Add a listing
    Add a listing
    Best Whale Watching with Kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra

    Best Whale Watching with Kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra

    Looking for the best whale watching spots in Wollongong & the Illawarra with kids? From June to November, thousands of humpback whales migrate along the NSW coast, making the Illawarra one of the best places to see them. Discover our favourite family-friendly lookouts for an unforgettable whale watching adventure. Rug up in your warm jackets and go marvel at nature with your kids, it’s magical!

    At Parents Guide Illawarra, we’re all about helping local families discover the very best things to do with kids – and our whale watching guide will help you find the best kid-friendly scenic spots across Wollongong and the Illawarra.

    Don’t forget to check out more of our family-friendly guides below:

    Why the Illawarra is one of the Best Places for Whale Watching in NSW

    Each winter, more than 40,000 humpback whales travel along Australia’s east coast as they migrate north to warmer waters before returning south with their calves. Thanks to Wollongong’s elevated coastal lookouts, families can often enjoy spectacular whale sightings completely free.

    Many of the best whale watching spots in Wollongong & the Illawarra are easy to access, have parking close by, and are located near playgrounds, beaches and cafés – making them ideal for families with young children.

    Best Whale Watching Spots in Wollongong & Illawarra for Families

    Bald Hill Lookout

    Photo c/o Wollongong City Council

    Location: Lady Wakehurst Drive, Stanwell Tops NSW 2508

    If you’re searching for the best places for kids to watch whales in Wollongong, Bald Hill Lookout is hard to beat.

    Perched high above the coastline right next to scenic Stanwell Tops, Bald Hill offers panoramic views stretching over the Sea Cliff Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. Children love watching the colourful hang gliders launch while waiting for whales to appear, adding another layer of excitement to your visit. You’ll be high up so choose a clear day for best views and bring your binoculars!

    Why families love it:

    • Plenty of parking – although can get super busy on weekends and public holidays
    • Toilets located at the lookout
    • Often you’ll be lucky to catch the Ice Cream Truck that regularly visits and parks here!
    • Plenty of grassy areas where kids can stretch their legs and explore.
    • Picnic tables and seating throughout the lookout, making it easy to enjoy a family picnic.
    • A Dharawal cultural heritage site and important to the area’s rich aviation history – a memorial dedicated to Sir Lawrence Hargrave has been erected at the peak of the hill.
    • Family-friendly walking options, including the nearby Bald Hill to Stanwell Park walking track for families with older children.

    Grand Pacific Walk (Bald Hill to Clifton)

    Photo c/o Visit Wollongong

    Location: Along the walk as you leave Stanwell Park, walking south towards Coalcliff.

    This easy shared path offers awesome views south towards Wollongong and north to the Royal National Park, and is also ideal for a bike ride or walk with the kids while soaking up spectacular coastal views. Along the way, you’ll find a dedicated whale watching platform just south of Stanwell Park on the way to Coalcliff. It’s a fun and active way to combine whale watching with a memorable family day out.

    Why families love it:

    • The shared pathway is also bike-friendly, so bring the wheels and opt in for a family bike ride at the same time.
    • Great family photo opportunities overlooking this iconic part of the coastline.

    Sea Cliff Bridge

    Location: Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coalcliff NSW 2508

    Pack the kids in the car and enjoy a scenic drive before stopping at either end of the bridge to watch for humpback whales passing along the coastline. The easy, flat walk across the bridge is perfect for little legs, with breathtaking ocean views and the chance to spot whales, dolphins and seabirds along the way. Just be aware that parking is limited and can fill quickly on weekends, public holidays and during peak whale watching season, so arriving early is recommended.

    Why families love it:

    • Easy, flat walk that’s suitable for families with young children.
    • Great for scooters and bike rides, with a shared coastal path offering even more to explore.
    • Close to Stanwell Park, beaches and cafés,
    • Scenic drive along the Grand Pacific Drive, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination!
    • Hot tip: Treat the fam to breakfast or lunch at The Imperial at Clifton – a stunning, iconic cafe & restaurant just 500m from the Sea Cliff Bridge. They have a kid-friendly menu with ice cream! Plus added bonus – you can even catch a glimpse of whales from the comfort of their dining room or their open air back deck.
    • Check out our Complete Guide to Exploring the Sea Cliff Bridge and all it has to offer, over at our sister site What’s On In Wollongong.

    Flagstaff Hill & Wollongong Head Lighthouse

    Location: Endeavour Drive, Wollongong NSW 2500

    Families can explore the historic lighthouse precinct, stroll along the breakwater and keep an eye on the horizon for migrating humpback whales, playful dolphins and even the occasional seal! The gentle walk along the breakwater is easy for young children and prams, while the picturesque lighthouse and harbour make it a favourite spot for family photos.

