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From May to December, there are so many migrating humpback whales swimming along Sydney’s shores, you might even spot one from Sydney Harbour. Maximize your chances of seeing these majestic giants with these top tips on whale watching in Sydney.
When to Go
Sydney’s whale-watching season typically runs from May into December, when thousands of whales migrate through the area. There are two distinct watching periods: from May to August, as the whales head north to breed, and from August to December, when they head south with their calves to feed in the Antarctic.
What You’ll See
The most commonly sighted whales are humpbacks—some 20,000 of them traverse Australia’s eastern coastline during their annual migration. You can also spot minke whales, orcas, pilot whales, and southern right whales, as well as common and bottlenose dolphins around Sydney, and if you’re visiting later in the season you might even see some whale calves swimming and playing alongside their mothers.
How to Go
To maximize your chances of seeing whales, set sail on a Sydney whale-watching cruise and explore the open Pacific Ocean with the help of a naturalist guide. Tours by speedboat or cruise boat typically set out from Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay, or Darling Harbour; last between two and four hours; and sometimes include breakfast or lunch on board.
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Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise
91
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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From
$58.61
From
$58.61
Cruise the ocean waters off of Sydney to look for humpback and southern right whales as they migrate between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef from May to November. Your whale-watching experience starts out of Sydney Harbour and heads to the open ocean on a custom-built catamaran with large viewing windows and spacious decks that provide excellent sightlines. Often, dolphins, sea birds and other marine animals make an appearance during the nearly 2.5-hour whale-watching tour.
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* A traveler said: "We went whale watching for our first time and not only was it the best experience ever for us. I have to say the crew on the boat were Friendly and kind and Then we all got sea sick and they were so caring and checking up on us. I highly recommend this tour to any one Thank you vicky"
Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast
438
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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From
$73.45
From
$73.45
Enjoy a whale-watching cruise that begins with a breakfast or barbecue lunch onboard the boat while in the calm waters of Sydney Harbour. After breakfast or lunch, your boat glides past Sydney Head into the Pacific Ocean in search of the humpback and southern right whales that migrate along this coast from May to November. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins as you learn about them from your naturalist guide, who provides fascinating commentary about Australian marine life during your tour.
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* A traveler said: "Beautiful day with many whales--we were lucky. Waters were rough--plan on taking seasickness medication before you are on the water or you will feed your breakfast to the whales."
From
$88.29
Experience a close encounter with humpback whales without having to leave the city on this thrilling 2-hour speedboat tour from Sydney. Hop on-board the city’s fastest commercial ship and blast off across Sydney Harbour, past iconic landmarks like Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Leave the city behind and speed out into the Pacific Ocean, where you’ll have chance to spot majestic whales swimming and playing in their natural environment.
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* A traveler said: "Fast and bumpy but great. We saw lots of whales many close to us and some leaping out of the water Great driver guide"
Whale Watching Sailing Experience in Sydney
15
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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From
$51.94
From
$51.94
Enjoy the unique eco-friendly experience of whale watching under sail (weather permitting). After a short transit to the entrance of Port Jackson your small group tour heads into the Tasman Sea to search for Humpback and other species of whales during their annual migration passed Sydney
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* A traveler said: "A great day all around. After finding four whales we followed them for quite some time. The Captain knew what pace they were travelling and was able to keep up with them even when they dived. A truly exhilarating experience."
Small-Group Luxury Sydney Whale Watching Cruise
15
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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From
$241.13
From
$241.13
Enjoy the comforts of a 4-hour luxury whale-watching cruise from Campbell's Cove in Sydney. Head across Sydney Harbour and past the Sydney Heads into the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean to look for humpback and southern right whales on their migration through the Southern Hemisphere. Your naturalist guide shares informative commentary about the whales throughout your tour. Enjoy an included barbecue lunch buffet served on board and accompanied by unlimited drinks. You’ll travel with a small group limited to 10 people, which provides a more personalized experience.
