The best places to go whale watching in Sydney

The most northern part of Palm Beach peninsula has beautiful ocean views and is part of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. A popular attraction of this region is Barrenjoey Lighthouse, a heritage listed building that stands at 113 metres above sea level, and it's a perfect spot for spotting whales. It's free to enter the park on foot (parking fees apply for cars).

Time Out tip: Bring water and snacks. 

Known for its steep ocean cliffs, military history and distinctive red-and-white striped Hornby Lighthouse, South Head has no shortage of lookouts. The best spot for whale watching is The Gap, an ocean cliff on the South Head peninsula. Climb to the top to gaze over the Tasman Sea and Sydney Harbour. If you’re feeling adventurous, walk the South Head Heritage Trail.

Time Out tip: The one-kilometre loop takes up to one hour to complete, so pack sunscreen and water and wear trainers.

Located in the Kurnell section of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Cape Solander is one of Sydney’s best whale watching spots. Named after botanist Daniel Solander, the Cape has an unbeatable lookout and is a good starting point for a walk through the park. Information on the whales can be found near the lookout, and you may spot a humpback as close as 200m to the coast. 

Time Out tip: If you don't get to spot one of these majestic creatures in the wild, your next best bet will be snapping a pic with the whale sculpture on the Burrawang Walk. 

The Coast Track walking trail in the Royal National Park takes you along a gorgeous stretch of NSW coastline, where you can spot sea eagles, silver gulls, and terns. In warmer months, you can finish your walk with a swim at Garie Beach, but in winter keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales, especially from Providential Point Lookout. You’ll walk by cliffs, beaches and escarpments taking in magnificent ocean views.

Time Out tip: The 26km trail is of medium difficulty, running from Bundeena to Otford and the time suggested to complete the track is two days. So if you're going the full length, you need to pack wisely with all essentials.

Right in Manly’s backyard is a walkway of unspoilt coastline. It’s hard to believe you’re only 11 kilometres from the CBD, as there's never-ending ocean views and a panorama of the harbour and city skyline. The walking track at North Head Sanctuary – which leads to North Fort and Fairfax Lookout – features fantastic sea views and opportunities to spot humpback and southern right whales.

Time Out tip: Entry to Sydney Harbour National Park is free, but parking fees apply. North Head is $5 per vehicle per day.

A short walk from Putty Beach in Bouddi National Park is the Gerrin Point lookout. In the spring, you can take the Bouddi Coastal Walk and enjoy the canvas of wildflowers, but in winter you'll want to grab your camera and climb the stairs to the highest vantage point to spot migrating humpback whales. The lookout has panoramic views of Maitland Bay, and there's a bench for visitors to take a rest.

Time Out tip: Make sure to bring a jacket; the location is exposed and you'll feel the wind chill.

Located just off Rose Bay, Shark Island is a secluded harbour island that offers great views of the harbour and both North and South Head. You need to book in advance to visit, but it’s probably the most secluded spot you’ll find on this list. With large grassed areas, a wading beach, gazebo and tables, Shark Island is also the perfect spot for a picnic, if watching whales all day makes you a little peckish.

Time Out tip: There’s a $7 per person landing fee (children under four years are free) to visit the island, but if you don't have the luxury of a private boat, Captain Cook Cruises run ferries over for $20 per person, with the landing fee included in your booking.

Skip the crowds and head north of Bondi Beach to Ben Buckler, a small area in North Bondi where the locals go swimming and hang out. When spotting whales, the aim is to get as high as possible, so the best vantage point is high above the water at the Ben Buckler Point lookout. It’s on top of the rocks and gives you a peachy view over the Pacific.

Time Out tip: Aim to visit in the morning when the waves are generally calmer – this makes it a bit easier to spot whales across the horizon.