As the crisp ocean breeze rolls in and the summer crowds fade, giving you unspoilt views across the coastline, headlands from South Durras to Central Tilba transform into some of the best vantage spots for whale watching vs seal spotting in Eurobodalla.
Whether you’re after a mid-year getaway packed with holiday activities or itching to mark off one of life’s biggest bucket list items, autumn and winter don’t mark the end of wildlife adventures. Instead, the cooler season kicks off the show. From mighty humpbacks breaching offshore to curious seals lounging on rocky outcrops, now is the time to catch some of the most majestic wildlife experiences Eurobodalla and Australia have to offer.
To help you maximise your chances of witnessing the ocean’s biggest acrobats up close, our guide dives into everything you need to know for visiting at the best time to see whales in NSW.
Eurobodalla — A Prime Destination for Wildlife Encounters
While summer often steals the show for coastal holiday destinations, nearby attractions, galleries, markets, restaurants, and several events ensure there are plenty of things to do in Eurobodalla to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re staying for a weekend break or a week-long getaway, any time of the year is an exciting time to visit. However, for peak whale and seal spotting, it’s not till the cooler months, when marine life changes their behaviour, that the area comes to life.
The best time to see whales in NSW
The humpback whale migration is one of the most awe-inspiring natural events in the Southern Hemisphere, and the best time to see whales on the south coast is in autumn.
From May to August, thousands of whales travel north along what’s known as the Humpback Highway, passing close to the region’s coastline as they head toward warmer breeding waters.
While you can spot whales throughout the day, the early morning and late afternoon hours are ideal for whale watching. During these times, the ocean tends to be calmer, and, depending on the weather, the natural light offers excellent visibility for photography and catching them breaching the water, tail slapping, and spyhopping.
The best time for seal spotting in Eurobodalla
Animals follow their own patterns; however, the cooler months of April to September offer some of the most reliable times to see seals in Narooma and beyond. During this period, and especially in the morning, Australian fur seals gather in large colonies around Montague Island, taking advantage of the colder water temperatures to rest, feed, and breed.
Why you can expect rich wildlife experiences in Eurobodalla
From national reserves among hinterland forests to coastal ecosystems, the entire Eurobodalla region is home to diverse colonies of birds, mammals, marsupials, and aquatic sea life. Thanks to the sheltered bays and dramatic headlands providing protected zones, Eurobodalla offers the ideal setting for whales and seals to thrive, feeling safe to travel reasonably close to shore. With many vantage spots located nearby or inside marine sanctuaries, you have the best opportunity for seal and whale watching this autumn in Australia, right in their natural environment.
In Eurobodalla, the main types of whales and seals you could see include:
- Humpback Whales
- Southern Right Whales
- Less frequently, Orcas (Killer Whales), Blue, Minke, Bryde’s and Sperm Whales
- Australian Fur Seals
- New Zealand Fur Seals
- Less frequently, Leopard Seals
- Blue Gropers
- Wobbegong Sharks
- Banjo Sharks
- Cuttle Fish
- Weedy Sea Dragons
- Little Penguins
Top Spots for Whale Watching in Australia this Autumn and Winter
No matter where your getaway takes you along Eurobodalla, the region offers some of the best chances to see Humpbacks and Southern Rights dance along the shore. Here are some of our favourite vantage spots and whale watching tours:
1. Free whale watching on Broulee Island
Connected to Broulee by a sandbar and easily accessible from Moruya and Mogo, Broulee Island is a nature lover’s paradise. During a 2-hour easy walk that loops around the entire island, you can enjoy a bushwalk through littoral rainforest and middens to glimpse into the area’s Indigenous past. From one of the furthest points into the ocean on land, you can take advantage of an expansive vista and try to see pods of whales making their way north. For the best opportunity, we suggest stopping halfway along the walk, in the island’s eastern corner, for an unobstructed view.
South of the Island in Shark Bay, spend some extra time snorkelling and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best wildlife experiences in Eurobodalla. From views of coral reefs, green turtles and banjo sharks — a type of stingray — you can delve into an underwater adventure.
2. Whale watching tours from Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay, one of the most popular destinations on the South Coast offers many guided tours to help maximise your chances of seeing whales. From boat tours that make it easy to travel with kids to getting off the beaten path with a kayak tour, you can have the best time seeing whales in NSW when guided by a reputable and sustainable local tour operator.
