Whale watching in Sydney Harbour



Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales



Family friendly



2-3 hours

Details

Every year, between May and November, Humpback Whales travel from Antarctica to the warmer waters of QLD to calve, then return along the east coast of Australia, a route dubbed the Humpback Highway. If you happen to be in Sydney, whale watching in Sydney Harbour is a must.

‘Go Whale Watching’ run daily cruises departing Darling Harbour, usually a morning, midday and afternoon session that run a little under three hours. These guys have been running Whale cruises for nearly twenty years and will do their best to find whales for you. If you’re lucky you’ll get to see some different behaviours exhibited, but they are wild animals in their own environment, so there is never a guarantee.

Bookings are required, so start checking the weather from a week ahead for the best opportunity. Ideally look for fine weather and low winds for a pleasant experience on the ocean. If you are susceptible to motion sickness take motion sickness tablets first. A spray jacket may also come in handy.

Darling Harbour is bustling with things to do. The boat departs from King Street Wharf, not far from the Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and a short walk around the harbour to the Powerhouse Museum and Maritime Museum.

Recommended by Holly from Globeblogging

Duration of experience

2hrs 45mins, but you’ll need to arrive 20mins prior to departure time.

Address

Cruises depart from King Street Wharf number 7, near Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

Parking facilities

Parking at Darling Harbour.

Best time to visit

Best time of year to go:

Whales are travelling north during the months of mid May, June, July. August is a month where some whales are heading north and some have started back south. September, October through to mid November they are coming south. Any time during this period is good for whale watching.

Mid June to mid July is peak season.

Best time of day to go:

Morning sessions offer the best chance for sightings given this is when whales are usually most active. While the afternoon session has the appeal of watching sunset from the water, by the time you get to open sea there’s not much light left to see by.