It’s no secret we love whales here at Jervis Bay Wild. Every year between May and November, one of the most extraordinary wildlife events on the planet plays out right off our doorstep in Huskisson. Tens of thousands of humpback whales travel up and down Australia’s east coast on a route known affectionately as the Humpback Highway, and we have one of the best front-row seats in the country.
Here’s what makes this annual migration so special, and why Jervis Bay has become such a celebrated whale watching destination.
What Is the Humpback Highway?
The Humpback Highway is the unofficial name for the migration route humpbacks follow along Australia’s east coast each year. Whales travel between their summer feeding grounds in Antarctica and their winter breeding grounds in the warm tropical waters off Queensland. The round trip is roughly 10,000 kilometres, making it one of the longest mammal migrations on the planet, and east coast humpbacks complete it almost every year of their adult lives.
The route runs north along the NSW coast from May, then back south from September through November. Jervis Bay sits squarely in the middle of this corridor.
Humpbacks don’t actually feed during the migration. They survive instead on the thick blubber reserves they build up gorging on Antarctic krill over summer. A single adult can pack away as much as 1.5 tonnes of krill in a day before the long swim north begins.
Two Halves of One Incredible Journey
The Northern Migration (May to August)
The first half of the season is fast and purposeful. Whales travelling north are leaner and on a mission to reach their breeding and calving grounds. Sightings often involve small pods of two to four whales cruising steadily past the bay, with the occasional dramatic display from competing males. This is the “go-go-go” phase of the migration, and the energy on the water reflects it.
The Southern Migration (September to November)
The return leg is where Jervis Bay really shines. By spring, whales are heading south with newborn calves, and our deep, sheltered bay is an ideal place for mothers and calves to rest along the way. Sightings tend to be longer, closer, and far more interactive, with curious calves sometimes approaching the boat and plenty of breaching, tail slapping, and pec slapping on display. If you want maximum action and time with the whales, September to November is a fantastic window.
Why Jervis Bay Is a Prime Whale Watching Spot
Plenty of places along the east coast offer whale watching. So what makes Jervis Bay special?
Geography and Depth
The continental shelf sits relatively close to shore here, funnelling migrating whales closer to land than in many other regions. Sightings often happen within sight of the coastline, so you don’t have to travel huge distances offshore to find them.
Sheltered Waters and a Protected Marine Park
Jervis Bay is a large, naturally protected bay with calmer conditions than the open ocean. It sits within Jervis Bay Marine Park, an area known for outstanding biodiversity, which is why a whale cruise here often turns into a much broader wildlife experience. Alongside the humpbacks you’ll usually spot resident bottlenose dolphins, Australian fur seals lounging on rocky outcrops, and a variety of sea birds.
Clear Water and Dramatic Coastline
The water clarity in Jervis Bay regularly ranks among the highest in the country, and the surrounding coastline of towering sea cliffs, ancient sea caves, and white sand beaches gives every cruise a stunning backdrop.
Easy to Reach From Sydney and Canberra
One of Jervis Bay’s great practical advantages is just how accessible it is. The drive from Sydney takes around 2.5 hours, and Canberra is closer at roughly 2 hours. That makes it one of the easiest world-class whale watching destinations to reach as a weekend getaway, or even a long day trip if you set off early.
A Conservation Comeback Story
Worth a quick mention: the whales we see today are part of a remarkable conservation comeback. Humpback populations along Australia’s east coast were hunted to near extinction during the 20th century, dropping to just a few hundred animals before commercial whaling ended in the 1960s. Today, the east Australian population is estimated at around 40,000 animals and still growing. Our skippers and guides follow strict whale watching regulations, keeping the vessel at the right distance and allowing whales to approach us on their own terms.
Make a Weekend of It
Our whale cruises run for between two and three hours, leaving plenty of time to explore the wider Shoalhaven region. A few favourites from our team:
- Eat: Fishermens Wharf is right where our boats depart, with fresh South Coast seafood
- Walk: The White Sands Walk between Huskisson and Plantation Point passes some of the most stunning beaches in Australia
- Explore more coastline: Our Jervis Bay Passage and South Coast Passage cruises take you to sea cliffs and caves you can’t reach by land
- Spot dolphins: Our Dolphin Cruise runs year-round, perfect for visitors arriving before whale season starts
- Wind down: A Sundowner Cruise is a beautiful way to cap off your stay
For visitors heading down from Sydney or Canberra, a winter weekend in Jervis Bay paired with a whale cruise has become one of the most popular escapes on the east coast.
Ready to See the Humpback Highway for Yourself?
The 2026 whale watching season at Jervis Bay runs from May 16 through to November, with cruises departing from Huskisson aboard our purpose-built vessel, Port Venture. We’re pet-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and our experienced guides will share the story of every whale you see along the way.
Book your whale watching cruise today and join us on the water this season.
