In the Clarence Valley, the whale watching season officially starts in June and continues through to October.
As the temperature starts to drop and the air gets cooler, it’s a sign that whale-watching season is upon us. These gentle giants have started to make their annual journey past the pristine shores of Yamba, Brooms Head, Wooli, and Iluka, and it’s a great opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Whales undertake a marathon swim from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to warmer breeding and calving grounds in the north. During this migratory period, the east coast of Australia is a prime whale-watching destination, with the Clarence Valley being no exception.
During their migrations, whales travel thousands of miles to reach their destination, following ancient migratory paths that have been passed down from one generation to the next.
Some whales have been known to travel up to 19,000km during migration which is basically Yamba to Alaska and back again. We’re exhausted just thinking about it.
Watching these majestic creatures as they swim past the coast is an unforgettable experience. One that visitors plan into their trips, especially travellers who are also heading north for winter sunshine. Whale watching from the shore is easy when you know how to spot them. Simply look out for movement in the water, such as sudden breaks of whitewash or sprays that break the horizon in the distance. You may even spot their flukes (tails), pectoral fins (flippers) and bodies, making a few larger splashes if you’re lucky.
Thankfully, the Clarence Valley has more than its fair share of beautiful coastline to choose from, so with whispers of whale sightings coming in thick and fast, here are our top 6 places for whale watching in the Clarence Valley.
Wooli –Â Yaegl Country
Located near the Southern end of the Yuraygir Coastal Walk, Wooli is one of those easygoing coastal spots tucked between Yuraygir National Park and the Pacific Ocean.
It also sits right on the northern edge of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, one of the largest marine protected areas in NSW, stretching along 75 kilometres of coastline. This patch of ocean is a bit of a melting pot, where tropical, temperate and subtropical species all hang out, which means there’s always something interesting going on beneath (and above) the surface. If you’re keen to get out on the water, jump aboard with Wooli Dive Centre between June and October.
Favourite vantage points among locals and travellers include Wooli Beach, Wilsons Headland and Diggers Camp – perfect spots to set up camp. Literally.
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Minnie Water  – Yaegl Country
Just up the road, or up the coast, Minnie Water is the whales’ next stop. Head to the picnic area on Waratah Crescent or the lookout off Beach Street to see them wave hello and goodbye as they continue their travels north. Illaroo Campground offers the perfect location to camp beachside within National Park, or head to Minnie Water Holiday Park for a family-friendly holiday with a few more facilities.Â
Brooms Head –Â Yaegl Country
They say humans are creatures of habit, and much like the whales who follow the same migration path each year, so do families who flock to Brooms Head Holiday Park for their annual holiday. Generations of little ones have passed through the Norfolk Pines that line the beachfront, with tents and camp setups nestled between them. Sit in the comfort of your own makeshift lounge room, and you may catch a glimpse of a whale in the distance or take a walk up to the Brooms Head Lookout, where your chances are much higher. No pun intended.
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Yamba – Yaegl Country
If Yamba is your first stop in the Clarence Valley (and for many, it is), it just so happens to be a pretty great spot to keep an eye out for whales too.
Want to get out on the water? You’ve got two options depending on what you’re after.
Go Fish Yamba Charters run dedicated whale watching tours during the season if getting up close to humpbacks is the whole point of your trip, these are your people.
Reel Time Fishing Charters also offers whale watching cruises, with passenger numbers capped below the vessel’s capacity. This tour is designed to give everyone plenty of room and excellent viewing opportunities.
Yamba Fishing and Charters are more about the catch, but here’s the thing. Head out for the fish during whale season and there’s a very good chance something much larger will show up uninvited. Reel in dinner and watch a humpback do its thing on the horizon. Not a bad day by anyone’s measure.
If you’d rather keep your feet on solid ground, head up to Pilot Hill (the one with the big lighthouse) you can’t miss it. Endless ocean views and every so often, something enormous breaks the surface just to show off.
Or honestly? Grab a wine, find one of Yamba’s many ocean-view apartments and don’t take your eyes off the water. Whale watching from a balcony is still whale watching.
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 Pilot Hill, Yamba
Photo credit: Sean Scott Photography
Angourie – Yaegl Country
It’s not just the pro surfers who love this place. Angourie Bay picnic area is a great family-friendly setting that offers two lookouts, public facilities, and iconic scenes over the ocean. Angourie walking track is an option for those who want a taste of the Yuraygir Coastal Walk. Graded as moderate, this track takes you to Dirrangan Lookout, so don’t forget your binoculars and plenty of drinking water.
Iluka – Yaegl Country
It may seem like we’re taking you way off the coastal track here, but stay with us. Iluka rainforest walking track, part of the world heritage Gondwana rainforests, is a great place to spot wildlife, but not even we can promise a whale hiding amongst the ferns. We can, though, guarantee panoramic views of the ocean once you emerge from the forest onto Iluka Bluff; this, our friends, is where the magic happens.
Take a picnic and some binoculars, enjoy the views, and play Spot Wally the Whale with the kids if you dare.
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 Yuraygir Coastal Walk, Angourie
Whether you’re a nature lover or simply curious about these incredible animals, take the time to witness the whale migration in Clarence Valley, and experience the beauty of nature in all its glory. Don’t forget to use our #myclarencevalley when sharing your photos, for an opportunity to feature on our Facebook and Instagram pages and have your image shared with over 50k like-minded travellers.
Do you have everything you need? Here’s our whale-watching checklist.
- Binoculars (for long-distance vision into the horizon)
- Camera (so you can share your images with us here at My Clarence Valley) Â
- Water (stay hydrated and awesome)
- Snacks (or snacky snacks if you’re fancy)
- Sunhat and long sleeves (because you have to love the skin you’re in)
- Sunblock (because even in winter, the sun likes to shine on the Clarence Valley)
- Patience (they’re just doing their thing… in their own time!)
Friendly but important reminder.
While being out on the water is the best place to watch these magnificent creatures, it is most important to remember while in or on the ocean, you are in their territory, and their safe journey is our priority. Â
Please give them space and freedom to move as they please. Boaters are reminded not to go within 100 meters of a whale or 300 meters of a whale with a calf. Please cut your motors and slow down if a whale approaches your vessel.
As always, please stay safe, mindful and respect our region.
