Whale Watching in Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie might be better known for its enormous lake, beaches and laid-back coastal lifestyle, but there’s another reason to visit during winter and spring: whale watching.
Every year, humpback whales make their way along the NSW coast on their migration between Antarctica and the warmer waters of Queensland. From May to November, you can spot them from several headlands and coastal walks around Lake Macquarie – or get out on the ocean with a whale-watching cruise.
The great thing about whale watching in Lake Macquarie is that you don’t necessarily need to book a tour. There are several excellent land-based vantage points where you can settle in with a pair of binoculars and watch the migration from the shore.
Planning a whole weekend in the area? My Ultimate Guide to Lake Macquarie covers the best things to do, where to go and how to make the most of your visit.
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When is whale watching season in Lake Macquarie?
Whale watching season in Lake Macquarie runs from May to November, when humpback whales migrate along the NSW coast.
The northward migration generally happens from May to July, as whales head towards warmer Queensland waters. From around August the migration starts to change direction, with whales beginning their return journey south. September and October are particularly good months to look for whales, including mothers and calves.
You can see whales throughout the season, but the number and behaviour of whales can vary considerably from one day to the next. They are wild animals, after all.
Lake Macquarie whale watching month by month
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| May | The beginning of the northward migration. Early season sightings are possible. |
| June | One of the better months for northbound whales. |
| July | Peak northward migration and one of the best times to go whale watching. |
| August | A transition month, with northbound and early southbound whales potentially passing through. |
| September | Southbound migration gets underway. A great time to watch for whales. |
| October | One of the best months, with plenty of southbound whales passing the coast. |
| November | The season is winding down, but whales can still be seen. |
CoastXP considers June, July, late September and October among the prime months for whale watching from Lake Macquarie.
Whale watching on the water with CoastXP
If you want to get closer to the action, you can join a whale-watching cruise with CoastXP.
CoastXP’s Lake Macquarie whale-watching tours depart from Chalmers Street Jetty at Swansea, close to Swansea Bridge. The boat heads through Swansea Channel before heading offshore to look for migrating humpback whales. You may also encounter dolphins and other marine life along the way.
Want to see the whales from the water? A whale-watching cruise gives you a completely different perspective from watching from shore. Check current tour dates, prices and availability for a Lake Macquarie whale-watching cruise here.
CoastXP Lake Macquarie whale-watching tour
If you are prone to seasickness, it is worth preparing before you board.
Not sure whether you’ll cope with a whale-watching cruise? Read my tips for avoiding seasickness before you go.
Where to see whales from land in Lake Macquarie
One of the best things about whale watching around Lake Macquarie is that you have plenty of options if you don’t want to take a boat.
You don’t need expensive equipment either. Find a good vantage point, take a pair of binoculars, settle in and scan the horizon for a blow, splash, breach or the distinctive shape of a whale’s back.
Use my interactive map to see where the lookouts are and to plan your whale watching expedition.
Redhead Bluff
Best for: A simple whale-watching stop with excellent coastal views.
I found 3 different lookouts, all very small in size on the cliff each with low chain metal fences. The paths to the lookouts were dirt tracks through the bush, steep in sections. You’ll be rewarded with excellent views in different directions, depending on the lookout you visit. Definitely to be avoided with young children.
Redhead Bluff looks across Nine Mile Beach towards Swansea and Blacksmiths Beach, giving you a wide sweep of coastline to watch during migration season.
Accessibility: Good option for visitors who want a clifftop view. The tracks are narrow and uneven. Not suitable for prams, wheelchairs or young children.
Parking: Park on Ocean St or Iluka St and look for the bush tracks.
Public transport: Bus services operate through Redhead, although services are less frequent than in the larger Lake Macquarie centres. Check current routes and timetables before travelling.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and watch your step.
Redhead Beach Carpark Lookout
The Redhead Carpark Lookout is located on Beach Road, overlooking the surfclub.
Accessibility: Literally that easiest whale watching option as you can stay in your car! Good option for visitors who don’t want a difficult walk; the nearby Ken and Audrey Owens Walk is particularly suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
Parking: Park on Beach Street.
Public transport: Bus services operate through Redhead, although services are less frequent than in the larger Lake Macquarie centres. Check current routes and timetables before travelling.
