Top four whale watching spots on the Northern Beaches

Get ready – the starter’s flag is about to drop on the Humpback Highway!

Beginning this month and running through to November, around 50,000 humpback whales will travel this watery route on their annual migration to the warm waters of Queensland to give birth before returning south with their offspring.

Like any highway, there is a whole range of travellers, from the majority humpbacks to a scattering of southern right whales and occasional orcas, blue whales, minke whales and sperm whales.

Thankfully, some of the best spots to observe this fascinating event are here on the Northern Beaches. So read on for our most popular whale-watching locations and get ready for the road show.

1. Out at sea

Most whale-watching ocean tours start from mid/late May and provide the best way to get up close and personal with these giant mammals.

Sydney Charter Fishing departs from Manly Wharf. With a minimum of 12 passengers and maximum of 15, you’ll enjoy a very personal whale-watching experience aboard their 11m charter vessel Ateam, with its wide decks, shaded seating, sound system and spacious modern bathroom.

Ocean Extreme, Sydney’s fastest commercial vessel, carries up to 12 passengers and picks up in Manly daily.

2. North Head

North Head has numerous fantastic vantage points to spot whales, but the most popular and easiest to reach is the lookout behind the carpark at Shelly Beach. Keep an eye out for telltale splashes as the whales flick their tails, or fountains of water spouting from the whales’ blowholes each time they breathe out.

The incredible lookouts at the top of North Head, on the Fairfax Walk, can be reached by walking a 9km return scenic route, or you catch bus 161 from Manly.

3. Long Reef Headland

One of Northern Beaches’ best-hidden whale-watching spots is at Long Reef Headland. Here there is a viewing platform from which you will have a clear sightline all the way south to Manly, north to the Central Coast and east across the Pacific Ocean. Keep a keen eye out for mother whales and their calves, which often come in quite close to the coastline and beaches to find a spot to rest or socialise.

4. Palm Beach

One of the most impressive whale-watching spots in Palm Beach is from the top of the Barrenjoey Headland. Pack a picnic and hike to the top to enjoy impressive views across the ocean.

For some extra tips on how to find whales from the shore, check out this blog written by Northern Beaches Council.