The whales have once again started their journey through the Central Coast and we have the best whale watching spots all figured out. Between the months of May and November each year, we can expect our region to welcome over 25,000 humpback whales to our oceans. Travelling from Antarctica and towards the warmer waters of the Pacific, the whales glide through our region’s waters as part of their annual migration.
The annual whale migration is a truly majestic time, and our Central Coast region boasts some truly outstanding vantage points.
So, where are the best places to try and spot these majestic creatures on the Central Coast?
Not only have we compiled a handy list of all the best Central Coast whale watching vantage points to catch a glimpse of these awe-inspiring creatures, but we have also added the bonus of a few nearby cafés so you can grab a warm drink while you’re at it.
Best Whale Watching spots on the Central Coast
The Skillion, Terrigal
Whale watching in Terrigal is a must do during the migration season. The Skillion is the steepest hill found at Terrigal Haven, with many now walking the esplanade and over the new Terrigal Boardwalk before working the glutes up and around the cliff tops and up to the final point of the Skillion. If there are whales in the area, you’ll definitely see them from up here. Plus there are many cool cafes for a coffee or breakfast stop after all that walking. Plus, views, views and more views for days from so many spots around the Haven.
Coffee: Cove Café or the Haven Kiosk
Crackneck Lookout, Wyrrabalong National Park
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Crackneck Lookout is usually classed as the ultimate Central Coast whale watching spot as there are uninterrupted views of the waters and several picnic tables and benches available. You can either drive right to the top or do the bush walk up from Bateau Bay or Cromarty Hill in Forresters Beach. Grab a coffee or pack a picnic and sit for hours enjoying the view. Currently under construction but is due to reopen to the public in June 2023.
Coffee:Â Bateau Beach Cafe
Cromarty Hill, Forresters Beach
Whether you park at Crackneck Lookout and walk over, or simply drive up to Cromarty Hill, you will not be disappointed by the views on offer. You can look south back towards Forresters Beach and Terrigal, or directly east across the vast ocean. There is limited parking available and a narrow road, so be sure to take it easy.
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Coffee: Di Matteos or Drift Coffee Kazbah
Norah Head Lighthouse, Norah Head
Whale season or not, Norah Head Lighthouse is an iconic Central Coast landmark that is always worth a visit. You can park at the lighthouse or if you prefer a bush walk, park at Norah Head General Store. You walk through the bush to the lighthouse and then down the stairs to the rock shelf where you can loop back around to the café via the beach. Takes less than an hour in total, and you’ll undoubtedly see whales. It is also it’s a prime spot for spotting pods of playful dolphins.
Coffee: Norah Head Beach Haus
Bouddi Coastal Walk, Bouddi National Park
The Bouddi Coastal Walk in Bouddi National Park runs from Putty Beach to Macmasters Beach, with a large part of the 8.km boardwalk offering outstanding ocean views and ample opportunity to spot whales. Take a picnic with you and enjoy at any of the many beaches you pass along the way. A wintery swim at one of the many beautiful spots along the way should also be part of your plan.
Coffee: Hardy’s Bistro or The Fat Goose
Bateau Bay Beach Viewing Area
This sandstone viewing platform over Bateau Bay beach is a prime spot for whale watching on the Central Coast, even if it’s not as elevated as the rest. Best of all, there’s plenty of parking, great coffee at the Bateau Beach Café and picnic tables throughout. If you enjoy a bushwalk you can walk north towards Shelley Beach, or south up to Crackneck Lookout for an even more spectacular view.
Coffee: Cafe Mocha
Captain Cook Lookout, Copacabana Beach
While it’s a bit of a trek to Captain Cook Lookout, it’s one of the best vantage points to watch whales on the Central Coast. Hugely popular year round, here you’ll be able to look out to the ocean that runs all the way to Terrigal, through Avoca and down to Macmasters. In other words, you’ll definitely spot some whales.
Coffee: Oh Bless Home or The Bees Knees Eatery
You might also like to try:Â The Top 10 Central Coast Walks For a Nature Hit
Why do Whales migrate?
Around 25,000 humpback whales travel 5,000 kilometres from their summer feeding grounds near Antarctica to the warmer waters off Queensland and the Coral Sea to mate and give birth.
What types of whales can you expect to see on the Central Coast?
While humpback whales are the most spotted breed, the Central Coast has also been the sighting ground for southern right whales, minke whales and on the rare occasion there have even been orcas spotted in the waters off the Central Coast.
Will I spot a whale?
The migration season brings many chances for whale spotting off our coast, with the months of June & July often renowned for some of the busiest month for the Central Coast spotting enthusiasts. If you’re going to spot a whale, this is the time. With 25,000 humpback whales migrating north along Australia’s East Coast there’s a good chance you’ll spot a whale off the Central Coast headlands.
When is the best time of day to see a whale?
You can spot a whale on the Central Coast at any time of day, but the morning time is usually the best due to the sunrise lighting illuminating their whale blow more clearly.
What to look out for when whale spotting on the Central Coast?
When looking out across the vast oceans, scan the water for imperfections and interruptions to the water’s surface. This could be an indication of a majestic whale just below the surface.
However, the most magical way to spot a whale is most certainly the glorious breach. This is when a whale propels two thirds of their body out of the water, landing with a ginormous splash. On the Central Coast, the whales appear to enjoy breaching often.
You can also look out for a blow, a thick spout of water shooting out from the ocean. Each variety of whale has a different blow which helps marine experts identify which species of whale they are.
Whale watching tours on the Central Coast
Terrigal Ocean Tours
Prefer to go on a whale watching tour? We don’t blame you. The most popular whale watching tour on the Central Coast is Terrigal Ocean Tours. Whale watching tours with Terrigal Ocean Tours run from May through to November. They depart Terrigal and sail around the Central Coast waters to find whales, with a 60 minute trip costing $70 at weekends and $60 midweek. They also accept Discover & Parents NSW Vouchers.
Whale Watching Sydney
There’s also Whale Watching Sydney that offer Central Coast Whale Watching tours from Ettalong, departing on Saturdays during whale season, get in quick, spots are filling up fast. The tour costs $85 per adult (child & concession prices are available). They offer a whale guarantee which means if you don’t spot them you can re-book for free at another date. Also accepting your Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers.
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