Tip: Don’t just look straight out to sea. Scan the water between Redhead and Swansea – you may spot a whale’s blow before you see the whale itself.
Ken and Audrey Owens Walk
Best for: Families, prams and wheelchair users who want an easy coastal whale-watching walk.
The Ken and Audrey Owens Walk is an easy dog friendly 2.5km loop beginning around Webb Park. The track uses timber and concrete paths and follows the coastal area beside Redhead Beach.
It’s a particularly good choice if you want to combine whale watching with a picnic on top of the sand dunes (small children could slide down the dune on a cardboard box for fun), walk along the edge of the lagoon for a bit of bird watching or take the dog for a run on the beach rather than standing at a lookout for an hour.
Accessibility: One of the better accessible options in the area. The path is suitable for prams and wheelchairs. There are some accessible lookouts but they are a long way from the water and binoculars essential.
Parking: Parking is available around Webb Park.
Public transport: Redhead is serviced by buses, although you should check the current timetable before relying on public transport.
Tip: You don’t have to walk the entire loop. You can join the path from Cain Street if you want a shorter outing.
Spoon Rocks Lookout and the Caves Beach Coastal Walk
Best for: Combining whale watching with one of Lake Macquarie’s best coastal walks.
You can spot whales from Caves Beach itself, but for a better elevated view, walk the 5km return Coastal Walking Track towards Spoon Rocks Lookout.
The track follows the coastline between Caves Beach and the headland south of Pinny Beach, with several places where you can stop and scan the ocean. Spoon Rocks Lookout and Quarries Head are particularly good vantage points.
You can also walk out along Spoon Rocks Spit, which extends about 500 metres into the ocean.
Accessibility: The coastal walking track is uneven in sections and is not a wheelchair/pram-friendly option.
Parking: Caves Beach has a car park near the beach.
Public transport: Caves Beach is accessible by bus, but services are limited compared with Newcastle. A car is the easiest option if you’re combining the walk with other Lake Macquarie attractions.
Tip: If you’re staying at Caves Beach, this is an easy whale-watching option to add to your itinerary.
While you’re exploring this part of Lake Macquarie, don’t miss my guide to the best beaches around the lake.
Green Island Passage, Swansea Heads
Best for: A quieter, less obvious whale-watching spot.
Green Island Passage is at Swansea Heads, looking towards Green Island and the ocean beyond.
It’s one of those places that doesn’t necessarily feel like an official whale-watching lookout. Head down Green Island Road, near Reid’s Reserve, and you’ll find a coastal vantage point where you can look towards the passage and out to sea.
One advantage here is that it can be considerably quieter than some of the better-known coastal spots.
Accessibility: This is more of a roadside/headland viewing location than an accessible walking attraction. Conditions around the headland may be uneven.
Parking: Limited roadside/headland parking.
Public transport: Not the easiest option by public transport. A car is recommended.
Tip: Take binoculars. You’re looking across a large expanse of ocean, so magnification makes a big difference.
Awabakal Nature Reserve
Best for: Combining whale watching with a coastal walk.
The coastal track between Dudley and Redhead passes through Awabakal Nature Reserve and provides spectacular ocean views.
If you don’t want to walk the whole route, you can reach the Awabakal Viewpoint near the Dudley end. On a clear day, the views extend towards Newcastle, giving you a huge area of ocean to scan for whales.
Accessibility: The track can be rough and isn’t suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
Parking: Parking is available around the Dudley and Redhead ends of the track.
Public transport: Bus services are available to Dudley/Redhead, but this is much easier with a car.
Tip: This is a good choice if you want to turn whale watching into a proper bushwalk rather than simply driving to a lookout.
Caves Beach
Best for: An easy whale-watching option that you can combine with a beach day.
You don’t necessarily need to hike to Spoon Rocks to see whales. Caves Beach itself provides opportunities to watch the migration, particularly from the more elevated areas around the beach.
And there’s plenty to do while you’re waiting.
Explore the famous sea caves at low tide, walk along the beach, grab something to eat or simply settle in and watch the ocean. Caves Beach is also a great base for exploring the southern end of Lake Macquarie.
Accessibility: The beach itself isn’t considered accessible for people with access needs, so check conditions if accessibility is important.
Parking: Car parking is available close to the beach.
