Top 5 parks for whale watching
National Parks make up almost half of the NSW coastline, so for some of the best whale-watching vantage points, lace up your walking boots and head into the wild.
From about May to November, head into the wilderness to watch humpbacks on their annual migration from Antarctica to warmer waters.
National Parks make up almost half of the NSW coastline, so for some of the best whale-watching vantage points, lace up your walking boots and head into the wild.
Here, Susan Crocetti, Wildlife Team Leader at the Biodiversity and Wildlife Unit of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, shares stories from park rangers.
1. Montague Island Lighthouse, Montague Island Nature Reserve
Montague Island walking track reveals the lighthouse against a dramatic island backdrop. The walk leads past penguin breeding boxes, and whales, dolphins, seals and migratory birds are all regular visitors – Montague Island Nature Reserve is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Make a weekend of it and stay at the incredible Montague Island Lighthouse Cottages.
“During the humpback whale migration, Montague Island Nature Reserve offers vantage points where you can experience a 360-degree view of whale activity,” Susan said.
“There are very few locations in Australia that can rival that experience!”
2. Green Cape Lightstation, Ben Boyd National Park
No wrap-up of whale-watching is complete without Eden. On the far South Coast of NSW, it is home to the Davidson Whaling Historic Site. The Green Cape Lightstation, at nearby Ben Boyd National Park, is a historic site built in 1883 and perched on the edge of the peninsula. Take a tour to explore the lightstation and see passing whales. For a unique experience, wake up with the whales and stay at the Green Cape Lightstation Keeper's Cottages.
Susan shared this story from a ranger: “Most amazing sight off Green Cape was the day we had a pod of humpback whales (three to four) animals turning tight circles just off the rocks on the point of Green Cape. They were feeding at the time so there was a lot of activity very close to shore.
“There were also dolphins getting in on the action and they were leaping over the whales and swimming amongst them, feeding off the same thing, probably a school of bait fish.
“In addition to all this excitement, there were a mob of seals in amongst the action, sea eagles collecting fish and gannets diving into the melee as well. This went on for a good half an hour before the frenzy broke up.”
3. Murramarang National Park
With 44km of dramatic coastline near Batemans Bay, this is a great spot to explore the cliffs, headlands and pristine beaches of the South Coast. Head to Mystery Bay or Snapper Point lookout to spot migrating whales, and enjoy a weekend getaway by staying at Depot Beach or Pretty Beach cabins.
Snapper Point and North Head in Murramarang NP are great for whale watching, Susan said. You may even have “rookie’s luck”, as one parks officer reported: “We were waiting, waiting, waiting for any sign of whales.
“We were scanning the horizon, searching for a blow or a tail slap. After about two hours of no signs, a car pulled up and two elderly people got out and said, ‘Hi, we have never seen a whale in the wild, what time do they come out?’
“We all just laughed and looked at each other and thought ‘Rookies’ – until someone shouted, ‘Whale!’
“Just then a large humpback whale travelling north split the surface and breached four times right in front of us. The elderly couple said: ‘Oh, that’s great’, jumped back in their car and drove off.
“If only whale-watching from the coast was always that easy! Often you have to wait some time to see anything. But that is all part of what makes it so exciting when you do!”
4. Eurobodalla National Park
South of Narooma, this park offers plenty of lookouts and headlands for whale viewing. Visitors keen to explore the area on foot can set out on the Bingi Dreaming Track, a 14km walk along the coast south from Congo to Tuross Head.
“Eurobodalla National Park is full of excellent vantage points for viewing whales,” Susan said. “One amazing sighting by a ranger has been southern right and humpback whales feeding 50m to 200m from the shore in several locations. Killer whales have also been seen from Montague Island – quite the experience!”
5. Mimosa Rocks National Park
For a view you’ll never forget, head to Bunga Head in Mimosa Rocks National Park for sunrise, then take a short walk to Wajurda Point and relax on the rocks as you look out for whales. The lookout at North Tura, just south in Bournda National Park, is also a great vantage point to spot the majestic animals on their journey.
Where to stay
Want fabulous ocean views? Try the heritage-listed Montague Island Lighthouse Keeper's Cottages or the Green Cape Lightstation Keeper’s Cottages. Looking for something family friendly and affordable? Check out Pretty Beach campground and cabins; Depot Beach campground and cabins; and Pebbly Beach Shacks in the secluded coastal rainforest of Murramarang National Park. (Pebbly Beach is also famous for its ‘surfing’ kangaroos.)
Visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation
Please note that some sections of national parks and walking tracks may be affected by closures – check before you go.
