Shire Whale Trail

By Carla Grossetti

31 May, 2018

Top 5 whale-watching spots in the Sutherland Shire

Sutherland Shire is bordered by the coast and has many great vantage points from which to view the ocean's most majestic creatures. From May to November, this coastline becomes the Pacific Highway for whales as more than 20,000 of these marine mammals make their annual migration north to breed. Here are the top 5 places to spot whales in the Shire.

Cape Solander

Cape Solander in the Kurnell section of Kamay Botany Bay National Park is one of the best whale-watching spots in the country. June and July are the best months to see humpback and southern right whales, which have been known to swim as close as 200m off the coast. NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service do an annual whale count, so they can track the number of whales migrating each year, you can volunteer and spend time staring out to sea to help spot these mammoth mammals

.** PLEASE NOTE: The road to Cape Solander and the whale watching platform will be closed from Monday 3 May to late July 2021. Learn more about the improvements being made at Cape Solander and check out some other top whale watching locations around Sydney.

Cronulla Esplanade

Ask any local and they'll tell you: the Cronulla Esplanade, which winds its way from Wanda to Bass and Flinders Point, is a hot spot for sighting whale spouts. Plonk yourself on one of the benches along the path near Shelly Beach or the Oak Park Pavilion, as they make ideal whale-watching rest stops.

The Coast Track at Royal National Park

Enjoy whale watching from one of the spectacular lookouts spots along the Coast Track, which runs from Bundeena to Otford, or if you are feeling adventurous then try tackling the entire 26km walk in sections. A great way to complete the Coast Track is to make it a two-day trek with an overnight stop at North Era Campground.

Garie Beach

If you are looking for a more luxe weekend away, you can book a stay at the Hill Top Cottage in the Royal National Park, which is also a prime location for spotting local wildlife. Wake at dawn, when the light is buttery and soft, and make the short drive down to Garie Beach, which truly is a picturesque location to whale watch.

Governor Game Lookout

Another inspired pit-stop is at the Governor Game Lookout, which offers soaring views over the heathlands and coastline. Pack a picnic and stay and play all day. BYO binoculars.

Feel free to share any whale sightings you have in the Shire with us, you can tag @visittheshire and @wildaboutwhales on your posts or send us your images and we will share them with the Visit the Shire community and credit you for the image. Email us at tourism@ssc.nsw.gov.au

Whale watching at Cape Solander, Kamay Botany Bay National Park

The Coast Track in the Royal National Park offers amazing views for whale watching

Stop to look for whales and have a bite to eat along the Coast Track in the Royal National Park

Walk with a friend along the Coast Track in the Royal National Park and look out for whales

Garie Beach is a prime location for whale watching with picturesque views

A weekend of whale watching with an overnight stay at Hilltop Cottage

From Wanda to Bass and Flinders Point on Cronulla Esplanade, is a hot spot for sighting whales

Whale watching at its best in the Sutherland Shire

Loads of vantage points for whale watching along the Cronulla Esplanade

Whale watching in the Sutherland Shire from May to November