Public transport: Bus services are available, but a car is more convenient for exploring the surrounding coastline.
Tip: If you’re staying nearby, check the ocean regularly. You might not see a whale the first time you look – and then suddenly one will appear.
Planning to explore Caves Beach? Here’s my guide to the caves, beach and everything else you need to know.
Which Lake Macquarie whale-watching spot should you choose?
You don’t need to visit all seven.
For accessibility: Start with the Ken and Audrey Owens Walk.
For an easy lookout: Try Redhead Bluff or Redhead Beach Carpark Lookout.
For a coastal walk: Choose Spoon Rocks Lookout or Awabakal Nature Reserve.
For somewhere quieter: Try Green Island Passage.
For a beach day: Stay around Caves Beach.
For the closest experience: Get out on the water with CoastXP.
And if you have a few days in Lake Macquarie, there’s no reason you can’t try more than one.
If you’re turning whale watching into a weekend away, here’s my suggested Lake Macquarie weekend itinerary.
Where to stay for whale watching in Lake Macquarie
Stay at Caves Beach
For a whale-watching getaway, I’d choose Caves Beach as your base.
You’re close to the ocean, the coastal walking track and several of the best whale-watching locations, while Swansea and the CoastXP departure point are only a short drive away.
It also means you can make the most of your time between whale sightings. Explore the beach and caves, walk the coast, find somewhere for dinner or simply enjoy being by the ocean.
Discover the Magic of Caves Beach
If you’re staying for a couple of nights, whale watching can easily become part of a bigger Lake Macquarie coastal weekend rather than the sole reason for the trip.
Tips for whale watching in Lake Macquarie
Go early in the day when you can
Whales migrate throughout the day, so there isn’t a magic hour when you’re guaranteed to see them. CoastXP notes that whales can be observed at all times of day.
That said, morning is often my preference for a boat trip because the sea can be calmer earlier in the day. Calmer conditions can also make it easier to scan the horizon from a lookout.
Take binoculars
A whale can be surprisingly difficult to spot with the naked eye, particularly when it’s travelling rather than breaching.
Binoculars make it much easier to pick up the blow and follow a whale once you’ve spotted it.
Don’t only look for breaches
A spectacular breach is what everyone hopes to see, but most whale watching isn’t like that.
Look for:
- A plume of spray from the blowhole
- A dark back breaking the surface
- A tail fluke
- Multiple blows in the same area
- Birds suddenly gathering over the water
- Repeated movement in one section of ocean
Once you’ve spotted one whale, keep watching. It may surface several times before continuing on its way.
Give yourself time
Don’t pull into a lookout, stare at the ocean for two minutes and decide there are no whales.
They’re wild animals moving through a huge area of ocean.
Give yourself at least 30 minutes if you can. Sometimes the reward comes when you’ve almost stopped looking.
Check the weather and ocean conditions
A clear day with good visibility makes land-based whale watching much easier.
For boat trips, check the conditions before you leave and dress for the possibility of wind and spray. Even a sunny winter day can feel cold on the water.
Be patient
There are no guarantees with wildlife.
You might see a whale breach repeatedly. You might see nothing for 45 minutes and then suddenly spot a mother and calf. That’s part of what makes whale watching exciting.
Whale watching in Lake Macquarie: the bigger picture
Lake Macquarie is just one stop along Australia’s Humpback Highway.
The whales travelling past Lake Macquarie are part of the same annual migration that takes them along the NSW and Queensland coasts. If you’re planning a road trip around whale season, you can follow the migration and choose different destinations depending on the time of year.
My complete guide to whale watching on Australia’s east coast covers the best destinations along the Humpback Highway, when to go, land-based whale watching versus cruises and how to make the most of the migration.
Ready to go whale watching in Lake Macquarie?
You don’t need to spend a fortune or book a complicated tour to experience whale watching in Lake Macquarie.
Find a headland, pack your binoculars and spend some time watching the ocean. Or, if you want to get closer to the action, book a whale-watching cruise from Swansea with CoastXP.
And once you’ve seen your first humpback blow offshore, you’ll probably find yourself looking towards the ocean every time you’re near the coast during whale season.
Planning a Lake Macquarie getaway? Start with my Ultimate Guide to Lake Macquarie, then add a few of the area’s beaches, walks and free things to do to build your own weekend.
