Visitors to NSW’s coastal national parks are likely to spot a whale on their next trip with over 30,000 predicted to be currently migrating along the NSW coastline.
NSW ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is encouraging everyone to visit the North Coast national parks for a chance to see the ocean giants migrating. NPWS spokesperson Ann Walton said now is the perfect time to head to one of the region’s national park lookouts, headlands or foreshores to spot a whale.
“The waters off our coastline are very busy as whales head north to the warmer waters off Queensland to breed,” said Ms Walton.
“Around 6000 whale sightings on our Wild About Whales app have been logged, so it’s shaping up to be a great whale watching season,”
“³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ parks make up almost 50% of the NSW coastline and provide some of the best vantage points to spot whales on their annual migration.”
“Humpbacks and southern right whales are the most commonly sighted, however minke, false killer whales and orcas may also be spotted,” she said.
NSW ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks and Wildlife Service recommends these top four whale watching spots along the North Coast:
- boasts panoramic views of Byron Bay’s beaches and is a renowned spot for sightings of turtles, dolphins and whales.
- – A short walking track through coastal rainforest to Brunswick River, providing scenic views that are ideal for whale-spotting.
- – Take the 1.6km return walking track to the Three Sisters lookout to see migrating whales.
- – This lookout provides an aerial view of the Bundjalung area, near Yamba, including stunning beaches and the mouth of the Clarence River. Dolphins are often seen near the river inlet and whales are spotted out at sea.
NPWS’ free provides details on the best vantage points, real-time notifications of nearby sightings, and gives whale-watchers a chance to log their own experiences.
To remain safe when whale watching, NPWS reminds whale-watchers to keep at least 5 metres from cliff edges and rock platforms and pay close attention to signage and any advice from NPWS staff.
Visit for all your whale watching information this season.
Wild About Whales is an annual campaign run by the NSW ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks and Wildlife Service during the NSW whale watching season each year.
Join the whale-loving community
Stay connected and get the latest whale sightings and information:
– for all your whale info, best vantage points, tips for whale watching and coastal accommodation.
FREE Mobile App – download the Wild About Whales app from the or to see the latest whale sightings and record your own.
– join the whale-loving community to stay updated and share photos and experiences.
