Conservation Dive Days or attending a Dive Against Debris event to help keep Sydney’s waters healthy for marine life. Along the coast during the whale migration season, you’ve also got a good chance of spotting dolphins and seabirds - because, let’s face it, Sydney’s got an amazing array of marine wildlife on offer. Fur seals can sometimes be spotted resting in the open ocean during whale watching cruises.

The story of the 2025 migration is a lot more than just a statistic - it’s the whale’s journey along the Humpback Highway, the well known migratory corridor that runs right along Sydney’s coastline. And as they head north to give birth in the Coral Sea and later head south to their Antarctic feeding grounds, it’s mainly humpback whales you’ll be seeing - proof positive that the ocean can heal, that nature really can bounce back if we give it the chance, and that when we all work together, we really can make a difference. Sydney’s humpback whales are no longer some distant memory - they’re a living, breathing part of our coastal identity, a symbol of hope and resilience that we get to see every single week.So next winter, when the westerly winds start to pick up and the sea starts to come alive with the migration of marine life, grab your binoculars or better still, your dive gear, and head for the cliffs. Whale watching Sydney is a real drawcard, this time of year, with the excitement of spotting whales near some of the cities most iconic landmarks, the Harbour Bridge and harbour entrance. The whale watching season runs from mid May to late November, with many tours departing from Darling Harbour. You might just catch a glimpse of a whale breaching, or hear the unforgettable sound of one exhaling at the surface. These are moments worth remembering – and a reminder that the ocean can still deliver some pretty good news. The winter months are, after all, the peak time for spotting whales, and many of the tour operators offer rebooking if you miss a trip. For those looking for a real adrenaline rush though, Ocean Extreme offers some pretty thrilling whale watching cruises along Sydney’s coastline.

Types of Whales You Can See in Sydney

One of the best things about whale watching in Sydney is the sheer variety of whales you might spot along the Sydney coast. While the main species making the epic journey each year is the iconic humpback whale, with tens of thousands cruising past from the icy Antarctic waters to the Great Barrier Reef and back, they’re far from the only stars of the show. Southern right whales are another highlight, often seen close to shore during the same season, especially as they seek out sheltered bays for their mothers and calves. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive minke whales or the mighty blue whales—although blue whales are rare visitors, their size is truly unforgettable if you spot one. And for those with a keen eye, there’s always the chance of seeing pilot whales, false killer whales, or even orcas (killer whales) making a surprise appearance during whale watching cruises. With so many different whales passing by Sydney’s coastline, every cruise or day spent watching from the shore brings the possibility of a new and exciting encounter.

Whale Behaviour: What to Look For

When you’re out on a whale watching cruise, keep your eyes peeled for some truly spectacular whale behaviour. Humpback whales are famous for their acrobatics—watch for them breaching high out of the water, slapping their tails with a thunderous splash, or spy hopping as they poke their heads up to check out the world above the waves. Southern right whales, on the other hand, tend to move more slowly and gracefully, often seen gliding along with their mothers and calves close by. These gentle giants sometimes roll on their backs or wave their flippers in the air, making for some memorable moments. Don’t forget to look out for sea birds circling above or diving into the sea—these birds often follow the whales, taking advantage of the fish and krill stirred up by all the action. Whether you’re watching from the deck of a cruise or from the shore, spotting these behaviours is what makes whale watching in Sydney such a thrilling and rewarding experience.

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Whale Watching Cruises: Getting Up Close

For those who want to get as close as possible to these majestic creatures, nothing beats a whale watching cruise departing from Circular Quay or Manly Wharf. Ocean Extreme offers a range of whale watching tours designed to suit every adventurer, from first-timers to seasoned whale watchers. Their specially designed vessels sit low in the water and have an open layout, giving you unobstructed views of humpback whales, southern right whales, and other species as they make their annual migration along Sydney’s coastline. With a whale watching guarantee, you can book with confidence, knowing you’ll have a memorable whale watching experience or get another chance to try. Whether you’re hoping to witness the power of a breaching humpback or the gentle presence of a mother and calf in their breeding grounds, a whale watching cruise is the ultimate way to experience the wonder of these gentle giants up close. Don’t forget your camera—these are moments you’ll want to remember!

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Accessibility and Safety for Whale Watchers

At Ocean Extreme, everyone is welcome to join in the excitement of whale watching. Their vessels are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wheelchair access, onboard bathrooms, and comfortable seating areas to ensure that all passengers, including those with mobility needs, can enjoy a safe and comfortable whale watching experience. The experienced crew are fully trained in safety procedures and are always on hand to assist, so you can focus on enjoying the spectacle of humpback whales, southern right whales, and other incredible species in their natural environment. Throughout your whale watching cruise, you’ll also benefit from expert commentary, learning fascinating facts about the whales, their migration, and the vital role they play in the marine ecosystem. Whether you’re a lifelong whale watcher or it’s your very first cruise, Ocean Extreme makes it easy and safe for everyone to witness the magic of Sydney’s whale migration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whales in Sydney

1. When is the best time to see whales in Sydney?

The best time to spot whales in Sydney is from May to November when the humpback whales migrate along the eastern seaboard. The northbound migration, between May and July, is when the whales are heading north to breed in warmer waters – it's a pretty intense time of year, to be honest. And, if you time it right, you might catch the southbound migration, in August and November, which sees the mums and babies heading back to Antarctica, often close to shore and easy to spot.

2. Where are the best whale-watching spots around Sydney?

You can't go past Cape Solander at Kurnell – one of the top spots for land-based viewing in the country. North Head, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Barrenjoey Lighthouse, The Gap at Watsons Bay and Botany Bay are all pretty sweet spots too. And, if you're in the mood for a city break from the action, you can't go past the Harbour Bridge or harbour entrance – both pretty handy for spotting some whales. Divers are also reporting some pretty cool sightings near Magic Point, Oak Park and Shellharbour – all of which are along Sydney's coast.

3. How many whales pass Sydney each year?

Scientists reckon around 40,000 humpback whales cruise past on their annual migration – and thousands of them pass the Sydney region. The main species you'll see are humpback whales – which follow their own little highway, known as the Humpback Highway. And, if you're wondering, whale sightings have really taken off in recent years – with numbers still on the rise annually.

4. Can you dive or snorkel with whales in Sydney?

Now, now, you can't swim up and get a cuddle with the whales along the Sydney coastline – but you can get pretty close. Divers at Abyss Scuba Diving often get to hear whale songs while they're underwater – which is a pretty magical experience. You can also spot some pretty cool behaviors like spy hopping and whale lifts from the surface – especially if you're on a whale watching tour. And, if you're really lucky, you might see some dolphins and sea birds making an appearance too – all adding to the rich wildlife experience. If you want to go the whole hog and swim with whales, though, you might need to look further north in Hervey Bay or Tonga – but just be sure to check the local regulations.

5. Why is the humpback whale population increasing?

It's a combination of reasons, really – including the global ban on commercial whaling, better marine protection laws and a whole lot more public awareness. Groups like ORRCA and the Cape Solander Whale Migration Study have also been doing some top-notch work to help the whales recover from being down to just a handful of individuals back in the 60s to tens of thousands today.

6. What can divers and locals do to help protect whales?

We can all play a role in keeping the ocean healthy and welcoming for the whales – from avoiding litter and reporting any entangled animals to reducing our speed around whales and joining in on citizen-science or conservation dives. Every little bit counts.