    With nearby cafés, the harbour, beaches and the Wollongong Head Lighthouse Rock Pool all within walking distance, it’s easy to turn your whale watching adventure into a fun-filled day exploring one of Wollongong’s most beautiful coastal precincts.

    Why families love it:

    • Pram-friendly walks
    • Take in a stroll along the nearby wharf and checkout all the fishing boats and trawlers
    • Bring the fishing rod – Wollongong Harbour offers lots of kid-friendly fishing spots
    • Harbour, beaches and rock pools nearby
    • Two iconic lighthouses that make for a fun walk and great family photos.
    • Public toilets, parking and accessible facilities nearby for a hassle-free visit.
    • Hot tip: Why not make a complete day of it, and walk & explore The Bue Mile? Hop over to our sister site, What’s On In Wollongong, for our complete guide The Blue Mile Wollongong and to taking in all this iconic walk has to offer.

    Wollongong Head Lighthouse Rock Pool

    Photo c/o nomadasaurus.com

    Location: Endeavour Drive, Wollongong NSW 2500

    Want to combine whale watching with lovely views AND a swim? The Wollongong Head Lighthouse Rock Pool lets families enjoy both. Keep an eye on the ocean while the kids splash in the rock pool, then enjoy lunch nearby at one of Wollongong Harbour’s cafés. Win-win!

    Why families love it:

    • Easy, pram-friendly paths and plenty of space for little explorers.
    • Wollongong Harbour and beaches nearby
    • Picnic areas, cafés and takeaway options just a short stroll away.
    • Public toilets and parking nearby for added convenience.
    • Hot top: After a swim, there’s a good chance everyone will have worked up an appetite! Head to The Boathouse North Wollongong for beachfront dining, a dedicated kids’ menu and their $30 pizza offer with drink from 3pm–5pm in the bar (Mon-Thur), all with stunning ocean views. Or, treat the family to Steamers Bar & Grill, where little ones can enjoy a delicious kids’ menu with views over Wollongong Lighthouse.

    Sublime Point Lookout

    Location: Princes Highway, Bulli Tops NSW 2516

    Offering sweeping views of the Illawarra coastline from high above the ocean. While you’ll mostly spot the spectacular breaches from this elevated vantage point, the incredible scenery alone makes it well worth the visit. Public toilets and picnic tables also available.

    • Hot tip: After your whale watching adventure, stop by the Gelato Emporium at Bulli Tops (Southern Gateway Centre Bulli Tops Bulli), for incredible gelato, coffee fix, sandwiches and delicious treats (and you can even sneak home a takeaway tub of their yummy gelato!)

    Sandon Point

    Location: Point Street, Bulli NSW 2516

    Perched on the headland overlooking the beach, this location offers a great vantage point to watch for migrating humpback whales while the kids enjoy the wide-open spaces. With a large reserve, easy access to the coastal walking track and plenty of room for a picnic, it’s easy to spend a few relaxing hours by the ocean.

    Why families love it:

    • Large grassy reserve with plenty of room for kids to run and play.
    • Perfect for family picnics with beautiful ocean views.
    • Easy access to the coastal walking track for a stroll or scooter ride.
    • Ample parking close to the lookout and beach.
    • Beach and rock pools nearby.

    Waniora Point/Bulli Beach

    Location: Trinity Row, Bulli NSW 2516

    Soak up breathtaking views along the coastline, then grab a coffee or snack from a nearby café while the kids burn off some energy at the recently upgraded playground. It’s an easy place to turn whale watching into a fun family outing.

    Why families love it:

    • Recently upgraded playground at Bulli Beach Reserve so kids can burn off energy
    • Nearby cafés for coffee, snacks or lunch.
    • Located on the Grand Pacific Walk, perfect for a family stroll – shared pathway too so kids can also bring their bikes.

    Hill 60

    Photo c/o Wollongong City Council

    Location: Military Rd, Port Kembla NSW 2505

    Hill 60 is one of Wollongong’s most spectacular family-friendly whale watching lookouts. With sweeping views over Fisherman’s Beach, Port Kembla Beach and the Five Islands, families can also explore the area’s fascinating Aboriginal and military history, making it a great spot to combine whale watching with some interesting local history.

    Why families love it:

    • Views over Fisherman’s Beach, Port Kembla Beach and the Five Islands.
    • Easy walking paths and open spaces for kids to explore.
    • Rich Aboriginal and military history.

    Bushrangers Bay /Bass Point Aquatic Reserve

    Photo c/o The Illawarra Mercury

    Location: Fisherman’s Walk, Bass Point NSW 2529. You can get to the Reserve on foot via a set of stairs from Bass Point Reserve, along Bass Point Tourist Rd.

