Jervis Bay is Your Perfect Whale-Watching Spot in NSW!
If you are a nature lover and enjoy watching sea creatures like whales and dolphins, Jervis Bay is one of your must-visit destinations. The Jervis Bay whale-watching season stretches for close to seven months, allowing locals and travellers to plan a convenient trip for as short or long period as they wish. While in the waters, you’ll see the bay come to life with the incredible sight of humpback and southern right whales as they leap out of the water in great splendour.
But when should you visit Jervis Bay, and which are the best whale-watching spots in the area? We’ve answered these questions and more in the sections below.
Best Time for Whale Watching in Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is located about 2.5 – 3 hours south of Sydney and a similar distance from Canberra. The bay welcomes thousands of visitors yearly for a weekend escape or a day trip in the waters, offering plenty to explore along the way. This village was once a small fishing spot rich in Indigenous and European history. It has, however, transformed into a lively coastal town surrounded by national parks, sandy beaches and wildlife.
When visiting Jervis Bay for whale watching, Huskisson serves as the main town and port. From May to November, the waters at Jervis Bay become a humpback highway. Besides the common humpback whales, there are occasional sightings of Southern Right Whales, Minke Whales and Orcas.
June and July mark the peak of the northward migration, when the greatest number of whales pass through the bay, this is your best bet for spotting the largest numbers of humpbacks, often accompanied by playful pods of dolphins. If you’d rather see mothers resting with their newborn calves in calmer, closer waters, aim for September to November instead, when whales return south and linger in the bay’s sheltered waters.
Jervis Bay’s headlands shelter it well year-round, so conditions on the water tend to be manageable across the whole season, just check with your operator closer to the date, since South Coast winter weather can be changeable. If you are getting to Hyams Beach from Sydney, this activity is an out-of-the-box idea for enjoying coastal weather.
Where to Watch Whales from Land in Jervis Bay
If you prefer to observe whales from the shore or some vantage points on land, as opposed to viewing them from a vessel at sea, there are a couple of land-based whale viewing spots in Jervis Bay. These include:
Point Perpendicular
Point Perpendicular Lighthouse offers great whale watching from May to November, with sightings of Humpbacks, Southern Rights, Minkes, and occasionally Orcas. The lighthouse sits inside an active Navy training area, so it’s typically open only on weekends and NSW school holidays, and can close without notice for live-fire exercises, so it’s worth checking ahead. The interior isn’t open to visitors, but the grounds atop the 90-metre cliffs offer some of the best whale views in the bay, and mother-and-calf pairs are a common sight in the calmer months.
- Location: Beecroft Peninsula NSW 2540, Australia (The southern end of Beecroft Peninsula, overlooking the white sand beaches of Jervis Bay.)
- Contact: Call the range/ranger station on (02) 4448 3411 before visiting to confirm access.
Penguin Head, Culburra Beach
This is a great public spot for whale watching, with no entry fee or bookings required. You need to start at Crookhaven Heads and walk down the beach to Penguin Head to get to the lookout point. From there, You can see a lot of the coast from there. Most accommodation homes in Culburra Beach have great ocean views so that you can see whales from your room. It’s a free, open public reserve, no bookings or entry fee required.
- Location: Culburra Beach, north of Jervis Bay. at 185 Penguins Head Rd, Culburra Beach NSW 2540.
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Cape St George Lighthouse
Cape St George Lighthouse is a heritage-listed ruin inside Booderee National Park, and one of the best land-based whale-watching points on this stretch of coast. Peak viewing runs June-July (northern migration) and September-November (southern migration, when mothers return with new calves). Nearby, Cave Beach is an ideal camping point for whale watching and spending time under the sun. From the lighthouse, you can further join the walking trails in Booderee National Park to extend the day.
Warden Head, Ulladulla
Just five minutes from Ulladulla, Warden Head Lighthouse is a free, unstaffed public lookout, so you won’t have to book for or do entry call for your visit. During migration season, whales can be spotted up close from this vantage point, offering fantastic Instagram moments. Nearby Rennies Beach and Bannisters Head provide additional viewing opportunities, with guests at nearby accommodation homes potentially spotting whales from the pool bar or even from their rooms.
- Location: Ulladulla NSW 2539, Australia
On-Boat Whale Watching in Jervis Bay
On the boat, whale watching is often led by experienced guides, plus they offer up-close views, making them more fascinating. Here’s a quick overview of some popular on-boat whale-watching experiences in Jervis Bay.
Jervis Bay Wild
Jervis Bay Wild offers eco-cruises all year with experienced guides who will help you learn about whale behaviours. During the trip, you might spot dolphins, penguins and seals playing near the boat.
- Booking Office: 58 Owen Street Huskisson
- Contact: (02) 4441 7002
- Email: cruise@jervisbaywild.com.au
- Location: 15 Field St, Huskisson NSW 2540, Australia
Dolphin Watch Jervis Bay
Dolphin Watch Jervis Bay offers tours to see both whales and dolphins. You can join whale-specific tours or choose the Best of Jervis Bay Eco Cruises to watch both dolphins and whales. Their boat, the Spirit of Jervis Bay, has five viewing areas, giving you more opportunities for up-close footage. You can also book a private yacht with Jervis Bay Sailing Charters for a fancy trip.
- Location: 50 Owen Street, Huskisson NSW 2540
- Contact: (02) 4441 6311
Ulladulla Fishing Charters
Ulladulla Fishing Charters offers tours around Mollymook, Ulladulla and Narrawallee. During the whale watching and sightseeing charters, you will enjoy views of the Pigeon House Mountain and the Warden Head Lighthouse. Humpback whales are a common sighting during this tour.
- Location: Ulladulla Harbour, Wason St, Ulladulla NSW 2539.
- Conact: 04 2724 2405
- Email: ahoy@ulladullafishingcharters.com.au
Exploring Accommodations in Jervis Bay with The Holidays Collection
If you are travelling from outside Jervis Bay or Huskisson and planning to stay in the area for a day or longer, there are several accommodation in Jervis Bay options for you. Whether you prefer a simple bed and breakfast or a luxurious beachside resort, The Holidays Collection has several choices to suit every taste and budget.
Why book with The Holidays Collection?
- Save 15–20% by booking directly.
- A wide selection of accommodation across Jervis Bay.
- Options ranging from cosy retreats, pet-friendly to luxury beachfront stays.
For guests who enjoy camping, the region also has several well-equipped campgrounds in convenient locations. No matter the preferred style of stay, there’s a comfortable place to unwind after a day spent sightseeing and whale watching in Jervis Bay.
