When is the best time for whale-watching in Sydney?
The best time for whale-watching in Sydney is late June to early July, but Sydney’s whale season runs from May to November.
One of the highlights of Sydney is a whale-watching cruise – but only if you’re in the New South Wales capital at the right time. To skip the explanation and book a Sydney whale-watching tour, head this way.
Whale-watching in Sydney is not a year-round thing, and you’ll only see whales here during the migration season. The humpbacks go north to warmer waters to breed, then come back down the coast again a few months later. The best time to see whales in Sydney is when the humpbacks are on their migration north or south.
13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book
- (💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
- Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
- Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
- Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
- See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
- (Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
- Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
- Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
- Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
- Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
- Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
- (🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.
Whale season in Sydney
Whale season in Sydney is generally between May and November. However, sightings can be rather patchy at the beginning and end of this season.
The whales don’t use Sydney’s waters as a breeding ground or a lengthy rest stop, like they do in Hervey Bay or Head of Bight. Not all that many whales enter Sydney Harbour, either.
So each individual whale is not in the area for that long. This can make them harder to spot.
Whale-watching tours don’t run from Sydney because there are lots of whales in Sydney. They run from Sydney because there are lots of people in Sydney.
Best time for whale-watching in Sydney
That said, most of the time, the Sydney whale-watching cruises will spot whales. And there are definitely peak periods. Humpback whale numbers in Sydney tend to be at their greatest in late June and early July. There’s also another mini-peak in September.
A four hour whale-watching cruise from Circular Quay, including lunch or breakfast, costs from $99.
If you’re in Sydney outside of whale watching season, there are still plenty of cruises you can do. Options include a Sydney Harbour sunset cruise, a dinner cruise, an afternoon outing on a tall ship and hop-on, hop-off cruises that allow you to get off at various points around the harbour.
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Skip the queues – and get the best prices – with mobile-friendly advance tickets for these top Sydney attractions.
- Taronga Zoo – the zoo with harbour views (and plenty of cute Aussie animals)
- Sydney Opera House – official walking tour. See behind the scenes!
- Wild Life Sydney – Aussie animal favourites in convenient Darling Harbour location. Perfect if on limited time.
- Sydney Cricket Ground – behind the scenes secrets tour.
- Sydney Tower Eye – 360 degree views from 250 metres above the city.
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