    Accessed via the scenic Fisherman’s Walk, it’s a rewarding outing for families with older children who enjoy a coastal walk. During the southern migration (September to November), the Boston Shipwreck car park offers one of the best viewing spots, with a short concrete path providing easy access – or, if you’re lucky enough to snag an ocean-facing park, you may even spot whales from the comfort of your car!

    Why families love it:

    • Whales often pass incredibly close to shore, making for an unforgettable experience.
    • Scenic Fisherman’s Walk is perfect for adventurous families with older kids.
    • Excellent viewing from the Boston Shipwreck car park during the southern migration.
    • Beautiful coastal scenery and plenty of opportunities to spot dolphins, seabirds and other marine life.
    • Hot Tip: Shellharbour is a short drive from Bass Point where you can check out some of the cool outdoor play spaces for kids, head over to lunch at Precinct at The Shellharbour Club and more in our Best Shellharbour Playgrounds, Parks & Beaches. Things to do with Kids Guide here

    Best Whale Watching Spots in Shellharbour & Kiama for Families

    Some fantastic family-friendly whale watching locations can also be found further south.

    Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform

    Location: Minnamurra Headland, Minnamurra NSW 2533

    The Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform is one of the quieter whale watching locations on the South Coast. It is one of the best on-land viewing locations in the Kiama area. The platform is also adjacent to the Minnamurra to Kiama walking track and cycleway, making it a great option for families that love to ride together.

    Kiama Blowhole & Lighthouse

    Photo c/o Chilby Photography

    Location: Blowhole Point Rd, Kiama NSW 2533

    The famous Kiama Blowhole offers much more than just whale watching. Kids can watch the powerful blowhole erupt before scanning the ocean for migrating whales. Add nearby parks, cafés, picnic areas and beaches, and it’s easy to spend the whole day exploring.

    Little Blowhole Kiama

    Location: 25 Tingira Cr, Kiama NSW 2533

    A quieter alternative to the main blowhole, Little Blowhole offers fantastic whale watching with fewer crowds. It’s an easy stop for families wanting spectacular coastal views without the busy tourist crowds.

    Bombo Headland

    Location: Accessible via the Princes Highway and is part of the Kiama Coast Walk

    With wide-open ocean views and dramatic cliffs, Bombo Headland is a wonderful place to watch whales, especially early in the morning. Families can combine their visit with a walk around nearby Bombo Beach or explore the unique basalt rock formations.

    Gerringong Whale Watching Platform

    Photo c/o Kiama Council

    Location: 178 Belinda Street, Gerringong NSW 2534

    For families travelling further south, the Gerringong Whale Watching Platform is well worth the visit, with sweeping coastal views, nearby parklands and plenty of space for children to run around. One of the prettiest and smaller whale watching locations on the coast. A visit to the cafes, gelato and bakeries on Gerringong’s Fern Street is also a must. Plan your visit also around the Gerringong Rotary Markets (106 Fern Street) on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 8:30am – 1:30pm.

    Tips for Whale Watching with Kids

    When is the Best Time to See Whales in Wollongong?

    Whale watching season in Wollongong runs from June to November, with June and July offering the highest number of migrating humpback whales as they make their journey north. September to November is also a fantastic time to visit, when mothers and calves return south along the Illawarra coastline, often putting on spectacular displays close to shore.

    For the best chance of spotting whales:

    • Visit in the morning when ocean conditions are generally calmer.
    • Choose a clear day with good visibility.
    • Spend at least 30–60 minutes at your chosen lookout.

    What to Bring

    To make your family whale watching adventure more enjoyable, pack:

    • Binoculars
    • Warm jackets (lookouts can be windy)
    • Camera or zoom lens
    • Picnic rug
    • Patience—the whales often appear when you least expect it!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the best whale watching spots in Wollongong?

    Some of the best whale watching spots in Wollongong include Bald Hill Lookout, Flagstaff Hill, Wollongong Head Lighthouse, Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse and Wollongong Head Lighthouse Rock Pool.

    Where can I watch whales in the Illawarra?

    Excellent whale watching locations can be found throughout the Illawarra, including Wollongong, Stanwell Tops, Minnamurra, Kiama and Gerringong.

    What are the best places for kids to watch whales in Wollongong?

    Families love Bald Hill Lookout, Wollongong Head Lighthouse, Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse and Flagstaff Hill because they offer easy access, parking, nearby cafés, playgrounds and plenty of space for children.

    Finally, make the most of family life in our stunning Illawarra – Subscribe to the ultimate guide to family living weekly email by Parents Guide. Say NO to bored kids and get inspired! Click and sign up for our Parents Newsletter here. Get all the local inspo!

    You might also like: