These are the 7 best hikes in NSW for whale-watching

Winter is officially here, and along with Vivid, SFF and Sunday roasts, whale-watching season is one of our very favourite things about the chilly season in Syd. Keen to see the big splashers out in the wild? From clifftop lookouts to sea-sprayed headlands, there are few better ways to spot a migrating whale than on foot. And with more than 40,000 whales expected to pass along the NSW coastline between May and November, the 2026 season is shaping up to be a big one.

While crowded viewing platforms have their place, it’s the state’s coastal walks that really deliver the magic – quieter, wilder and often putting you eye-level with these gentle giants as they cruise surprisingly close to shore. Whether you’re after a quick scenic loop or a multi-day adventure, these are the coastal walks worth lacing up for this whale season.

Cape Baily walking track – Kamay Botany Bay National Park

If you’re chasing one of Sydney’s most reliable whale-watching vantage points, this is it. Starting at Cape Solander in Kurnell, the eight-kilometre return track hugs dramatic sandstone cliffs, with a dedicated viewing platform where humpbacks have been known to pass just 200 metres offshore. Peak action hits in June and July, but keep your eyes peeled all the way until October.

Fairfax Walk – Sydney Harbour National Park

Short, sweet and seriously scenic, the one-kilometre Fairfax Walk at North Head punches well above its weight. This easy loop links two spectacular lookouts with sweeping views over both the harbour and the open ocean. It’s pram- and wheelchair-friendly, making it one of the most accessible whale-watching spots in the city. Aim for June to July or the return migration between August and October for your best chances.

Bouddi Coastal Walk – Bouddi National Park

A Central Coast classic, this eight-kilometre stretch from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach delivers a greatest-hits reel of coastal scenery: boardwalks through bushland, tucked-away beaches and sweeping ocean lookouts. Gerrin Point is a standout for spotting whales offshore, and with camping options nearby, it’s easy to turn this into a full weekend escape.

Tomaree Coastal Walk – Tomaree National Park

Spanning 27 kilometres along the Port Stephens coastline, this NSW Great Walk is the definition of a choose-your-own-adventure. You can tackle it over two to three days or dip into shorter sections, but either way, expect front-row seats to migrating whales, plus dolphins and soaring sea eagles. Highlights include Tomaree Head’s panoramic views and the dramatic Slot Canyon.

Walgun Cape Byron walking track – Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area

At Australia’s most easterly point, this 3.7-kilometre loop packs in a little bit of everything: rainforest, beaches, clifftops and that iconic lighthouse backdrop. It’s one of the best all-rounders for whale watching, with frequent sightings between May and November. Keep an eye out for dolphins and turtles cruising the same waters.

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Murramarang South Coast Walk – Murramarang National Park

For those willing to go the distance, this 34-kilometre multi-day hike between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay is pure coastal immersion. Expect secluded beaches, glassy water and regular whale sightings from elevated lookouts. It’s not just about the ocean, either – eastern grey kangaroos are a common sight along the sand.

Light to Light Walk – Beowa National Park

Down on the far South Coast, this 32-kilometre hike from Boyds Tower to Green Cape is widely considered one of the best land-based whale-watching experiences in Australia. Visit between September and early December to catch southern right whales on their southern migration, alongside humpbacks, seals and seabirds.

If you’d rather leave the route planning to the experts, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service also runs guided whale-watching walks and tours along the coast – perfect for first-timers or anyone keen to learn more about the migration. You can book over here.

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