Witness whales head north

From Coffs Harbour in the north, to the Sapphire Coast in the south – the entire coast of New South Wales is prime whale-watching territory from May to November each year.

A humpback whale throws itself into the air from dark blue water, causing a white spray on a sunny day.

Photo: Getty

With over 2,000 km of coastline, there’s no shortage of great spots to catch a glimpse of the Humpback Highway heading north.

Sapphire Coast, New South Wales

There aren’t many places in the world where you can watch whales from your tent, caravan or cabin – but NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort is the exception. You can see the whales on their northern migration during June and July. However, it’s the southern migration from September to December where you’ll see more species of whales including Minke Whales, Bryde Whales and Blue Whales, Orcas and the less common Sei Whale as well as Humpbacks and Southern Rights. As holidaymakers flock to the Sapphire Coast for seafood, the whales are here for the krill.

Further north along the coast is another great vantage point is the 44 kilometres of dramatic coastline along the Murramarang National Park. The best viewing spots are Snapper Point lookout which also has views to the sacred Aboriginal site of Gulaga Mountain, Pretty Beach and along three coastal walking tracks from Pretty Beach to Snapper Point, Pebbly Beach and Durras Mountain.

Stay at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort overlooking Beagle Bay and surrounded by National Park. There’s a range of waterfront accommodation, caravan and camping sites to choose from as well as a modern bistro, resort pool and group/conference facilities.

A humpback whale captured jumping in mid-air, fins out as it rolls over to reveal its white stomach, lined with black, against a hazy white water spray and dark blue ocean water.

Credit: Merimbula Tourism

Central Coast, New South Wales

The local Darkinjung people of the New South Wales Central Coast describe the area as ‘whale dreaming country’, and with more than 20,000 humpback whales expect to migrate north along the East Coast of Australia, the best place to base yourself is NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park. Situated on the stunning Umina Beach, the park is surrounded by natural bushland and the beautiful Brisbane Water National Park, it also has a variety of accommodation available from two and three bedroom cabins and villas, glamping tents as well as camping and caravan sites. Some of the best whale viewing spots include Copacabana, the high sea cliffs of Bouddi National Park, and Marie Byles Lookout.

A dark grey humpback whale's head breaks out of dark blue water, behind it is only the ocean horizon against dark clouds, a few rays of light breaking through.

Credit: Wild about Whales

Myall Lakes National Park, New South Wales

The Myall Lakes National Park is a top spot for whale watching. The historic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse at the northern end of the national park offers a great vantage point between June and October. Offshore, but still within the Myall Lakes National Park, is Broughton Island – a pristine spot for whale watching, you can also see dolphins swimming along the sandy beaches within Esmeralda Cove which can be accessed by local cruise tours.

Stay at NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park in a villa, safari tent or camping or caravan site. The lakeside setting is a haven for water-sport and nature lovers and is perfectly located to explore a number of secluded beaches, where you can watch the whales play and swim offshore.

Port Macquarie, New South Wales

Stay at NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park in the heart of Port Macquarie and the starting point of the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. Surrounded by the beach and river, the holiday park is a great vantage point to witness mother whales with calves, so you won’t even to leave your cabin to see them.

The abundance of small fish and prawns in the water off Port Macquarie draws migrating whales close to the coastline from May to November. Their playful frolicking is a spectacular sight from the viewing platforms and headlands along the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk and the heritage-listed Tacking Point Lighthouse. There’s also a number of whale watching cruises operating in the area for an up-close whale watching experience.

An hour north of Port Macquarie is the spectacular Macleay Valley with magnificent viewing vantage points at Hat Head, Crescent Head, South West Rocks, Grassy Head and Stuarts Point.

A single, large humpback whale tale above the surface of the water, it is mostly white, and lined around the edges with black. Behind the tail, the water leads to a sunny, sandy shoreline.

Credit: Visit NSW

Coffs Coast, New South Wales

The beautiful Coffs Coast is the ideal place for a coastal, whale-watching adventure and Arrawarra Headland as well as Wooloogla Headland are two perfect lookouts to spot migrating whales near Coffs Harbour between June and September. Both offer sweeping views over the coast and the Solitary Islands. There is a choice of cruises around the Solitary Islands where whale sightings are guaranteed and you can even swim with the Humpback whales. Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve can be accessed from the heart of Coffs Harbour and features a lookout point and viewing platform.

Stay at NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort on the pristine Arrawarra Beach, and just a short stroll from the Arrawarra Headland. The 110-acre beachfront resort is a nature lovers’ paradise with accommodation ranging from spa villas to camping and caravan sites. The resort has family-friendly facilities like a resort pool with twin waterslide and spa, a nine-hole golf course and a restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner.