# Whale Watching in Kiama | Lookouts, Season and Cruises URL: https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/whale-watching-kiama/ Last updated: 2026-10-16 # Whale watching in Kiama from six free lookouts, plus cruises Whale watching in Kiama runs from about May to November. Humpbacks head north from late May to July and come back south with their calves from September to November. You can watch for free from six lookouts between Minnamurra and Gerroa, or take a 1.5-hour cruise from Shell Cove. [](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/authors/joseph-joshua-ngushual/)By [Joseph Joshua Ngushual](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/authors/joseph-joshua-ngushual/), Kiama Travel SpecialistPublished 16 October 2026 · 7 min read Stay at Kiama Ridge Waters Three-bedroom apartments from $200 a night Sleeps 6 · 15-minute walk to Easts Beach [First Floor 3-Bed Unit by the Ocean First floor · Sleeps 6 · From $214 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/first-floor-ocean/)[3-Bed Apartment with Study Nook First floor · Sleeps 6 · From $201 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/study-nook/)[Ground Floor 3-Bed Home in Kiama's Heart Ground floor · Sleeps 6 · From $200 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/kiama-heart/)[3-Bed Kiama Unit with Courtyard Ground floor · Sleeps 6 · From $306 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/courtyard/)[3-Bed with Alfresco Dining Ground floor · Sleeps 6 · From $204 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/alfresco-dining/) [Book now](https://book.madecomfy.com.au/properties/656fed562e0a0-first-floor-3-bed-stunning-unit-by-the-ocean/?ref=nddmytc&utm_source=ridgewaterskiama&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=booking-handoff&utm_content=guide-hero) Photo: WalkingKooka (still from video), [CC BY 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Humpback_whale_mother_and_calf_south_of_Gerringong_Boat_Harbour,_NSW,_Australia.webm) ## Know when the whales pass Kiama Photo: Paul Balfe, [CC BY 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Humpback_breaching_-_Flickr_-_PaulBalfe.jpg) Tens of thousands of whales travel along the NSW coast each year, according to Destination Kiama. They swim north from the Antarctic in the cooler months and return south later in the year, so the Kiama coast has two windows to see them. Months | What's happening | Where to look | May | The season starts as the first humpbacks head north. | Any headland, scanning well out to sea | Late May to July | The northern migration. Whales tend to travel further offshore. | High [lookouts](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-lookouts/): [Minnamurra](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/towns/minnamurra/), Gerringong and Black Head | August | The run changes direction. NPWS says the southern migration runs from July. | Any headland | September to November | The southern migration. Mothers and new calves often come closer to shore. | Blowhole Point, Kiama Harbour and Bombo Headland as well as the platforms | Whales slow from a top cruising speed of about 18 km/h to a migration pace of around 6 km/h, which gives you time to follow one along the coast. Destination Kiama notes that whales can pass at any time, so there is no fixed hour to be there. If you only have one trip, September to November is the pick for close sightings. Shellharbour Wild reports the same pattern from its boats: whales travel further out on the way north, and mothers with newborn calves come closer to shore on the way south. ## Watch from six free lookouts between Minnamurra and Gerroa Photo: Maurice van Creij, [CC BY 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bombo_Headland_-_panoramio.jpg) Destination Kiama names six shoreline spots, listed here from north to south. All of them are free. Times are from Kiama Ridge Waters at 2 [Surfleet Place](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/live-and-own/kiama-ridge-waters-location/). ### Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform An elevated, grassy platform on Minnamurra Headland, on the [Kiama Coast Walk](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-coast-walk/). A blue board on the platform helps you tell humpback, killer, blue and southern right whales apart. Destination Kiama says locals sometimes see humpbacks spyhopping here, and that the whales can pass close enough to hear. The headland also looks over Stack Island and the [Minnamurra River](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/things-to-do/minnamurra-river/), and Destination Kiama lists it as a picnic spot. - Getting there: about 12 minutes by car to Minnamurra Headland - Access: the NSW Government listing says the platform does not cater for people with access needs - Good for: high views, a picnic, and joining the Coast Walk [Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Minnamurra+Whale+Watching+Platform) ### Bombo Headland Destination Kiama describes Bombo as a dog-friendly headland, just north of Kiama, where whales pass at a leisurely pace. From the top you look across the basalt columns of Bombo Headland and towards [Cathedral Rocks](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/cathedral-rocks/), so the view is worth the trip even on a day without whales. Destination Kiama says the formations were shaped by blue metal quarrying in the 1880s and 1900s and by the ocean. Read more in our [Bombo guide](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/beaches/bombo/). - Getting there: about 8 minutes (7 km), from the north Bombo car park - Access: Destination Kiama lists the headland as not catering for people with access needs - Good for: dog owners, and photography at dawn [Bombo Headland on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Bombo+Headland+Kiama) ## Look out from Blowhole Point and Kiama Harbour Photo: Marek Ślusarczyk (Tupungato), [CC BY 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:011_Kiama_Lighthouse_at_Blowhole_Point_in_New_South_Wales,_Australia_-_Creative_Commons_CC-BY.jpg) ### Blowhole Point and Kiama Lighthouse Destination Kiama suggests Blowhole Point for southern right whales, which send up sprays of vapour as they surface. The point is also home to the [Kiama Blowhole](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-blowhole/) and the [Kiama Lighthouse](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-lighthouse/), established in 1887, and with Kiama Harbour it is one of the two closest lookouts to the apartments. - Getting there: about a 35-minute walk (around 2.9 km) or 5 minutes by car - Good for: a short trip, families, and combining with the Blowhole [Blowhole Point on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Blowhole+Point+Kiama) ### Kiama Harbour Family groups of whales sometimes come close to shore, and Destination Kiama says adults and juveniles have been seen around the harbour. It sits right beside Blowhole Point, so you can check both in one stop and then find a table at one of the [places to eat in Kiama](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/eat-and-drink/where-to-eat-in-kiama/). See our [Kiama Harbour guide](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-harbour/) for more. - Getting there: about a 33-minute walk or 6 minutes by car - Good for: family groups of whales close to shore, and a coffee afterwards ## Head south to Gerringong and Gerroa Photo: NotTarts, [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gerringong_from_South_Head.jpg) ### Gerringong Whale Watching Platform This platform sits above the cliffs on Gerringong Headland. Visit NSW says access is from Belinda Street near the Gerringong Cemetery, and it is a short walk to the Boat Harbour rock pool and about five minutes on foot into central Gerringong. Pair it with a swim in the rock pool (see our [Kiama rock pools guide](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/beaches/kiama-rock-pools/)) and lunch in the village. - Getting there: about 9 minutes by car - Access: Visit NSW lists it as not catering for people with access needs - Good for: high cliff views and a day in [Gerringong](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/towns/gerringong/) [Gerringong Whale Watching Platform on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Gerringong+Whale+Watching+Platform) ### Black Head Reserve, Gerroa A rocky outcrop at Gerroa with open sea views both north and south. Destination Kiama suggests it for humpbacks heading north from May to July and returning south with their calves from September to November. It is the southernmost of the six lookouts, at the northern end of [Seven Mile Beach](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/beaches/seven-mile-beach/). - Getting there: about 16 minutes by car - Good for: wide views in both directions, and a drive further south to [Gerroa](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/towns/gerroa/) [Black Head Reserve on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Black+Head+Reserve+Gerroa) ## Take a whale-watching cruise from Shell Cove Photo: JTButterflies, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shell_Cove_Marina.jpg) There are no regular whale cruises from Kiama itself. The nearest operator is Shellharbour Wild, which leaves from the public jetty (Public Wharf) at Shellharbour Marina, 13 Marina Drive, Shell Cove. That is about 16 minutes by car from Kiama Ridge Waters. - Whale Cruise: 1.5 hours, May to November, on the catamaran Cat Balou. The operator lists departures at 11am Monday to Friday, and 10am, 12pm and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. Cruises run every day, including public holidays. - Aboriginal Cultural Whale Cruise: 2 hours on limited dates, run with Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience and University of Wollongong whale researcher Dr Jodi Edwards. Each trip includes a smoking ceremony and storytelling about the cultural significance of whales to the Yuin people. The operator notes Dr Edwards is not on board every cruise. - Whale Season Pass: also sold by the operator; see its booking page for details. Arrive 20 minutes before departure to check in at the vessel. The operator suggests bringing a hat or beanie, a jacket or jumper, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and a camera, and does not recommend the cruise past 24 weeks of pregnancy. Times and prices change, so check before you go and book on the [Shellharbour Wild website](https://shellharbourwild.com.au/) or call 02 4203 2379. See our [Shellharbour guide](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/towns/shellharbour/) for the rest of the marina. ## Tell the whales apart Photo: Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith, [CC BY-SA 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Southern_Right_Whale_(Eubalaena_australis)_(16172696979).jpg) Destination Kiama names humpback and southern right whales as the ones you are most likely to see, with minke, sperm and even blue whales possible but rare. - Humpback: the back arches steeply as it dives, and NPWS says the black and white markings under the tail flukes are like fingerprints, with no two the same. - Southern right: look for sprays of vapour at the surface. Destination Kiama suggests Blowhole Point. Three behaviours are worth knowing before you go: - Breaching: the whale leaps out of the water and falls back with a splash. NPWS says this may help remove skin parasites, or the whale may just be playing. - Fin slapping: NPWS says this may be a warning of danger nearby. - Spyhopping: lifting the head straight up out of the water to look around. NPWS says the shape of the blow, the dorsal fin, the flippers, and body colour and patterns all help identify a species, and suggests some surface behaviours may help whales communicate or get their bearings. ## Pack for a few hours on a headland Photo: Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark, [CC BY 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Megaptera_novaeangliae_(5163339045).jpg) Whale watching takes patience, and the headlands can be cold in winter. NPWS suggests taking: - Warm clothes and a blanket, plus chairs to sit on - A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses - A thermos with a hot drink or soup, water and food - Binoculars, and a camera with a telephoto lens if you have one Look for the blow first, then watch the same patch of water for the next surfacing. Keep at least 5 m back from cliff edges and rock platforms, as NPWS advises, and follow any signs at the lookout. To find out what is passing, Destination Kiama recommends the NPWS [Wild About Whales](https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wild-about-whales) app for the latest local sightings. ## Keep your distance on the water and in the air Photo: MrActiniuM, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minnamurra_Village.jpg) If you paddle, surf, swim or fly a drone during whale season, NSW law sets minimum distances. These are the main ones for whales: Activity | Minimum distance | Boats, kayaks and other vessels | 100 m, with a caution zone starting at 300 m | Any vessel when a calf is present | 300 m or more | Jet skis and other prohibited vessels | 300 m at all times | Swimmers and snorkellers | Enter the water at least 100 m away, then stay 30 m away | Drones | 100 m above and 100 m around the whale | Mostly white whales | 500 m at all times | Read the full rules on the [NSW Government approach distances page](https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/approaching-marine-mammals-in-nsw/approach-distances-for-whales-dolphins-and-dugongs). ## Make a whale-season weekend of it Whale season falls in Kiama's cooler months, which suits a slower stay. For a simple plan, catch the [sunrise](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/beaches/kiama-sunrise-sunset/) at Blowhole Point, have breakfast near the harbour, then walk a section of the [Coast Walk](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-coast-walk/) between the Minnamurra platform and Bombo. On day two, head south to the Gerringong platform and the Boat Harbour rock pool, or book the morning cruise from Shell Cove. For more ideas, see [things to do in Kiama in winter](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-kiama-in-winter/) and [Kiama with kids](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-kiama-with-kids/). Base the weekend at Kiama Ridge Waters, where [our three-bedroom apartments](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/) at 2 Surfleet Place each sleep six, with secure parking for two cars. [Easts Beach](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/beaches/easts-beach-kiama/) is a 15-minute walk away. Pets are welcome on request in most of our apartments, so the dog can come to Bombo too (see [pet-friendly stays](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/stay/pet-friendly/)). Families can read about [family stays](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/stay/families/), and groups can [book several apartments together](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/stay/groups/). [Check availability](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/book/) for your dates. ### Staying at Kiama Ridge Waters Blowhole Point and Kiama Harbour, the closest whale lookouts, are about a 35-minute walk or 5 minutes by car from Kiama Ridge Waters. Kiama Ridge Waters offers three-bedroom apartments at 2 Surfleet Place, Kiama, each sleeping six with parking for two cars. [View apartments](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/) [Check availability](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/book/) ## Quick answers **When is whale watching season in Kiama?** Humpbacks pass Kiama from about May to November. Late May to July brings the northbound run, usually further offshore. September to November is often better for close sightings, because mothers and calves heading south tend to swim nearer the coast, past lookouts such as Blowhole Point and Kiama Harbour. **What time of day should you go whale watching in Kiama?** Destination Kiama says whales can pass at any time, so there is no set hour. NPWS suggests bringing patience, binoculars, warm clothes and a thermos, so you can settle in on the headland and watch the same stretch of water for blows. **Where can you see whales in Kiama for free?