Best whale watching spots in Byron Bay
One of our favourite times of year in Byron Bay is the annual whale migration season. From May until November over 25,000 of these majestic creatures pass through Byron’s warm waters. As the most easterly point on mainland Australia, there are plenty of opportunities in Byron Bay to watch the passing humpback whale parade, from both land and sea.
Cape Byron State Conservation Area
During the whale season, it’s common to spot whales from the beaches and headlands in the Cape Byron State Conservation Area, just minutes from the centre of town. Begin your walk at Clarke’s Beach, and wander along the Cape Byron walking track to see breaching humpbacks along the way - try Captain Cook lookout and the surrounding cliffs.
Cape Byron Lighthouse
Either walk or drive up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for not only magnificent sunrise views, but one of the best land based vantage points to spot a pod of whales frolicking.
Broken Head, Lennox Head, Ballina and surrounds
Hop in the car and drive just a few minutes south to Broken Head Nature Reserve. Three Sisters walking track has a viewing platform - the perfect place to spot some whales. Travel just 20 minutes further to Ballina to watch whale acrobatics from Lighthouse Beach or from the viewing platforms at Angels Beach, Flat Rock and Skennars Head. In between Byron and Ballina, Rocky Point and the Pat Morton Lookout in Lennox Head also provide ideal vantages.
Join a whale watching tour
For a chance to get even closer to the spectacle, join one of the local expert guides on a whale watching tour - many have marine biologists on board to enhance the experience
Out of the Blue Adventures run tours from the end of May until October, guaranteeing whale sightings in this time. Enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery while listening to live Humpback Whale song using their specialised underwater hydrophone. Marine Biologists will share in-depth knowledge of the area & the jaw-dropping encounters within Byron’s Marine Park.
Blue Bay Whale Watching and Wild Byron Whale Watching also run fantastic tours in the Cape Byron Marine Park.
For something a little slower, you may just be lucky enough to paddle alongside these majestic mammals on a Go Sea Kayak tour of Cape Byron Marine park.
Find a room with a view
We have plenty of ocean front holiday homes that provide the ultimate dawn to dusk vantage point to watch the action. Call our friendly team to find the perfect whale watching pad for your next Byron break.