The whales are back. Jervis Bay whale watching season has officially kicked off, and the next few months are some of the best of the year to see humpbacks up close. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to plan a winter weekend on the South Coast, this is it.
Here’s what to expect, when to come, and how to make the most of it.
When is whale watching season in Jervis Bay?
Whale watching season in Jervis Bay runs roughly from May through to November, so right now you’re at the very start of it.
It splits into two waves:
- May to July, humpbacks head north along the coast on their way to warmer breeding waters. This is the migration you’re seeing right now.
- September to November, the whales make their return trip south, often with brand-new calves in tow. Mums and bubs hugging the coastline is a genuine highlight.
You may also spot the occasional southern right whale, and the bay’s resident dolphins are around all year. So even if the timing isn’t perfect, you’re rarely going home empty-handed.
How to actually see the whales
You’ve got two easy options: get on the water, or find a good vantage point on land. Most people do a bit of both.
Take a cruise. Whale-watching cruises run out of Huskisson through the season, and they’re the surest way to get close. Crews know where the whales have been tracking and will get you out to them. Many also run dolphin-watching cruises, which are a lovely, calmer option if you’ve got little kids or you just fancy a gentle morning on the bay. Book ahead on weekends, as they fill up fast once the season’s underway.
Watch from the shore. You don’t have to set foot on a boat. Booderee National Park has some of the best lookouts in the region. The headlands around Murrays Beach and the walking tracks near the Hole in the Wall give you elevation and a wide stretch of ocean to scan. Pack binoculars, bring a thermos, and give it time, spotting a blow on the horizon, then a tail, is worth the wait.
A quick tip: calm, clear mornings are your friend. Less chop on the water makes spouts and breaches far easier to pick out.
Why a winter weekend in Jervis Bay just works
Whales aside, winter is a quietly brilliant time to visit.
The summer crowds are gone. Hyams Beach and its famous white sand are all yours. The walking tracks, the White Sands Walk, the trails through Booderee, the quiet coves around Honeymoon Bay, are crisp, empty and made for cool-weather rambling.
Then there’s the rhythm of a winter weekend here: a big walk, a warm lunch at one of the cafes in Husky or Vincentia, an afternoon by the fire, and a slow evening at the pub. It’s the kind of slow weekend that’s hard to find in peak season.
And because it’s off-peak, you’ll find it an easier, calmer trip all round, perfect whether you’re coming as a couple or wrangling the whole family down from Sydney or Canberra.
Where to stay for whale season
You’ll want a comfortable base close to the action, especially if you’re booking an early-morning cruise out of Huskisson.
If you’re a couple or a small family, Heart of Husky puts you right in central Huskisson, walk to the cafes, the waterfront and the cruise departures without touching the car. For bigger groups, Daffodil on Owen sleeps eight in the heart of Huskisson’s CBD, so everyone’s close to the action and the morning coffee.
Prefer to be on the water? Erowal Bay Cottage sits waterside at Erowal Bay, sleeping six across three bedrooms, quiet, scenic, and lovely for a slower weekend. And Killarney at Old Erowal Bay gives groups of up to eight room to spread out, with the bay’s lookouts and beaches a short drive away.
Take a look at all four of our properties and find the one that suits your crew.
Ready to see the whales?
Season’s just getting going, and the best winter weekends book out early. Pick your dates, grab a property, and come watch the humpbacks roll past from the warmth of Jervis Bay.
Book your whale-season stay and we’ll see you on the South Coast.
