Experience the Whale Trail 2024

wild encounters on the Sapphire Coast

It’s an understanding that spans centuries and a migration that re-unites us every year. Each spring between August and November, more than 25,000 humpback whales travel the Humpback Highway along the Sapphire Coast as they make their way to Antarctica for the summer. 

The Sapphire Coast is widely known as one of Australia’s premier whale watching destinations, due to our abundant bays and beaches that become rest stops and feeding grounds for migrating whales and their young as they travel south. Our coastline is one of the few places where this behaviour is observed as they complete this long journey. In 2020, the Sapphire Coast received worldwide attention when a rare super-group ‘bubble-net’ feeding event occurred along our coast, being the first of its kind to ever be documented in Australia.

This spring, embrace the whale season by heading out on one of our award-winning charters, get out on the trails for some spring hiking and land based whale watching, enjoy the best of our local produce with a side of spectacular ocean views, and soak up our arts and culture by combining your stay with a visit to one of our spring events.

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Whale watching TOURS

Looking eye to eye with these gentle giants of the sea is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. There’s simply no better way to experience the whale migration season than by jumping aboard one of our award-winning charters and enjoying a front row seat to the action. Be prepared for a chorus of squeals of delight as curious whales swim right up to the hull, and keep your camera at the ready for that almighty breach!

In exciting news, Sapphire Coastal Adventures is now operating whale-watching tours from Merimbula, Eden and Bermagui! Look eye to eye with the whales on an exhilarating adventure on board their high-powered rib boat departing from Merimbula Lake or Bermagui Harbour. Their large cruising vessel, 'Bubbles', operates out of magnificent Twofold Bay in Eden, the third deepest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere and a haven for migrating humpback whales. The deep waters of the bay create an abundant marine environment and it is not unusual to see whales resting and feeding close to port.

Whale watching tours are also available with Freedom Charters (Eden), Fishpen Charters (Merimbula), Reel Affair (Merimbula), FishBermi Charters and Bermagui Broadbill Charters.

Southern migration whale watching tours operate from mid-August to late November. Peak season tickets do sell out, so be sure to book your place in advance. 

land based whale watching

It’s no secret that the Sapphire Coast is one of the best land based whale watching locations in Australia. Our coastline is a sanctuary for migrating humpback whales and southern right whales that rest and feed in our pristine bays, coves and beaches each spring. This rare behaviour makes them easily visible from land, and our rugged headlands, lookouts and rocky points become nature’s grandstand in which to enjoy the spectacle.

There are wonderful lookouts located right in town, as well as isolated headlands and rocky outcrops in our national parks. Tathra Headland Lookout provides a spectacular vista right in town, and is also wheelchair-friendly. Long Point lookout and Short Point Reserve provide great views in Merimbula, whilst Bermagui Blue Pool lookout and Murunna Point are excellent viewing points in Bermagui. 

Heading south, a day trip to Green Cape Lighthouse in southern Ben Boyd National Park is a must for whale enthusiasts. Boyds Tower and Eden Rotary lookout are also excellent vantage points.

Discover our top ten land based whale watching spots

whales trails FOR WALKERS

Spring is the perfect time to lace up your walking shoes and head out on our trails in search of some whale action. Coastal tracks wind through native forest and open up to big panoramic ocean views, where moving columns of mist on the horizon signal pods of whales travelling through. These clouds of mist can be seen from kilometres away. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales close to shore as they rest and feed, often with calves in tow. 

If you’re up for a multi-day walking adventure, the 30km Light to Light Walk from Boyd Tower to Green Cape offers the ideal nature escape and whale-watching adventure. Wharf to Wharf Walk is also a great option, stretching 27km from Merimbula Wharf to Tathra Wharf. 

For a day long hike, try the 9km Kangarutha Walking Track from Kianinny Bay to Wallagoot Gap, or the 18km Bermagui Coastal Walk from Cuttagee Beach to Wallaga Lake.

Shorter walks include the 1.6km Tura Headland walking track in Merimbula, the 1km Wajurda Point walking track in Mimosa Rocks National Park and the accessible 300m Tathra Headland Walk. Heading north, the 1.5km Camel Rock to Murunna Point Walk offers spectacular views just north of Bermagui.

