Jervis Bay is one of Australia’s top destinations for whale and dolphin watching. With around 100 resident bottlenose dolphins, as well as migrating humpback and southern right whales, the bay provides spectacular opportunities to see marine life in the wild. Whether you’re spotting dolphins cruising close to shore or watching whales breach during their annual migration, Jervis Bay offers incredible coastal lookouts and protected marine environments that make for an unforgettable experience.
The best time of year for dolphin watching in Australia generally falls between October and April, when weather conditions are ideal, and waters are calm. Dolphins are visible throughout the year, but these warmer months offer higher chances of sightings.
For the best experience, visit in the early morning or late afternoon, when dolphins tend to be most active. You’re likely to see Southern right whales and Humpback whales. Learn more about these species here!
Whale watching Jervis Bay is a prime destination from May to November, as humpback and southern right whales migrate along the coast. The peak months for sightings are June to August, when mothers and calves are often seen resting in the bay’s calm waters before continuing their journey south. You’re likely to see Southern right whales and Humpback whales. Learn more about these species here!
Frequent sightings – Bottlenose dolphins are visible year-round, and humpback whales migrate along the coast from May to November.
Multiple scenic lookouts – Several well-positioned viewing platforms provide panoramic ocean views, with some offering benches, railings, and educational signage.
Sanctuary zones and marine protection – Jervis Bay’s protected waters offer a safe and undisturbed environment for marine life, increasing the likelihood of sightings.
Easy access and visitor-friendly facilities – Many lookouts have parking, picnic tables, and accessible pathways, making them ideal for a comfortable day of wildlife watching.
Hammerhead Point Picnic Area in Jervis Bay National Park is a prime spot for whale watching Jervis Bay, offering a quiet, nature-immersed experience. This sanctuary zone is a safe haven for dolphins and migrating whales, making it one of the best viewing locations for marine wildlife in Jervis Bay.
A short, sandy track leads to the lookout platform, where visitors will find bench seating, a railing for support, and clear ocean views. The lookout provides expansive sightlines over the bay, with minor obstructions from shrubs to the north. Bottlenose and common dolphins are regularly seen close to shore, while humpback and southern right whales pass through during their annual migration, sometimes accompanied by calves.
The picnic area features tables, shaded seating, and parking, making it a great spot for a relaxed day of wildlife watching. While the sandy path may pose challenges for wheelchair users, the proximity to parking ensures relatively easy access for most visitors.
Greenfield Beach Picnic Area is a beautiful and easily accessible spot for whale watching Jervis Bay, offering a mix of natural beach views and elevated vantage points. Dolphins are regularly seen cruising the bay, often in pods close to shore, while humpback whales occasionally appear during migration season. The primary viewing area consists of a raised natural lookout with a stone wall and bench, giving partial views over Greenfield Beach and Jervis Bay.
While some trees and shrubs slightly obstruct the view, the beach itself and nearby rocky areas offer clear sightlines over the water. The picnic area is well-equipped, featuring accessible parking, public bathrooms, showers, and free BBQs, making it a comfortable spot for a relaxed day of whale watching. While the main path to the beach is wheelchair-friendly, the sandy tracks leading to certain viewpoints may pose challenges for visitors with mobility limitations.
Gerringong Whale Watching Platform, perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is one of the best spots for whale watching Jervis Bay. This dedicated viewing area offers a comfortable and informative experience, with railings, seating, and educational signage about marine life.
The platform is well-known for whale watching, especially humpback whales during their northern and southern migrations from May to November. However, bottlenose and common dolphins are frequently sighted year-round, often swimming closer to shore, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.
The site is easily accessible, featuring a nearby free car park, walking paths, and a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform. While some trees and shrubs slightly obstruct the view, visitors can move along the adjacent grassy areas for unobstructed views over the
Tucked away within Booderee National Park, Bull Hole is a hidden gem for dolphin and whale watching in Jervis Bay. This rocky coastal lookout is less frequented than nearby hotspots, offering a serene and immersive wildlife experience for those willing to make the short bushwalk in.
Bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen from the headland throughout the year, often travelling in pods close to shore. During the migration season from May to November, visitors also have the chance to witness humpback whales cruising past or breaching offshore – a rewarding sight for those seeking a quieter alternative to busier whale-watching spots.
The lookout itself is a flat, rocky platform with sweeping views across the ocean, ideal for scanning the horizon. There are no formal facilities, signage, or railings, so caution is advised when approaching the edge. While parking and amenities are limited, the surrounding natural beauty and lower visitor traffic make Bull Hole a rewarding option for more adventurous marine mammal watchers.
While not a formal lookout, Seven Mile Beach offers stunning shoreline vistas and a chance to witness marine mammals in a more laid-back, beachside setting. Located a short drive north of Jervis Bay, the beach stretches across seven miles of uninterrupted coastline, giving visitors ample space and opportunity to spot wildlife in the surf or offshore.
During the migration season from May to November, visitors can enjoy whale watching near Jervis Bay, particularly humpback whales heading north or south. On calmer days, look out for the signature blow or breaching whales along the horizon. Bottlenose dolphins are also known to ride the surf along this beach, especially in the early morning.
There are no formal viewing platforms or interpretive signs, but the natural beauty of the area, combined with good visibility and beach access, makes it a popular place for walkers and nature lovers. Several access points with parking are available, including those near Gerroa and Shoalhaven Heads, with walking tracks through dunes and bushland.
Minnamurra Lookout offers a peaceful, elevated position for viewing the ocean and scanning for marine mammals along the South Coast, just north of Jervis Bay. Set within the Killalea Regional Park, this lookout is surrounded by native bush and provides a tranquil spot to take in the expansive seascape.
While less well-known for consistent sightings, the lookout does provide occasional opportunities for dolphin watching near Jervis Bay, with bottlenose dolphins sometimes seen swimming parallel to the coast. During the annual migration between May and November, whale watching in Jervis Bay and the surrounding region is possible from this site, particularly on clear, calm days when visibility is high.
The lookout is accessible via a short walk from the car park, with sealed paths and benches along the way. There are also interpretive signs offering information about local marine life, geological features, and environmental conservation.
