Enjoy an aweinspiring experience of the natural world on this whalewatching cruise from sydney. Book a ross sea trip to antarctica from hobart or bluff nz and you can see all the whales you wish to in december they are migratory creatures who have a very specific travel pattern year after year. The whale watching season in sydney is between may and november each year but some times are better than others to increase your chances of seeing whales. The best places to swim with whale sharks is definitely on ningaloo reef, with operators based in exmouth and coral bay in western australia.
Whales in australia wild about whales nsw national parks. We will be visiting the east coast sydney, brisbane, whitsunday and cairns gbr. Whale watching cruises are filling up and curious locals are lining coastal headlands. Weve been walking sydney s coastline for years, so here are our tips on how to take advantage of nature to get the best out of your whale. The ultimate guide to whale watching in sydneys waters. Between june and september, southern right whales roam the waters between the coasts of tasmania and victoria. Is there anywhere we may be able to see whales during. The best place to go for a tour is directly from melbournes port phillip bay. Whale watching in sydney, australia may to november. For several months every year, large numbers of humpback and southern right whales migrate along the australian coastline, swimming close to sydney as they make their way between antarctica and their breeding grounds in queensland.
Australias most wellknown humpback whale migaloo may need to move aside because theres a new kid in town. Departure is from circular quay or darling harbour and there are morning and afternoon sessions. The migrating population is named the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population or the australian east coast humpbacks. Whale watching in sydney is one of most interesting attractions during winter season. Whether you are a local or a visitor, whale watching in sydney on the iconic sydney harbour and surrounding coastline is a magical experience. During whalewatching season, youll see these majestic mammals from many headlands in sydney and at destinations from byron bay in the north to eden in the south more than 50 per cent of the planets species of cetaceans. Best fleet of purpose built, comfortable and fast whale watching boats. Top whale watching spots in western australia western. Best custom built, fast and spacious vessels to give you the best day possible out at sea. The number of whale species found in australia could even increase. Whale watcher john goodridge photographed the extraordinary.
Whales migrate in their thousands along the nsw coast, which stretches more than 2,000 km. From the coast overlooking king george sound, whales can regularly be seen playing in the sheltered waters. The actual swimming with whale sharks season runs until mid september, with operators making assessments during each year pending their numbers and movements. Im planning a trip to sydney and melbourne in december.
End of junejuly and then october is probably the best time of year for whale watch in sydney. Whale watching australia 2017 sydney, gold coast, hervey. The humpback whale migration passing sydney takes place between april and december each year. Whale watching in sy dney more than 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises can be found in waters surrounding australia. During whale watching season, youll see these majestic mammals from many headlands in sydney and at destinations from byron bay in the north to eden in the south more than 50 per cent of the planets species of cetaceans whales, dolphins and porpoises. Success rate is 98% and all cruises are guaranteed to see whales. In total, about 3000 whales migrate past and sometimes come inside sydney harbour so youve got a great chance of spotting one or two over the season. Whale watching in australia is a popular recreational pursuit and a tourist activity along various coasts.
It is extraordinary to think that right in the heart of australia s largest city you can have a unique whale watching experience. You can go whale watching all winter and spring may november in sydney. Mills charters, oceanic cruises, rottnest express, whale watching western australia fremantle is another townslashcity that has prime access to some great whale watching, with the months from september to december offering some of the best. Sydney, australia is one of the best places in the world to spot whales because of its position along the migration path of the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population.
Eastern, western or southern coasts, we love them all. Whales, dolphins and porpoises in australia home page. If youd rather keep your feet on the ground but still yearn for the special experience of seeing a whale, australia s east coast is the best place to spot whales from the beach. Currently, a 20% discount is offered for online bookings.
Embark on a unique whale watching tour that is combined with sailing on the 19th century soren larsen tall ship for a memorable life time experience. Whale sightings whale watching cruises sydney, australia. Best time for whale watching in australia about australia. Oz whale watching departs from king st wharf 9 darling harbour, approx. In nsw, its common to see humpback whales, southern right whales and dolphins, but you may also spot orcas, blue whales, minke whales and sperm whales. The best time for whale watching in this region, however, is between july and september.
