A go-to guide to whale watching in Merimbula

A sighting of these majestic beasts is nearly guaranteed when armed with the right information.

Whale watching in Merimbula is most memorable due to the huge number of humpback whales that pass by on the Sapphire Coast’s so-called Humpback Highway. But it’s also possible to sight southern right whales, minke, orca and even the rarest of blue whales during the annual migration season from about August to November. It’s impossible not to lose yourself in the enormity of the experience. Here’s our guide on where to go whale watching in Merimbula.

Whale-watching season in Merimbula

Whale watching is popular right along Australia’s East Coast, from Port Stephens to Byron Bay. And it’s certainly one of the best things to do in Merimbula. The season extends from mid-July to November and peaks with the whale-watching festival in nearby Eden on the Sapphire Coast.

You can spot the whales travelling north from Antarctica to the Coral Sea between May and July. During August, there will be whales travelling both north and south. The largest number of whales pass by the Sapphire Coast during September and October.

See the ocean’s gentle giants up close. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

The best time of day to see whales in Merimbula

It’s hard not to hold your breath at the drama of seeing a whale breach against the blue of a towering sky. The best thing about spotting whales while you’re in the ocean is the endless clear space all around. You will expand your sense of wonder while whale watching in Merimbula especially at dawn, when the ‘blow’ is backlit by the morning sun.

There’s also less glare glinting off the ocean later in the afternoon, which means whale watching in Merimbula is a bit easier in the late afternoon. Spring is best for whale watching according to data collected by volunteers during the annual whale count. And seeing the whales propel their mass out of the ocean is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Spring is the best time to spot whales in Merimbula. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

Whale-watching tours in Merimbula

You can choose your own adventure while whale watching in Merimbula along the Sapphire Coast Whale Trail. The region’s rugged coastline, a geographic embroidery overlaid with pink sandstone and red mudstone, is a playground for nature lovers. Head out on a whale-watching mission in Merimbula on a day when the sky is slate blue. From 2.5-hour whale-watching cruises to sunset cruises and discounted cruises on Groupon, there’s a whale-watching cruise to suit. 

The Sapphire Coast’s rugged coastline sets the scene for a splendid day on the water. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sapphire Coastal Adventures

Sapphire Coastal Adventures is one of the best-known local whale-watching tour operators in Merimbula. The adventure company operate out of both Bermagui and Merimbula when the humpback whales are on their southern migration from the Queensland coast.

Sign up for an epic whale-watching tour with Sapphire Coastal Adventures. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

During this time, the mothers can be seen playing with their calves off the Sapphire Coast. Sapphire Coastal Adventures also operate daily whale-watching tours from Eden during the season when tens of thousands of whales leave Antarctica and begin their journey to warmer waters along the East Coast.

Cat Balou Cruises

Book a few nights’ accommodation in Merimbula so that you are close to the launching-off point for an expedition with Cat Balou Cruises and Whale Watching Eden. You can spot the whales travelling north from Antarctica to the Coral Sea between May and July. During August, there will be whales travelling both north and south.

The cruise company hosts twilight cruises out of Twofold Bay between May and mid-November. If you’re lucky, you might sight seals and dolphins too. Eco-conscious travellers will appreciate the company’s sustainable approach to running the cruises.

You might also spot seals and dolphins from a Cat Balou Cruise while searching for whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best vantage points to spot whales from the coast

Download the Wild About Whales app and bunker down in one of Merimbula’s best cafes to plot a course around the top whale-watching spots. The Sapphire Coast lies within the country of the Yuin-Monaro Nations, the Traditional Custodians of the region for tens of thousands of years. Walk in their footsteps along the Wajurda Point Walking Track until you get to Wajurda Point lookout in Mimosa Rocks National Park.

Mimosa Rocks National Park offers seasonal whale-watching opportunities. (Image: Destination NSW)

Take a walking holiday with The Sapphire Coast Guiding Co. on the Light to Light walk. You can also go at your own pace on a self-guided tour.

Bittangabee Bay in Beowa National Park is another place along the NSW South Coast where the ocean roils with activity during the whale-watching season.

Whales are often spotted in Bittangabee Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

The view over the sky and sea will stop you in your tracks at the Disaster Bay Lookout even if you don’t spot whales. This vantage point is also known amid the bird-watching fraternity for being a top spot to sight sea birds.

Vast ocean views look stunning from the rocky peninsula of Green Cape lookout. (Image: Destination NSW)

Green Cape lookout is one of the best whale-watching spots near Merimbula. It’s where you can behold the glory of the Australian coastline from the Green Cape Lightstation which towers above the headland. The Green Cape Lighthouse and keeper’s cottage are so well preserved that they have become a landmark unto themselves.

The Green Cape Lighthouse is not to be missed. (Image: Destination NSW)

What to bring on a whale-watching tour on land in Merimbula

For land-based whale watching, you should bring sturdy shoes, a camera, an all-weather windproof jacket and binoculars. And, regardless of the season, a hat and sunscreen are a must when you’re spending time in the Australian outdoors. Birdwatching is a popular pastime in Merimbula. Download the Merlin bird app, a digital field guide that will help you identify bird calls and songs while road-tripping along the NSW South Coast.

What to bring on a whale-watching cruise in Merimbula

Sharp-eyed whale watchers should bring a camera and binoculars. Bring ginger tablets to better handle the high seas, which affects a small fraction of visitors. Whale watching in Merimbula is a waiting game. In between scoping the sea for whales, you will spend time admiring the rugged headlands, thickets of banksia and groves of gums along the coastline.

Don’t forget the essentials for your tour – including a hat. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat for sun protection regardless of the temperature or whether the sky is blue or curdled with clouds. Plan ahead and book dinner at one of Merimbula’s restaurants and bars so you can relive the performances put on by these behemoths.