Wonderful Whale Watching in Wollongong
Wonderful Whale Watching in Wollongong is your guide to spotting whales. Where to see them, on land and water, how to get there and where to stay. Plus tips on how to avoid seasickness.
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Humpback whales travel 10,000kms from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the breeding grounds in sub-tropical waters. Whales can swim up to 8km/hr but during the migration cruise at an average leisurely 1.6km/hr. This is affectionately known as the humpback highway.
Humpback whales measure 16-17m in length and weigh up to 40 tonnes. That’s a bit bigger than a bus! So, when they breach, that is when they throw their entire body out of the water, in an action of pure joy, it’s truly impressive. Humpback whales can live up to 50 years. They eat krill and small fish and practice the techique called bubble netting where they swim in circles blowing bubbles which compress the krill or fish together, then they will swim up through the bubble net and open their enormous mouths to engulf their meal. Humpback whales can eat 1360kg of krill per day during feeding season.
The trip south later in the year is slower as the new mums swim with their 4-5m long, 2 tonne calves. Humpback whales are the most playful whale species. Look out for spouts, spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and if you are lucky, breath-taking breaches where the 40 tonne mammals launch themselves skyward in a display of pure power and joy.
If you are lucky, you might even see Migaloo, the famous white whale.
Wollongong is home to just over 300,000 Australians and is the third largest city in NSW after Sydney and Newcastle. It is nestled between the Illawarra Escarpment and the Pacific Ocean providing dramatic coastline and ideal whale watching opportunities.
When do the whales visit?
Humpback whales visit Wollongong from May to November.
Getting there
Drive
Wollongong is located 80kms south of Sydney and takes approx 1 hour and 10 mins. I recommend you take the scenic Grand Pacific Drive, which takes you through the Royal National Park and along the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge.
Public Transportation
Catch the train from Sydney to Wollongong. The journey will take between 1 1/2 hours – 2 hours depending on the time of day and will cost approx $10.
Use this link for public transport to Wollongong.
Trip Planner | transportnsw.info
Where to stay
Luxurious – Ocean Vista Escape This luxury 5 bedroom penthouse offers direct beach access and stunning sweeping ocean views.
Mid range – Argo Apartments The hotel is a short walk from Wollongong City Beach and only 1 minute from WIN Stadium. You might be lucky to see the Dragons play at home in the evening during NRL season.
Budget –Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort – is located beachfront at gorgeous Towradgi Beach. Fall asleep to the sound of waves breaking as the kids sleep soundly after a day playing in the indoor heated pool and a little family friendly putt-putt golf challenge.
Whale watching tours
Aquilla Fishing Charters is Wollongong’s first whale watching cruise. With a maximum limit of 22 guests aboard our 60-foot vessel, you’ll have front-row views, plenty of space to roam, and a truly personal connection to the migrating Southern Humpback Whales. Enjoy a 3-hour weekend adventure with a whale-sighting guarantee or come back for free this season. Plus, we provide morning tea and a delicious sausage sizzle to keep the good vibes going.
This 1.5 hour Whale Watching Cruise gives you the rare opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of our migrating Humpback Whales.
Land based whale watching
- Bald Head Lookout – Located in Stanwell Tops, the views from here are incredible. It’s a little way off the coast so bring your binoculars to spot whales.
- Wollongong Lighthouse – Located on Flagstaff Point this vantage point is excellent for spotting whales. Take the time to enjoy the Blue Mile Walk around the harbour whilst you’re there.
- Sublime Point Lookout – Located in Bulli Tops provides epic views of the coast. You’ll probably only see the big breaches from here as it is a distance from the coast, but the view is worth the effort even if you don’t see whales.
- Sea Cliff Bridge. There are parking areas either end of the Sea Cliff Bridge where you can marvel at this engineering masterpiece and spot a whale or two.
Tips to avoid sea sickness
- Eat a good breakfast – not too fatty
- Stay hydrated – nothing worse than heading out to sea with a hangover!
- Take seasickness tablets before you leave. They take 15 minutes to start working. There are 2 types of Travacalm available from the chemist. (They are not sold in supermarkets. Grrrrr.) The original blue one, I find works best. There is also a ginger based one, but this doesn’t work so good in my opinion. The cruise operators should also have sea sickness tablets available on board.
- Stand outside with the breeze in your face. Front of the boat is the best spot anyway for spotting wildlife.
- Look out to the horizon and look for whales and dolphins. This will help you brain, eyes and ears to figure out which way is up.
So what are you waiting for? Book your winter whale watching holiday now, or if you are a local, take a day off and spend the day with these gentle giants. You won’t regret it.
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