Batemans Bay Wild operates whale watching tours from June to November. Winter tours catch the northern migration of whales as they head to warmer waters to bread. I spring tours meet up with the slower moving mothers and calves as they return to the cold waters and rich feeding grounds of the Antarctic .
3. Enjoy panoramic views to spot whales from Tuross Heads
One particular favourite spot, One Tree Point Lookout, offers an elevated position and wide-angle view of the migration path, making it relatively easy to watch the movement of whales. Before driving over, make sure you stop in the nearby towns of Moruya or Narooma and buy lunch, drinks and coffee to enjoy a picnic while you wait.
Where to see seals in Narooma and beyond
Want to see animals outside of zoos and aquariums? Now’s your chance to see them in their native home. Located in a marine sanctuary, just a short boat ride from Narooma Marina, Montague Island offers the best place for seal spotting in Eurobodalla. Home to one of the largest permanent colonies of Australian fur seals on the NSW South Coast, you can enjoy year-round views by boat and from the island.
Whether staying overnight in accommodation in the historic lighthouse, or visiting on a half or full day tour, you can watch hundreds of seals and little penguins basking in the sun on the island’s rocky platforms and diving through the surrounding waters.
Seals can also be occasionally seen, but less frequently at:
- Bar Rock Lookout and Australia Rock in Narooma
- Along rocky outcrops in Mystery Bay
- By the coastline of Broulee Island
- In Batemans Bay, by the river mouth and rocky points near Snapper Island and Observation Point
Planning Your Trip
If you’re inspired to experience the best of whale watching vs seal spotting in Eurobodalla, a little preparation goes a long way. Autumn and winter offer many opportunities for wildlife encounters, but weather, tides, and tour options can all affect your day on the coast. Here are a few helpful tips to make the most of your visit:
1. Time your visit
For the best time to see whales in NSW, plan your trip between May and August, when humpbacks and southern right whales migrate north. For more sealife spotting, Montague Island features permanent seal colonies, giving you endless chances to see them.
2. Book ahead for tours
Whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in Eurobodalla, where sessions can quickly book out on weekends, public and school holidays. To ensure you don’t miss out, book a tour in advance to secure your preferred time.
3. Dress for the weather
Even sunnier days require careful layering and a windproof jacket to warm you against the ocean breeze while you’re on a boat or whale-watching from an elevated landmark. Don’t forget a camera, binoculars if you have one handy and of course, your friends and family.
4. Respect nature
Keeping the surrounding environment clean is essential to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy rich wildlife experiences in Eurobodalla. Remember that many areas are within national parks and marine sanctuaries where you’re required to take any drink containers, foodstuffs and any other rubbish you’ve brought with you. While visiting, it’s a good idea to pick up any extra pieces of rubbish you find to keep the landscape as pure and natural as possible.
5. Make a complete holiday out of it
Whale and seal watching are just the beginning. There are countless things to do in Eurobodalla to captivate first-time and returning visitors. From gallery hopping to shopping from independent craft makers in local markets to celebrating the local food scene, there’s no better excuse to spend a few nights exploring the region.
6. Getting around
Various bus, train and taxi services are available to help you travel throughout the region. However, hiring a car is still a good idea, enabling you to visit places less accessible by public transport, such as national parks and vantage points on headlands.
7. Getting here
On the other hand, getting to Narooma, Moruya, Batemans Bay, and other towns in the Eurobodalla region couldn’t be easier. Sydney and Canberra are served by daily train and coach services, or you can choose to drive via the Princess or Kings Highway — either option offers a scenic and short route, taking 3-4 hours, depending on where you live.
Your Ultimate Seal and Whale Watching Experience Starts in Eurobodalla
Whether you’re drawn to seeing wild animals in their natural habitat or want an excuse for a mid-year holiday, the region offers an exciting setting for seal spotting vs whale watching in Eurobodalla. With numerous holiday activities to complement your stay, the opportunities for entertainment and creating memories with your partner, family and friends are endless.
Don’t wait for humpback whales to start their southern migration — visit today. With plenty of affordable and premium accommodation to suit all budgets, and a destination that’s easy to visit from Sydney, Canberra and elsewhere in Australia, there’s no better time to book a rewarding stay than now.