** All six Destination Kiama lookouts are free: Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform, Bombo Headland, Blowhole Point, Kiama Harbour, Gerringong Whale Watching Platform and Black Head Reserve at Gerroa. Kiama Harbour and Blowhole Point are the closest to Kiama Ridge Waters, about a 35-minute walk or 5 minutes by car. **Can you see whales from the Kiama Blowhole?** Yes. Destination Kiama suggests Blowhole Point as a spot to look for southern right whales, and humpbacks also pass in season. The Kiama Lighthouse is on the same point, and Kiama Harbour is next door, where adults and juveniles are sometimes seen close to shore. **Where is the Minnamurra whale watching platform?** It is on Minnamurra Headland, Minnamurra NSW 2533, on the Kiama Coast Walk. Entry is free, and a board on the platform helps you identify whale species. The NSW Government listing says it does not cater for people with access needs. It is about 12 minutes by car from Kiama Ridge Waters. **Where is the Gerringong whale watching platform?** It sits above the cliffs on Gerringong Headland, with access from Belinda Street near the Gerringong Cemetery. It is a short walk from the Boat Harbour rock pool and about five minutes' walk from central Gerringong. Kiama Ridge Waters is about 9 minutes away by car. **Are there whale-watching cruises from Kiama?** Not from Kiama itself. The nearest is Shellharbour Wild at Shellharbour Marina, Shell Cove, about 16 minutes' drive from Kiama Ridge Waters. Its 1.5-hour Whale Cruise runs May to November, and a 2-hour Aboriginal Cultural Whale Cruise runs on limited dates. Check times before you go. **Are dogs allowed at Kiama whale lookouts?** Destination Kiama describes Bombo Headland and beach as dog-friendly, so it is the easiest lookout to visit with a dog. Check the signs at other lookouts before you bring one. Kiama Ridge Waters welcomes pets on request in most of its apartments, with a $200 cleaning fee. Written by [](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/authors/joseph-joshua-ngushual/) ### Joseph Joshua Ngushual Kiama Travel Specialist Joseph Joshua Ngushual writes the Kiama Ridge Waters guides to Kiama and the NSW South Coast. He researches every guide against official sources such as Destination Kiama, Kiama Council and NSW National Parks, checks local businesses directly, and measures walking and driving times from the apartments, so you can plan beach days, walks, meals and day trips with accurate, current detail. - Kiama travel - NSW South Coast - Beaches and walks - Food and drink - Family trips - Trip planning [View all articles](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/authors/joseph-joshua-ngushual/)[](https://www.facebook.com/joshua.joseph.5648)[](https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephjoshuangushual/) ## Sources and useful links - [Destination Kiama: Whale watching](https://kiama.com.au/whale-watching) - [Destination Kiama: Kiama Lighthouse](https://kiama.com.au/listings/things-to-do/kiama-lighthouse) - [Destination Kiama: Minnamurra Headland](https://kiama.com.au/listings/things-to-do/minnamurra-headland) - [Destination Kiama: Bombo Headland](https://kiama.com.au/listings/things-to-do/bombo-headland-kiama) - [NSW Government: Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform](https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/locations-and-attractions/minnamurra-whale-watching-platform) - [Visit NSW: Gerringong Whale Watching Platform](https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/kiama-area/gerringong/attractions/gerringong-whale-watching-platform) - [NSW National Parks: Whale watching tips and guidelines](https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wild-about-whales/whale-watching-tips-and-guidelines) - [NSW National Parks: Humpback whale](https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/plants-and-animals/humpback-whale) - [NSW Government: Approach distances for whales, dolphins and dugongs](https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/approaching-marine-mammals-in-nsw/approach-distances-for-whales-dolphins-and-dugongs) - [Shellharbour Wild: Whale Cruise](https://shellharbourwild.com.au/cruises/whale-cruise/) - [Shellharbour Wild: Aboriginal Cultural Whale Cruise](https://shellharbourwild.com.au/aboriginal-cultural-whale-cruise/) - [Visit NSW: Shellharbour Wild whale watching cruise](https://www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/tours/shellharbour-wild/whale-watching-cruise) ## Keep exploring Kiama [Landmarks and walks ### Kiama Blowhole and the Little Blowhole, a visitor guide The Kiama Blowhole is free, open 24/7 and sprays highest in a south-east swell. When to go, where to park, wheelchair access, its history and how to get there. 7 min read](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-blowhole/)[Landmarks and walks ### Visit Kiama Lighthouse on Blowhole Point Kiama Lighthouse was first lit in 1887 and still works today. Parking on Blowhole Point, the Pilot's Cottage Museum, its history and the walk from town. 7 min read](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-lighthouse/)[Landmarks and walks ### Kiama Coast Walk guide to sections, times and where to start The Kiama Coast Walk (Kiama Coastal Walk) runs about 20 km from Minnamurra to Gerringong. Section times, the map, dog rules, Werri Lagoon and trains back. 7 min read](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-coast-walk/) [All landmarks and walks guides](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/)