- The 2026 whale watching season has officially begun, with over 40,000 whales estimated to migrate along the NSW coastline between May and November.
- The NSW coastline is home to many national parks and reserves, making a coastal walk one of the best ways to experience the whale migration.
- Coastal walks feature clifftop lookouts, oceanfront tracks and headlands with sweeping sea views where whales can often be seen travelling close to shore.
- Often quieter than busy viewing platforms, they offer a more peaceful, immersive way to spot whales as they journey on their annual migration.
- From short strolls to multi-day NSW Great Walk hikes, these top 7 coastal walks pair spectacular scenery with some of the state’s best land-based whale watching.
Cape Baily Walking Track – Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Starting at Cape Solander in Kurnell, Cape Baily walking track is a standout Sydney walk for whale watching, with clifftop views and a viewing platform where whales can sometimes be seen just 200m offshore. The 8km return track passes dramatic sandstone formations, Cape Baily Lighthouse and coastal heath. Humpback whales are most active here in June and July, though sightings are possible from May to October. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seabirds and native wildflowers along the way.
Fairfax Walk – Sydney Harbour National Park
Located at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park, Fairfax walk offers one of Sydney’s best headland vantage points for whale watching. The easy 1km loop links 2 impressive lookouts and delivers sweeping ocean and harbour views. The paved track is ideal for families with children and is also wheelchair accessible. The best times to spot migrating whales here are June to July and August to October.
Bouddi Coastal Walk – Bouddi National Park
Located near Gosford, Bouddi coastal walk is one of the Central Coast’s standout tracks for whale watching. The 8km walk from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach follows a spectacular stretch of coastline with ocean views, boardwalks, secluded beaches and lookouts, including Gerrin Point. Ideal for a weekend adventure, with camping also available, the walk pairs sweeping scenery with excellent opportunities to spot migrating whales offshore.
Tomaree Coastal Walk – Tomaree National Park
Set along 27km of the Port Stephens coastline, Tomaree Coastal Walk runs from Tomaree Head at Shoal Bay to Birubi Point Aboriginal Place at Anna Bay. Crossing coastal headlands, beaches, rock platforms and lookouts including Slot canyon, it offers a front-row seat to spot whales, dolphins and sea eagles. One of the NSW Great Walks, it can be tackled over 2–3 days or explored in shorter sections.
Walgun Cape Byron Walking Track – Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area
Situated at Australia’s most easterly point, Walgun Cape Byron walking track is one of the state’s most scenic coastal walks for whale watching. The 3.7km loop winds through rainforest, clifftops, beaches and grasslands, with sweeping views of Byron Bay’s coastline and the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse. From May to November, walkers have a great chance of spotting whales offshore, along with dolphins, turtles and seabirds. The track takes 2 hours to complete or can be enjoyed in shorter sections for a more relaxed coastal stroll.
Murramarang South Coast Walk – Murramarang National Park
Spanning 34km between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, the Murramarang South Coast Walk is a spectacular multi-day hike with secluded beaches, dramatic rock platforms and crystal-clear water. Walkers can spot whales from coastal lookouts as they migrate along the South Coast, with the best chance of sightings from May to November. Dolphins, seabirds and eastern grey kangaroos are also commonly seen. One of the NSW Great Walks, it can be tackled over 3 days or explored in shorter sections.
Light to Light Walk – Beowa National Park
The Light to Light Walk is a spectacular 32km multi-day hike on the far South Coast near Eden. Passing rugged headlands, sheltered bays and standout lookouts at Boyds Tower and Green Cape, this NSW Great Walk offers some of Australia’s best land-based whale watching. Walkers can spot southern right and humpback whales, as well as seals and seabirds, with the best whale watching from September to early December during the southern migration to Antarctica.
For whale watchers seeking an immersive experience, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service also offers guided whale watching walks and tours along the NSW coastline. For details visit Whale Watching Tours
Whale watchers are reminded to stay safe by maintaining a distance of at least 5 metres from cliff edges and rock platforms.
For more information visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