The most commonly sighted whales are humpbackssome 20,000 of them traverse australias eastern coastline during their annual migration. Please enter you nrma membership number when booking to redeem this offer. Map of whale beach, nsw 2107 whale beach is a northern beachside suburb of sydney, in the state of new south wales, australia. Book your whale watching adventure through everything australia today. Sydney whale watching offers 100% whale sighting rates, and guarantees a free return cruise if you dont see a whale. At this time of year females with new born calves usually are seen closer to the shore.
Twelve whales were breaching off sydneys northern beaches while swimming up australias east coast on their annual northern migration. If youd rather keep your feet on the ground but still yearn for the special experience of seeing a whale, australias east coast is the best place to spot whales from the beach. While whaling in the 19th century had a dramatic impact on the population, the whale numbers are recovering, and tasmanias east coast is still one of the best places to spot them on their. Top spots for whale watching in australia tourism australia. Frequently asked questions go whale watching sydney. The best spot for whale watching is the gap, an ocean cliff on the south head peninsula. Our coastline offers some of the best places to see whales up close, with superb tours departing locations around the nation, including sydney, perth, gold coast, sunshine coast, melbourne and more. Sydney ferries services to darling harbour depart circular quay wharf 5 every half hour. A bit further west, you can visit warrnambool, the selfproclaimed kindergarten for southern right whales, as this is where lots of right whales go to raise their calves.
Whale watching tour in sydney australia august 2016. The warmest times to go will be during the beginning and end of the season, as theyre not in the deepest part. Whale watching cruises captain cook cruises, australia. Whale watching in sydney more than 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises can be found in waters surrounding australia. Hi folks, my husband and i will be visiting australia for the first time this february for 23 weeks. Due to commercial whaling bans, the population has recovered. Whale watching sydney harbour cruises captain cook cruises. Alight at town hall or wynyard stations and head down market st or king st approx. Whale watching sydney all you need to know before you go.
It is extraordinary to think that right in the heart of australias largest city you can have a unique whale watching experience. Find australias best whale watching cruises this whale watching season. The sea is not calm and bumpy in the end of the whale watching season. You can also spot minke whales, orcas, pilot whales, and southern right whales, as well as common and bottlenose dolphins around sydney, and if youre visiting later in the season you might even see some whale calves swimming and. Whales have been entering the beautiful headlands of sydney harbour since long before sydney became the bustling city it. Now that whale watching sydney is part of the nrma, members can save 20% on whale watching cruises. Whaling in australia took place from 1788 to 1978 and was once commercially. Australia whale watching tours everything australia. Climb to the top to gaze over the tasman sea and sydney harbour.
Ongoing research, may identify new species based on genetic information. The closest whale watching cruise to brisbane, tangalooma operates the largest dedicated whale watching vessel in australia. The australian government has made whale, dolphin and porpoise conservation a priority and is a world leader in the protection and conservation of these species both in australia and on an international scale. Legend has it that the residents of hobarts suburb of taroona used to complain about being kept awake by the sounds of whales in the river derwent.
Sydneys best whale watching cruises with more than 25 years of experience. Weve been walking sydneys coastline for years, so here are our tips on how to take advantage of nature to get the best. The whales can also be spotted returning south between september and november. These magnificent marine mammals can be spotted from land with a bit of luck and persistence but we wanted to make sure its not every day ones in sydney during whale. Whale watching in sydney australia contented traveller. Whales have been entering the beautiful headlands of sydney harbour since long before sydney became the. The best whale watching viewing times are early morning or late afternoon. The whale watching cruise is too much bumpy when sailing and maybe we are in the end of the whale watching season and the sea is not so calm but we still manage to see some whale. Also, see other marine wildlife such as dolphins, albatross, seals and the beautiful coastline of sydney. Whales 9news latest news and headlines from australia. From end of september until december they are going back south to the antarctic feeding ground for the southern hemisphere summer. Whaletrips australia the best tips for whale watching. What was a population of 242 humpbacks in 1996, according to. Humpback whales were spotted off the australiam east coast last week during their annual northerly migration.
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