Last verified 05/26
Whale watching is one of the best things to do on the Central Coast during winter.
Between May and November, thousands of humpback whales migrate along the NSW coastline. You can often see them from lookouts or headlands without joining a tour.
I’ve seen many whales over the years at all these spots listed below. Late June and July are usually the best months for whale watching. This is when humpback whales travel north toward warmer waters. They also seem to pass closer to shore during this time. Some days, it feels like a constant stream of whales is moving up the coastline.
You can still spot whales until November when they migrate south again with their calves.
Crackneck Lookout, Bateau Bay
Crackneck Lookout is probably the easiest whale watching spot on the Central Coast for families. You can park right next to the lookout and walk straight to the viewing area from your car.
The views here are wide and elevated. You can look north toward The Entrance and south toward Forresters Beach. There are picnic tables, grassy areas and plenty of places to sit. I think it’s the best overall whale watching lookout on the Central Coast.
Accessibility: The lookout is accessible, with a step-free path from the car park.
Getting there: Follow Hilltop Street in Forresters Beach to Crackneck Point at the end. Parking is free.
Tip: I strongly recommend combining your visit with The Coast Walking Track through Wyrrabalong National Park. Start at Forresters Beach and finish at Crackneck Lookout for some of the best coastal views on the Central Coast.
Captain Cook Lookout, Copacabana
Captain Cook Lookout is one of the most popular whale watching spots on the Central Coast. The lookout sits high above the ocean, offering wide coastal views.
Parking is close to the lookout, and you only need to walk up a short set of stairs to reach the viewing platform. The higher position makes it easier to spot whale blows and breaches.
This spot is great if you want dramatic coastal scenery while watching for whales.
Accessibility: Access to the main whale watching platform is via stairs, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Getting there: Follow Del Monte Place in Copacabana to Captain Cook Lookout at the top of the hill. There’s free parking beside the lookout.
Tip: Combine your visit with a walk down to Copacabana Beach for a coffee or lunch. If you’re feeling energetic, you can also walk down the other side of the headland to Avoca Beach. Both walks are short but fairly steep.
The Skillion, Terrigal
The Skillion is one of the best places in Terrigal for whale watching. From the top, you have uninterrupted views across Terrigal Beach and along the coastline.
You can get to the lookout from Terrigal Haven, with parking close by and stairs leading to the top. Cafés, restaurants and shops are all within walking distance, so it is easy to make whale watching part of a half-day outing.
The high headland gives you a good chance to spot whales travelling offshore during migration season.
Tip: Combine your visit with a walk around Terrigal Haven and along the Terrigal Boardwalk. Afterwards, head into Terrigal for a coffee, lunch or an early dinner by the beach.
Soldiers Beach, Norah Head
Soldiers Beach is another great spot for whale watching on the Central Coast. The views from the car park and headland are wide and elevated, making it easier to scan the ocean for whales.
I found that binoculars make a big difference here. They help you follow whales as they move along the coastline. On good days, this is truly one of the best whale watching viewpoints on the Central Coast.
Getting there: Follow Soldiers Point Drive in Norah Head and turn into Ted Rafferty Cycleway. The whale watching area is beside the car park.
Tip: Bring a chair and grab a coffee or bite to eat from Surfside Snacks. Then enjoy the views from the headland. You can also walk down for a swim at Soldiers Beach.
Norah Head Lighthouse
Norah Head is one of the most scenic places for whale watching on the Central Coast. The headland offers uninterrupted ocean views, and the paths around the lighthouse make it easy to wander and enjoy the scenery.
Getting there: Head to Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve at the end of Bush Street. There’s free parking near the lighthouse, with a short walk to the viewing areas.
Accessibility: Sealed paths connect the car park, lighthouse and main reserve areas. Access to some lookout points may be limited.
Tip: You can combine whale watching with a walk around the lighthouse reserve or a trip to nearby Soldiers Beach.
Gerrin Point Lookout, Bouddi National Park
Gerrin Point Lookout is along the Bouddi Coastal Walk near Killcare. It sits next to Maitland Bay and offers beautiful ocean views.
You need to walk about 1.3 km from Putty Beach to reach the lookout. The walk is fairly easy, though there are stairs at the start.
This spot feels quieter and more natural than some of the roadside lookouts.
Accessibility: The track includes stairs and uneven sections, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Getting there: Start at the Putty Beach car park and follow the Bouddi Coastal Walk. Gerrin Point Lookout is about 1.3 km away. Parking at Putty Beach costs $8 per vehicle per day.
Tip: Don’t rush back after reaching the lookout. Maitland Bay is only a short walk away and is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Central Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Can You See Whales on the Central Coast?
Whale season on the Central Coast usually runs from May to November.
The best whale watching is usually from late June to July, when humpback whales migrate north to warmer waters to breed and give birth. During this time, whales often swim closer to shore and are easier to spot from land.
From September to November, whales head south again with their calves. You can still see them during this time, although they are sometimes farther offshore.
Which Month Is Best for Whale Watching?
June and July are usually the best months for whale watching on the Central Coast.
This is when humpback whales move north in larger numbers, so sightings are often more frequent. On some days, you might spot several whales in a short time.
Can You See Whales at Terrigal?
Yes. The Skillion at Terrigal is one of the best whale watching spots on the Central Coast. The elevated lookout offers wide ocean views, and the area is easy to reach from Terrigal Haven.
What Time of Day Is Best for Whale Watching?
There is no guaranteed best time, since whale sightings change from day to day. Clear weather and calm ocean conditions usually make it easier to spot whales.
Mornings often offer better visibility because the ocean is usually calmer and there is less glare.
What Should You Bring for Whale Watching?
A few simple items can make whale watching easier and more comfortable:
- Binoculars
- Sunglasses
- A jacket during winter
- Water
- A camera or phone with zoom
- Picnic rug or chairs
What Whale Species Can You See?
Most whales seen off the Central Coast are humpback whales. They are the main species migrating along the NSW coastline and are also the easiest to spot from land.
You might occasionally spot southern right whales, though they are much less common. Minke whales also pass by but are harder to identify. Very rarely, people report seeing blue whales and orcas.
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