Lighthouses and islands along the NSW coast are among the best spots to whale watch in spring. |
Cape Byron Lighthouse offers a bird’s-eye view over subtropical waters where whales pass through. |
POSTED: 22 AUGUST 2010
Top spots for spring whale-watching in NSW*
As the weather warms, hundreds of humpback whales will make their southern migration back down the coast of New South Wales.
On their journey south, whales can be more difficult to spot as they travel further from the shore than on their way north, making some of the lofty lighthouses and extraordinary islands along the NSW coast the best spots to whale watch in spring.
There are a handful of lighthouses set on protruding headlands in NSW national parks which offer expansive views out over the ocean, while several rugged islands off the coast provide a unique opportunity to see whales up close as they travel through the surrounding waters.
Lighthouses and islands offering great vantage points for whale watching include:
Smoky Cape Lighthouse, South West Rocks
The lighthouse atop Smoky Cape headland in Hat Head National Park provides excellent vantage points for whale watching, featuring a purpose-built viewing platform from which southern right and humpbacks are frequently spotted. The walk to the lighthouse is steep, but the view at the top is worth the climb. Guided tours are available and visitors can also stay overnight in the Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages.
Muttonbird Island, Coffs Harbour
As well as being the most significant muttonbird breeding site in NSW, Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is also a fantastic spot to watch whales. At one end of the island is a whale-watching lookout platform providing uninterrupted views out over Solitary Islands Marine Park, while a 500-metre walk along the breakwater connects the island to the mainland.
Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay
Set on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, the lighthouse in Cape Byron State Conservation Area offers a bird’s-eye view over subtropical waters where whales pass through. Guided tours of the lighthouse and headland are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Saturdays during school holidays. Visitors can also stay overnight in the Assistant Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages or in one of four beachfront cottages within the park — Imeson Cottage, Partridge Cottage, Thomson Cottage and Mildenhall Cottage.
Montague Island, near Narooma
Located off the coast of Narooma, approximately 350 kilometres south of Sydney, Montague Island Nature Reserve literally comes alive in spring with an amazing diversity of wildlife, including about 2000 Australian and New Zealand fur seals and more than 8000 little penguins. Whales swim close to the 80-hectare island between September and October. The island can only be seen as part of a guided tour, held daily at 9.30am, priced at $130 adults and $99 children. Visitors can also enjoy an amazing nature stay on the island in the 130-year-old Lighthouse Keepers' complex.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach
A great spot for whale watching, the historic lighthouse on Barrenjoey Headland offers 360-degree views over Broken Bay, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the coastline north of Sydney. Accessible by a 30-minute, steep track, Barrenjoey Lighthouse can be explored self-guided or with one of the organised lighthouse tours that run every Sunday between 11am and 3pm.
For more information on these whale-watching spots, and other locations within NSW National Parks, visit the new Wild About Whales website — www.wildaboutwhales.com.au.
*Based on media release issued by NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water.
