Experts from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) are encouraging South Coast residents to head to their nearest coastal national park to seek out a vantage point to see the whales on their annual migration north.

OEH Senior Wildlife Officer Susan Crocetti said from now and throughout June and July, keen whale watchers were likely to see larger groups of humpback whales as they moved along the NSW coastline towards warmer waters for breeding.

“We expect more than 30,000 humpback whales will make the migration this year, and they’re already underway heading north,” Ms Crocetti said. 

“We will see them heading southwards, many with their newborn calves, during spring from September through to November, travelling at a much more leisurely pace than on their northward journey.”

Mrs Croecetti said there were many viewing opportunities to catch a glimpse of the gentle giants.

“If the spectacular sight of whales breaching, blowing and tail-slapping is on your bucket list, now is your chance to tick it off,” she said.

Some of the top vantage points on the Far South Coast are; 

Vantage points in national parks usually also offer visitor facilities like a viewing platform or a walking track, and nearby picnic facilities and carparks.

To find out more about the best whale watching vantage spots along the NSW coast, learn about whale behaviours and different species of whales, and to download the free Wild About Whales mobile app, visit wildaboutwhales.com.au. 

Stranded, entangled, or sick whales should be reported immediately to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Environment Line on 131 555 or ORRCA Whale and Dolphin Rescue on (02) 9415 3333 (24 hours hotline).