Planning a trip to Jervis Bay? This guide explains when whale-watching season in Jervis Bay, NSW takes place, the best time to see humpback whales, and what to expect from tours.
Whale-watching season in Jervis Bay, NSW, varies depending on the migration patterns of the humpback whales. But a good rule of thumb is from mid-May to mid-November.
Whale-watching in Jervis Bay on the NSW south coast
Jervis Bay on the south coast of New South Wales is one of many places on the east coast of Australia where you can go whale-watching.
To skip the explanation and book a Jervis Bay whale-watching cruise, head this way.
What species of whale can you see in Jervis Bay, NSW?
As on most of the east coast, the whales you can see in Jervis Bay are humpback whales. Every year, they migrate up the coast to their breeding grounds in the north, then come back south again once the waters in the south get warmer.
You can’t, however, see whales in Jervis Bay all year round. There is a limited whale-watching season, based around the migration times of the humpbacks.
When is Jervis Bay whale-watching season?
The main whale-watching operator in Jervis Bay is Jervis Bay Wild. For most of the year, this operator runs dolphin-watching tours. This is, after all, one of the best places in New South Wales to see dolphins. But during whale-watching season, the boats are put to use doing whale-watching cruises.
Jervis Bay Wild runs whale-watching cruises in Jervis Bay between mid-May and mid-November. That’s a good enough rule of thumb for when the whale-watching season is, too.
Whale-watching season in Jervis Bay is from mid-May to mid-November.
Five great things to do in Jervis Bay
- 🐬 Meet Jervis Bay’s resident bottlenose dolphins – on a dolphin cruise.
- 🐋 On a whale-watching cruise – see the humpback whales on their annual migration.
- 🌊 Admire giant sea cliffs and spot wildlife – on a Jervis Bay Passage cruise.
- 🌌 Take an astronomer-guided stargazing tour – and explore the night sky from the beach.
- 🛶 See wildlife and glide along calm waters – on a half day sea kayaking tour.
Best time to see whales in Jervis Bay, NSW
Whale sightings towards the beginning and end of the season can be a little bit patchy. So, for your best chance of seeing migrating humpback whales in Jervis Bay, aim for mid-June to mid-October.
Jervis Bay whale-watching tour prices and booking information
At the time of writing, Jervis Bay whale-watching tours cost $69 per person. The cruises last two hours and advance booking is strongly advised. Tours depart from Huskisson, and should be booked online in advance.
Jervis Bay is also one of the best places in Australia to see dolphins. Dolphin watching cruises can be booked online too.
Other things to do in Jervis Bay include sea kayaking tours, star-gazing experiences and fat biking tours.
While in Jervis Bay, you can take the Husky Ferry to Callala Beach in Myola, or Greenfield Beach and Blenheim Beach in Vincentia, just the other side of Moona Moona Creek from Huskisson. You can also go into the Jervis Bay Territory and enjoy the likes of Iluka Beach, Green Patch, Cave Beach and Murrays Beach.
Things to do near Jervis Bay: Beaches, ferry trips and outdoor experiences
- Callala Beach (Myola): Take the Husky Ferry across the water for a quieter stretch of sand with views back towards Huskisson.
- Greenfield Beach (Vincentia): A sheltered beach known for calm water and easy access from nearby car parks.
- Blenheim Beach (Vincentia): A smaller cove-style beach that feels more secluded than others nearby.
- Green Patch (Jervis Bay Territory): A popular picnic and swimming area within the national park, surrounded by bushland.
- Cave Beach (Jervis Bay Territory): A well-known surf beach with walking tracks and coastal scenery.
Jervis Bay whale-watching information: Prices, times and practical details
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the whale-watching season in Jervis Bay, NSW? | Mid-May to mid-November |
| What is the best time to see whales in Jervis Bay? | Mid-June to mid-October |
| How much do Jervis Bay whale-watching tours cost? | $69 per person |
| How long do whale-watching cruises last? | Approximately two hours |
| Where do Jervis Bay whale-watching tours depart from? | Huskisson |
| Is parking available in Huskisson? | Yes, public parking is available near the wharf and town centre |
| Do you need to book whale-watching tours in advance? | Yes, advance booking is strongly advised during the season |
More New South Wales travel
- First time visitors’ guide to Symbio Wildlife Park near Wollongong.
- What first time visitors can expect at the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.
- Why the Eden Killer Whale Museum is worth visiting.
- Why you should visit the Bombo Headland in Kiama.
- How to visit Fitzroy Falls in the Southern Highlands.
