Friday Fast Five – Have a whale of a time

If you want to see a whale, now is the perfect time of year with whale watching season in full swim and ORRCA saying it has been a bumper year in terms of whale numbers.

The humpback whale migration peaks in mid-winter as the huge mammals move northwards up the coast from Antarctica to warmer water for winter. While Humpback whales are the most common species that people can spot off the coast, it’s also possible to see minke, southern right and pilot whales.

Along with plenty of patience, ORCCA recommend those watching for whales off land to pack their binoculars, sun protection, warm clothes and consider packing a comfortable, collapsible chair. They recommend scanning the ocean for whales with the naked eye to see the blow – or water vapour from when a whale breathes – and using binoculars once you’ve spotted one.

While we’re spoilt for choice when it comes picking a spot along the Wollongong Local Government area’s coastline, here are five suggestions for whale watching.

Bald Hill

When it comes to sightseeing spots in our city, few match the expansive views of Bald Hill. On a clear day, the views down the coastline are something we’re all, quite rightly, proud of. Looking to the east, there’s plenty of scope to see whales in action. Granted, you might not be as close to the action as in other locations in Wollongong, but the view certainly balances that out.

Sandon Point

If you fancy being a little closer to the action, Sandon Point is another stella location in our city’s north. Here, you can look both to the north and to the south and there is the added bonus of watching the surfers at the break off the point if there’s no whale action. There are a couple of picnic tables on the top of the hill, which makes enjoying a picnic lunch – and giving your eyes a break – a doddle.

Waniora Point/Bulli Beach

A stone’s throw from Sandon Point, is Waniora Point and this headland offers some spectacular views up and down the coast. It also has the added bonus of bring right on the Grand Pacific Walk’s shared path with some nearby local cafés for a bite to eat, and a recently refurbished playground if you’re whale watching with little ones. While it can get busy here, there is plenty of area on the headland for picnicking.

Flagstaff Hill

This spot is recognisable thanks to the lighthouse. With views along the coast to the north and towards the steelworks in the south, Flagstaff Hill is an easy pick for whale watching. As a plus, it’s right in the thick of things when it comes to picking up picnic supplies, refuelling over an ice cream or tucking into some fish and chips.

Hill 60

If you pick one spot for whale watching, make it this one. While Hill 60 can’t be described as a hidden gem of the city, some would say it’s one of our lesser appreciated spots when it comes to top-notch views. This area has significant cultural value to the Aboriginal Community and is also recognised as a key location in the country’s military history for the role it played in the country’s coastal defence network. On the northern side, you can see over Fisherman’s Beach and towards the Port, while to the south the views stretch out over Port Kembla Beach and towards the Five Islands.