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* A traveler said: "Fantastic - thoroughly recommend for those wanting a smaller much more personal whale watching trip"
Kayak to Goat Island in Sydney Harbour with Local
90
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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From
$95.12
From
$95.12
Get up close and personal with Sydney’s iconic harbor on this sea kayak adventure led by a professional photographer. Setting out from Blackwattle Bay, pose for photos in midwater, framed by Sydney Harbour Bridge, then land on rarely visited Goat Island (Memel) and discover its fascinating history as you look for wildlife. Your tour includes all necessary gear, from lifejacket and paddling gloves to water shoes, hat, and even sunscreen.
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Sydney Harbour Ferry with Taronga Zoo Entry Ticket
218
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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From
$51.45
From
$51.45
Take in panoramic views of top Sydney landmarks as you cruise through Sydney Harbour en route to Taronga Zoo. Your package includes round-trip cruise from Circular Quay to the zoo, and a ride on the Sky Safari Gondola, which whisks you uphill from the boat dock to the main entrance of Taronga Zoo. From the gondola, get an early peek at some of the zoo's inhabitants, such as giraffes, big apes, and native animals like kangaroos and koalas.
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* A traveler said: "First time in Australia from the U.K., the trip to Taronga was great! Ferry on time, friendly staff & made us a memorable time. The time Taronga was far exceeded our expectations! Beautiful, clean, brilliant animals & staff, very friendly & helpful - didn’t want to leave!"
Sydney Attractions Pass: SEA LIFE Aquarium, Sydney Tower Eye, WILD LIFE Zoo and Madame Tussauds
99
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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From
$42.29
From
$42.29
Visit your choice of two, three or four of Sydney’s top attractions with the convenient and economical Sydney combo pass. Choose from a list of five options: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye or Madame Tussauds Sydney. The Sydney Tower Eye observation deck offers sweeping views over Sydney Harbour and the city. The zoo and aquariums feature an amazing array of native Australian wildlife. Pose for photos with life-like wax statues of your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds.
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* A traveler said: "We went to Wild Life Zoo and Sea Life Aquarium with friends and our children. The kids loved it as they got to get up close and see the animals."
All Inclusive Blue Mountains Small-Group Day Trip from Sydney
2202
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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From
$107.58
From
$107.58
Experience the majestic World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains on a small-group full-day tour from Sydney. Enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Mountains and sites including the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Hop onboard the Scenic Railway (or other rides) at Scenic World, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch (dietary requirements accommodated), and visit Featherdale Wildlife Park to see kangaroos and other native Australian critters. Then, cruise by boat back to Sydney Harbour on the Parramatta River.
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* A traveler said: "This was a wonderful tour. I highly recommend this to anyone who would like to see the Blue Mountains and does not want to drive. I know I would not seen as much on my own. The tour operators were wonderful."
Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour
627
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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From
$23.74
From
$23.74
Delve into the history of Sydney and British Australia on a leisurely 90-minute walking tour in The Rocks district with an expert guide. Enjoy the delights of present-day visuals as you explore The Rocks and hear the story of Sydney’s convict past as you discover shady courtyards, narrow laneways and hidden areas that even the locals do not know about. Stroll along the shoreline of Sydney Harbour with views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past Cadman’s Cottage and Campbell’s Cove.
Tour Highlights:
• The shoreline of Sparkling Sydney Cove
• Harbour views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Cadman’s Cottage, The Rocks oldest surviving cottage built in 1816
• Campbell’s Cove, offering fantastic views of Sydney Harbour
• Awe inspiring Argyle Cut begun with convict labour in 1843
• Within The Rocks historic precinct, we will wander through Greenway Lane, Kendall Lane, Suez Canal, Foundation Park and much more.
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* A traveler said: "Easy walking very informative talk, leant a lot more about the rocks & visited places not seen before. Excellent tour. Very good tour guide."
Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour
1603
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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From
$43.96
From
$43.96
Join a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour by double-decker bus to discover the highlights of Sydney and Bondi Beach. Enjoy unobstructed views and recorded onboard commentary as you travel along two routes to top destinations like Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach. Go in-depth at any given place by simply hopping off the bus to explore. You can experience Sydney and Bondi's most noteworthy attractions at your own pace with your choice of ticket, valid for either 24 or 48 hours.
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* A traveler said: "Loved the fact that I was outdoors while riding on the upstairs section of the bus. Especially important during Covid to have the fresh air in my face."
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