Do whales enter Sydney Harbour?

Whales do sometimes enter Sydney Harbour – but most of them migrate along the coast. Hence Sydney whale-watching cruises head out into the open ocean rather than sticking to the harbour.

To skip the explanation and just book a Sydney whale-watching cruise, head this way.

Land-based whale-watching in Sydney

During Sydney’s whale-watching season, you don’t necessarily need to go on a whale-watching cruise to see migrating humpback whales. Between May and November, humpbacks work their way up and down the coast, heading to their northern breeding grounds and then returning.

For land-based whale-watching, there are several headlands along Sydney’s coast where there’s a decent chance of spotting a passing whale. These include those on the Bondi to Coogee Clifftop Walk and North Head near Manly.

That said, the dedicated whale-watching cruises allow you to get much closer.

But can you see whales in Sydney 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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Whales in Sydney Harbour

It is possible to see whales in Sydney Harbour. The migrating humpbacks sometimes enter the harbour. But they are not a regular occurrence. It’s not as if yachts on the harbour are frequently in danger of being overturned by a breaching whale.

If you restrict your whale-watching to Sydney Harbour, then your chances of seeing one are considerably smaller.

13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book

The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

(💲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.

Sydney Harbour cruise vs whale-watching tour

This is why a Sydney whale-watching cruise will leave Sydney Harbour and head into the water of the open ocean. Yes, the water might not be as smooth, and the visual surroundings won’t be quite as spectacular, but most whales swim straight past Sydney Harbour. Given that the purpose of the exercise is to spot whales, these tour boats don’t spend much time in the harbour.

If it’s Sydney Harbour you really want to see, therefore, don’t pick a whale-watching cruise. There are several much better Sydney Harbour cruise options.

Other things to do around Sydney Harbour include walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and swimming at one of the harbour beaches, such as Camp Cove Beach or Milk Beach.