If you’re visiting Cronulla then we recommend you don’t miss out on a trip to Cape Solander to watch their annual migration.
Famous for being one of Sydney’s best locations for whale watching. The most common whales seen are Humpbacks but if you’re lucky you may also see an Orca or Minke whale swimming by.
Located just along the coast from Cronulla, is Kurnell and the Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Cape Solander, named after the botanist Daniel Solander, is located within the National Park and provides a fantastic location to view these majestic giants as they stay close to the coastline on their annual migration journey north to warmer ocean waters to breed and give birth. This journey is usually between May and August and provides the best chance of seeing them pass by. The whales and their calves then return south in Summer to feed in Antarctic waters. As many as 20,000 whales will migrate during the year.
They often come close to the coast, but if you have some binoculars you might want to bring them along. Viewing platforms are manned with volunteers who count migrating whale numbers for the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, and provide information on the whales. Whilst the platforms might get busy during peak times, you can move along the cliffs to naturally formed viewing platforms and take in the spectacular views.
You can enter the National Park for a small charge (approx. $8) which gives you all day access. If you’re visiting by car the gates to the National Park are typically open from 7am all year round to either 5.30 pm during June to July, or 7.30 pm during August to May.
Aside from whale watching the coastal path provides an exhilarating walk and the cliffs also provide ornithologists a great viewing platform for bird watching.
On a safety note, due to its high, coastal location be careful of the unfenced cliffs, note the wind and weather conditions, and remember that overhanding rocks may be thin. Ensure you remain on the marked walking tracks, don’t stray close to cliff edges and of course make sure children are supervised at all times.
You might also like to take some time to explore the historical National Park to learn about Aboriginal history and the importance of this local area in Australia’s history.
Location: 21 Cape Solander Driver, Kurnell, NSW 2231
Cronulla Esplanade
Also well known as a great viewing location for both whales and dolphins. Keep an eye out on your walk along the Esplanade from Bass and Flinders Point right along to the sands of Wanda beach. Talk a rest on one of the benches along the walk way or unpack a picnic at one of the popular beaches such as Oak Park and Shelly Beach and keep an eye out for water spouts!
Cronulla now also has it’s very own whale watching cruise service. Launched in May 2019 the cruises depart twice daily ; the morning sailing departs at 9.30 am and the afternoon services commences at 1.30 pm. It takes a mere 10 minutes before you are out on the ocean waiting to see the majestic animals glide by on their annual migration.
More information about cruises from Cornulla Whale Watching is available by clicking here.
Whale Watching Jervis Bay
If you fancy a trip south of Cronulla then you can’t go wrong with a visit to the beautiful Jervis Bay. It’s a great place to catch the whales and dolphins too. You can find out places to stay and things to do in Jervis Bay too.
