Each year, thousands of whales travel along Australia’s East Coast, creating one of nature’s most spectacular migrations. As spring unfolds, many are now making their journey south with newborn calves in tow, heading towards the cooler waters of Antarctica after spending winter in warmer breeding grounds.
While many whale enthusiasts make the journey to various South Coast destinations, Shellharbour has quietly established itself as one of the best places south of Sydney to experience the migration without travelling hours further down the coast.
Just 90 minutes from Sydney, visitors can encounter whales from clifftop lookouts, coastal walking trails, viewing platforms, on-water cruises and even through stories, art and cultural experiences that celebrate the region’s deep connection to Sea Country.
Caption: Whale watchers can learn unique stories from Shellharbour. Image courtesy of Shellharbour Wild.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said whales have become part of the city’s identity during migration season.
“Every year, these incredible animals pass right by our coastline, creating unforgettable moments for locals and visitors alike,” Mayor Homer said.
“What surprises many people is just how many different ways there are to experience that connection in Shellharbour. You can spot whales from our shared pathways and coastal lookouts, learn about their significance to Dharawal people, see them from the water on a whale watching cruise, or even from a picnic blanket out at Bass Point.”
One of the most unique experiences is the Aboriginal Cultural Whale Cruise, which departs from Shellharbour Marina and combines the spectacle of the humpback migration with thousands of years of Dharawal knowledge and storytelling.
For those who prefer to stay on land, Shellharbour offers countless opportunities to encounter whales throughout the migration season.
The city’s coastal pathways and headlands provide excellent vantage points for spotting breaching humpbacks as they make their annual journey north and south. At Bass Point Reserve, whales have even been known to venture into the sheltered waters of Bushrangers Bay, creating remarkable viewing opportunities from one of the region’s most picturesque coastal locations.
Caption: Whales enjoying Bushrangers Bay at Bass Point. Image courtesy of Tyrone Peters.
Yet the whale connection extends well beyond the coastline.
Visitors can discover whale-inspired public art at Shellharbour North Beach and Reddall Reserve along the Lake Illawarra Art Trail, while families can learn more about Dharawal culture and Sea Country through the award-winning Yirran Muru Aboriginal Playspace in Shellharbour City Centre.
Caption: The Yirran Muru Aboriginal Playspace features at the Shellharbour Civic Centre. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
Mayor Homer said the diversity of whale-related experiences set Shellharbour apart.
“Whale watching here is about more than simply spotting a whale on the horizon,” he said.
“It’s about understanding the stories, landscapes and cultural connections that have linked people and whales for generations.”
As the mighty mammals continue their annual migration along the coast, Shellharbour offers visitors countless opportunities to experience one of nature’s greatest journeys.
From coastal lookouts and marine adventures to cultural experiences, public art and waterfront dining, there are few places where whales are woven so naturally into the fabric of a destination.
With whales traveling thousands of kilometres between Eden and Hervey Bay each year, and visitors looking to meet them along the way, Shellharbour might just be the perfect pit stop.
To discover Shellharbour’s whale experiences and plan your visit, explore Visit Shellharbour(Opens in a new window).
KEY MESSAGES:
- Shellharbour offers one of the most diverse whale experiences south of Sydney, with opportunities to spot migrating humpback whales from coastal lookouts, shared pathways, whale watching cruises from Shellharbour Marina and some of the region’s most spectacular waterfront locations.
- Whales are woven into the fabric of Shellharbour, from Dharawal cultural tours and stories of Sea Country to public art and cultural experiences on Lake Illawarra.
- Just 90 minutes from Sydney, Shellharbour is the perfect whale season destination, offering a unique blend of wildlife encounters, cultural connections and coastal experiences without travelling all the way to the Far South Coast.
