Experience the Whale Trail 2021
ways to experience the whale season
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 charters
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 (formerly Merimbula Marina) will be operating daily whale-watching charters from both Bermagui and Merimbula this season. Bermagui charters will depart daily from Bermagui Harbour aboard large and steady ‘Bubbles’, and sunset whale-watching cruises will be available each Saturday. This year, they will also be offering adrenaline-charged whale-watching trips aboard their new high-powered rib boat, departing from Merimbula Lake. Bermagui trips begin August 14, with Merimbula trips commencing the following week.
Cat Balou Cruises and Freedom Charters operate 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. Charters venture through the bay to the fringe of Ben Boyd National Park and then to wherever the whale action is! Cat Balou's official whale-watching charters commence August 20, running daily throughout the season. Freedom Charters operate on a demand basis.
Fishpen Charters and Reel Affair depart from Merimbula Lake and out to the depths of the great Pacific, with the vibrant backdrop of Bournda National Park and Ben Boyd National Park a treat for keen photographers. Fishpen Charters will begin mid-late August, with Reel Affair commencing in the September school holidays.
Sapphire Coast whale-watching charters 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. Boyd's Tower and Eden Rotary lookout are also excellent vantage points.
Find out more about our top ten land based whale watching spots here.
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 offers guided walking adventures in our national parks, and can tailor an adventure to best suit you and your travelling companions.
Read 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.
Dining with a view wouldn’t be complete without fish and chips on a headland, so stop by Eden for some locally caught fish and take a short drive up to Eden Rotary Lookout or Eden Marine Rescue for a stunning oceanside picnic.
To check out more of our Sapphire Coast dining options, head to our Food and Drink page.
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.
To check out more accommodation options on the Sapphire Coast, head to our Accommodation page.
events, arts and culture
Unfortunately due to the ongoing regional NSW lockdown, Walawaani Muriyira-Waraga, Giiyong Festival and Eden Whale Festival have been cancelled.
Welcome our whales and celebrate Spring at diverse events taking place across the Sapphire Coast throughout the whale migration season.
The brand new Walawaani Muriyira-Waraga event is coming to Bermagui this August 14 to officially launch the whale season. The one-day event will bring together local community to herald the coming of the whales and to celebrate the cultural significance of this annual migration to the local Yuin people. The event will feature local Aboriginal speakers and demonstrations, art and photography, exclusive whale watching charters for community members and an ocean paddle out to welcome the whales.
Giiyong Festival returns for its second year this October 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.
The long running Eden Whale Festival is back for 2021 from October 15-17. 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!
whale trail aboriginal cultural experiences
Unfortunately due to the ongoing regional NSW lockdown, our Whale Trail Aboriginal Cultural Experiences have been postponed until 2022.
Join us in celebrating the whale season and learning about Yuin country and culture at cultural events taking place on headlands in September and October. There are three events taking the stage at three stunning headlands in Eden, Merimbula and Tathra. Each event will feature a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, a dance performance and a speaker, illuminating the rich cultural history of the Sapphire Coast region and cultural connections to the whales. Dances will be performed by local Aboriginal dance groups, including the Duruunu Miru Dancers, Djaadjawan Dancers and the Gulaga Dancers.
Events are free but registration is essential. Tickets will be available to book from Saturday 14th August 2021.
To check out more events on the Sapphire Coast, head to our
What's On page.
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