As the pods, mothers and calves stick close to shore along this stretch of the coastline (it gives them a chance to rest), both seafarers and landlubbers have plenty of opportunities to spot these gigantic gentle creatures.

The key to spotting whales from land is to find an area offering an elevated view of the sea. Luckily, across Eurobodalla the regions cliffs, headlands and lookouts provide myriad excellent vantage points.

Longing to find out if you can tell a playful Humpback from a Southern Right? Eurobodalla is the right place to put your knowledge to the test: 30,000 whales make their way up the local coastline each winter (June/July is the winter peak) before travelling back down in spring as part of an annual whale migration (September to November is spring peak).

As for telling those whale species apart? Here are two tips to get you started: unlike the Humpback, the Southern Right has no dorsal fin, so keep your eyes glued for its back. Plus, the Southern Right pushes water out of not one but two blowholes in a ‘v’ shape. The Humpback? Its single blowhole creates one big, ‘bushy’ blow.

Whale Watching

Toragy Point and Moruya Heads Lookout

Burrewarra Point Banksia Walk

This short, scenic walk in Murramarang National Park, south of Durras Lake, is a delightful easy walk taking in coastal views and golden beaches in this spectacular part of the coast, north of Bateman’s Bay. Walking north from Wasp Head picnic area takes you through a casuarina forest and opens up to a fantastic view of Wasp Island.

Heading south along the path you’ll reach Emily Miller Head where you can gaze down to a dramatic rocky cove of Wobbegong Bay. Another off shoot of the path leads down to the beach where you may discover an alluring sea cave, depending on the tide levels. This whole area is renowned for its rich Aboriginal heritage; keep an eye out for evidence of shell middens along the way.

If you’re charmed by the dramatic coastline and want to make a weekend of it, head to Pretty Beach campground or stay a night at the rustic cabins.

Wasp Head Walk

South Coast Seaplanes provides scenic flights and specialty tours along the beautiful South Coast of New South Wales.

Go with them to experience the coast from a perspective you've never imagined.

There is nothing quite like the experience of gracefully speeding across the water and slipping into the sky - and that's all before you take in the views. With incredible unspoilt beaches on one side of the aircraft and stunning mountain views on the other, they can take you on a journey you will never forget.

Choose between one of their packages, or give them a call to design your own special adventure. A scenic flight in a beautiful seaplane is the ultimate special occasion gift for all ages.

South Coast Seaplanes operates from Moruya and Narooma in New South Wales - right in the heart of Australia's Oyster Coast.

South Coast Seaplanes

Moruya Main Beach

Although it’s an island by name, Broulee Island is joined to the mainland by a sandbar so it’s always accessible. Your chances of success at spotting whales are high regardless of which side of the island you are on. Broulee Island is also a good place to see dolphins and, out of the water, a wonderful display of native plants and marine birdlife, including the superb fairy wren and white bellied sea eagle.

Broulee Island Nature Reserve

Shelly Beach Picnic Area - Moruya Heads

Enjoy a relaxing day away on this remote beach in Murramarang National Park, on the South Coast. Dark Beach walking track leads through spotted gum forest to a unique cove where adventurous holiday-makers will enjoy swimming, fishing and exploring the unique rock shelves.

Along Dark Beach walking track you’ll see unique rock formations and a band of volcanic rock, with white sand on one side and black sand on the other. Look for fossils in the rocks, enjoy a quiet beach picnic or cool off with a dip in the crystal clear waters.

If you prefer a more active holiday bring your gear for fishing, surfing and snorkelling, or continue along Murramarang coastal walk. You might see dolphins frolicking amongst the waves or whales during their annual migration.

Dark Beach Walking Track

Just ten minutes off the highway but a whole world away, you will find the scenic Cookies Beach Picnic Area. With spectacular beach views you will be sure to spot one of the many eastern grey kangaroos basking in the sun.

Just a short stroll to the southern headland and you will find one of the many highlights of the area, the Wasp Head geological site which is not to be missed. Toilet facilities available.

Cookies Beach Picnic Area - South Durras

Region X Sea Kayak and Camping Adventures

Beaches dot the edge of Murramarang National Park, bringing with it plenty of opportunities to access some of the Park’s best whale watching spots.

Nearby, the easy two-kilometre return Wasp Head walk not only offers whale watching opportunities and spectacular views down to the rocky cover of Wobbegong Bay, but it passes through a number of historic Aboriginal sites enroute. Richmond Beach and Dark Beach are two other options worth adding to your list, as is Emily Miller Beach.

Myrtle Beach

Broulee Beach

Game On Charters Batemans Bay

Toragy Point has plenty to offer whale watchers: views north along the coast, interpretive signage about whales and marine life courtesy of National Parks, limited parking, some seating and an historic graveyard – all less than ten minutes out of Moruya. To get there, turn left off the Princes Highway just south of Moruya into South Head Road, drive toward the coast, and up around the headland.

Toragy Point

South Head is a secluded headland with two small clearings, one to the north and one to the south. Both can be accessed via a short walk along paths at the end of Tallawang Avenue, Malua Bay. To get here from Batemans Bay drive south along George Bass Drive (the Coast Road) and turn left into Tallawang Avenue. There is limited street parking.

If you are wanting to venture from the land around Batemans Bay, the whales are so close that guests of local adventure operator Region X often spot them while out on a kayaking tour!

South Head, Malua Bay

Snorkelling Broulee Island

Burrewarra Point Lookout

Eighteen kilometres south of Batemans Bay, this lookout is a 20-50 minute easy walk from the beach carpark at Guerilla Bay. Be warned, you may be so engrossed in the breathtaking views up and down the coast that you forget to focus on potential whale sightings. To find the lookout take the Guerilla Bay turnoff onto Burri Point Road. The track to the walk and lookout is signposted.

Burrewarra Point

Broulee Heritage Area

Wander along a short and easy walking track and within a few steps you’ll arrive at the secluded beauty of Richmond Beach. Ideal for families, it provides protection from most onshore winds and makes for a peaceful day at the beach.

Surrounded by forest, there are plenty of shady spots to throw down a picnic rug and enjoy a picnic in a stunning natural setting. Bring your fishing gear and try your luck fishing from the beach, or go swimming and snorkelling in the sparkling blue waters.

With more than 90 species of birdlife in Murramarang, this is also a great spot for birdwatching. Wander along the foreshore and see how many species you can see. Catch a glimpse of gannets flying over the waters or watch the sooty oystercatchers fossicking along the shoreline.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Nudist Beach

Cookies Beach Picnic Area - South Durras

Dark Beach Walking Track

Richmond Beach

Wasp Head Walk