Top New South Wales Whale Watching

Cruise the ocean waters off of Sydney to look for humpback and southern right whales as they migrate between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef from May to November. Your whale-watching experience starts out of Sydney Harbour and heads to the open ocean on a custom-built catamaran with large viewing windows and spacious decks that provide excellent sightlines. Often, dolphins, sea birds and other marine animals make an appearance during the nearly 2.5-hour whale-watching tour.

Experience a close encounter with humpback whales without having to leave the city on this thrilling 2-hour speedboat tour from Sydney. Hop on-board the city’s fastest commercial ship and blast off across Sydney Harbour, past iconic landmarks like Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Leave the city behind and speed out into the Pacific Ocean, where you’ll have chance to spot majestic whales swimming and playing in their natural environment.

Enjoy a whale-watching cruise that begins with a breakfast or barbecue lunch onboard the boat while in the calm waters of Sydney Harbour.  After breakfast or lunch, your boat glides past Sydney Head into the Pacific Ocean in search of the humpback and southern right whales that migrate along this coast from May to November. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins as you learn about them from your naturalist guide, who provides fascinating commentary about Australian marine life during your tour.

Enjoy a thrilling encounter with dolphins in their natural environment on this cruise from Jervis Bay. Spot playful bottlenose dolphins swimming, diving and jumping around the boat as you explore the Jervis Bay Marine Park, and soak up dramatic views along the New South Wales coast. With a specially designed catamaran including five viewing levels, you’ll have plenty of chance to get up close to the magnificent sea creatures, watching as they swim and play alongside the boat.

Delight in watching bottlenose dolphins play in the crystal clear water of Jervis Bay on a 1.5-hour dolphin-watching tour. Cruise the ocean aboard a sturdy and deluxe catamaran with five decks for excellent viewing opportunities. Your captain and crew provide informative commentary about the intelligent and acrobatic dolphins as you see them come to check out your boat. Choose a morning or afternoon tour and enjoy a memorable cruise on Jervis Bay.

Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House for a fascinating look at this Sydney icon. Your knowledgeable guide leads you through the World Heritage–listed building on a walking tour, sharing entertaining stories about the revered performance center's history and providing access to off-limits parts of the house.

Take in panoramic views of top Sydney landmarks as you cruise through Sydney Harbour en route to Taronga Zoo. Your package includes round-trip cruise from Circular Quay to the zoo, and a ride on the Sky Safari Gondola, which whisks you uphill from the boat dock to the main entrance of Taronga Zoo. From the gondola, get an early peek at some of the zoo's inhabitants, such as giraffes, big apes, and native animals like kangaroos and koalas.

Take in views from one of Sydney's best vantage points, the revolving restaurant at Infinity at Sydney Tower, which perches on top of Sydney Tower, 88 stories above the ground. Choose from an à la carte menu to customize your 2- or 3-course meal, enjoying an elegant meal while overlooking the stunning Sydney skyline. This sophisticated restaurant offers an intimate, stylish fine dining experience, with contemporary Australian-French fusion cuisine.

Located on shoreline of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Taronga Zoo is home to thousands of fascinating animals, including Australian natives such as the koala, kangaroo, and platypus. With your admission ticket, you gain entrance to the zoo along with the Sky Safari cable car, which gives you the chance to look down into the animal enclosures and enjoy sweeping views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline. Check the schedule for daily keeper presentations, or book an animal encounter or guided tour (own expense) for a more in-depth experience.

Experience the majestic World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains on a small-group full-day tour from Sydney. Enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Mountains and sites including the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Hop onboard the Scenic Railway (or other rides) at Scenic World, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch (dietary requirements accommodated), and visit Featherdale Wildlife Park to see kangaroos and other native Australian critters. Then, cruise by boat back to Sydney Harbour on the Parramatta River.

Maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales by joining this tour from Byron Bay, led by a marine biologist. Head for areas that the whales are known to pass through as they migrate in winter, watch them as they majestically breach, and listen to them sing by using an underwater hydrophone.

Witness one of nature’s most fascinating phenomenon, the annual humpback whale migration, on this whale-watching cruise from Jervis Bay. Set sail for the crystalline waters of the Jervis Bay Marine Park and get up close to the gentle giants, who migrate to the warm waters of New South Wales between May and November. Enjoy prime viewing opportunities on-board a specially designed catamaran, with the chance to spot bottlenose dolphins, penguins, seals and albatross along the way.

Prebook to save time and see humpback whales in their natural habitat on this whale-spotting cruise from Newcastle. Board an eco-tourism boat and hit the open waters to observe humpbacks in the wild, learning about their natural behaviors via the commentary as the boat maintains a respectful distance. Plus, watch for dolphins and seals, and admire the coastal scenery as you hear details on local landmarks, culture, and history.

Book ahead for front-row views of the Hunter Coast and its marine life on this cruise from Newcastle. Save time and avoid missing out by prebooking, and absorb the panoramas as you cruise along the coast. Watch for dolphins, seabirds, and turtles; sail by coastal forts, cliffs, and beaches; and cruise up-close to the caves at Caves Beach, all as a guide shares background. Photos of your trip are included.

Look for humpback whales during a 2–hour whale–watching cruise from Jervis Bay. Learn about the whale behavior and their annual migration through this part of Australia, and keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life in these pristine waters.

Embark on the only whale-watching cruise to depart from The Pass beach in Byron Bay, offering the fastest route to the path of migrating humpback whales, plus dolphins, turtles, and sea birds. Travel with a small group of no more than 12 on a vessel specially designed for marine life spotting, equipped with underwater viewing devices and a hydrophone to listen to whale songs. Whale sighting is guaranteed—if you don’t see one, take another cruise for free!

Enjoy the comforts of a 4-hour luxury whale-watching cruise from Campbell's Cove in Sydney. Head across Sydney Harbour and past the Sydney Heads into the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean to look for humpback and southern right whales on their migration through the Southern Hemisphere. Your naturalist guide shares informative commentary about the whales throughout your tour. Enjoy an included barbecue lunch buffet served on board and accompanied by unlimited drinks. You’ll travel with a small group limited to 10 people, which provides a more personalized experience.