Whale watching on the Sapphire Coast

Humpback whales migrate north along the east coast of Australia in winter to breed in warmer waters, then return south in spring. The Sapphire Coast is one of the best places in New South Wales to watch the southern migration, because mothers and calves often rest and feed in the sheltered waters of Twofold Bay at Eden.

When to go

• June–August: the northern migration passes, usually further offshore.
• September–November: the southern migration; the peak time, when whales come close in and linger in Twofold Bay.
• Southern right whales, orcas and other species are seen occasionally.

Seasons vary from year to year. Local sighting reports and social media pages are the best guide to what is around right now.

Best land-based viewpoints

• Eden headlands — Rotary Park lookout and the coast around town look straight over Twofold Bay.
• Boyds Tower — high on Red Point in Beowa National Park.
• Green Cape Lighthouse — a dramatic cape at the south of the bay.
• Merimbula and Tura Head — headlands north of Eden.
• Tathra Wharf — a good spot to scan the water further north.

Bring binoculars, look for blows and splashes, and be patient: mornings with calm seas are best.

Whale-watching cruises

Local operators run cruises from Eden and Merimbula in season. We could not find one bookable on GetYourGuide, so book directly with operators and check reviews and cancellation policies yourself.

Rules for watching whales

NSW has legal approach distances for vessels, swimmers, drones and aircraft near whales, with larger distances for calves. Keep well back, never feed or touch marine animals, and follow operator instructions.

Whales and Eden’s history

The orcas of Twofold Bay famously helped local whalers herd baleen whales in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Learn the story at the Killer Whale Museum.