If you’d like the full experience, Sapphire Coast Guiding Co and Navigate Expeditions offer guided walking adventures in our national parks, and can tailor an adventure to best suit you and your travelling companions.

Check out our Whale Trails for Walkers blog here

bundian way

Follow the ancient steps of the Bundian Way in Eden, and learn about the enduring relationship between the traditional Aboriginal people, the Katungal, and the beowas (killer whales). The Bundian Way is an ancient 365km pathway from Turemulerrer (Twofold Bay) to the mountain ranges of Targangal (Mount Kosciuszko). Travel along the pathway allowed different tribal groups to gather on the shores of Turemulerrer during the spring whale migration and ceremonial places near Targangal for the Bogong moth gatherings in summer.

The Bundian Way Whale Dreaming Trail is a short 600m return walk near Snug Cove that leads to an epic lookout over Twofold Bay, the epicentre of Eden’s famous whale history. Take your time to read through the interpretive signage and imagine the distant call of the Beowa as you gaze out to the sea. You might even spot a whale or two, resting in the bay. 

The 1.8km Bundian Way Story Trail leads from Cocora Beach to Quarantine Bay, offering more insight into the stories of the people who have walked this trail for thousands of years. The walk leads to lookout points and secluded beaches, with eight beautifully crafted interpretive signs to be found along the way.

killer whale trail

Take a day trip back in time, when boats were made of wood and men were made of steel! The Killer Whale Trail is a self-drive day tour rich in history and adventure, taking you to five historical sites in Eden and surrounds, the whale capital of the Sapphire Coast.

Journey around Twofold Bay and uncover the dramatic history of whaling from 1828-1930 and learn about the unique relationship between whalers and the wild killer whales (orcas). In spring, these sites become perfect vantage points to spot humpback whales as they migrate close to the coast. The journey can take half a day, or a full day including a picnic or lunch stop.

If you are short on time, be sure to slot in a visit to the Eden Killer Whale Museum. This famous museum is dedicated to the most incredible human and killer whale partnership ever witnessed, showcasing artefacts from Eden’s maritime, Aboriginal and pioneering heritage, as well as the skeleton of the most famous of all Killers, Old Tom.

whales, wine & dine

Enjoy the best of local bounty from land and sea, and watch the spectacle unfold with a front row seat to the ocean stage. Indulge in a seafood platter at Merimbula Wharf Restaurant and soak up the uninterrupted ocean views across Merimbula Bay, a frequently visited location for travelling humpback whales. 

A visit to historic Tathra Hotel is a must, with your choice of al fresco or stylish dining room, both serving up spectacular elevated ocean views off Tathra Headland. Be sure to try one of their own craft beers, brewed on-site at their own Humpback Brewery. 

Bermagui Beach Hotel is a local’s favourite, and if you can snap up an outdoor seat on their sun-soaked deck, you’ll be treated to stunning views across Horseshoe Bay, and maybe even a whale breach. 

See more restaurants and food experiences here

camp in nature

Is there anything better than spotting whales at dawn, then settling in by the fire for a morning brew and a good book? Camping in our national parks and seaside caravan parks is a great way to embrace the whale season, with plenty of opportunities to explore the coastline and slow down the pace so that you can soak up the magic of the great migration. 

Gillards Beach campground and Saltwater Creek campground are just a couple of our spectacular national park camping locations located right next to the beach, whilst many of our caravan parks and holiday parks also offer seaside locations. Be sure to book your spot in advance to avoid disappointment and remember that all national park campgrounds currently require a booking.

Check out more Sapphire Coast accommodation

events, arts and culture

Welcome our whales and celebrate spring at festivals and events taking place across the Sapphire Coast throughout the whale migration season. 

The long running Eden Whale Festival is back for 2024 from October 18-20. This three-day event showcases the rich maritime and whale history of Eden, with a spectacular street parade, vibrant markets featuring local artisans, great local food and wine, educational marine displays and presentations, live music, children’s entertainment and more. All set against the stunning backdrop of magnificent Twofold Bay as whales cruise by!

Giiyong Festival returns for its third year this November 9, celebrating Aboriginal arts and culture in a line-up of dance, cultural demonstrations, film, spoken word, art, market exhibitions and more. It’s all happening at Jigamy in Eden, presented by Twofold Aboriginal Corporation, Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council and South East Arts. 

Check out all upcoming spring events