Jervis Bay rates as one of the best places to see these gentle giants of the ocean.

Some of the top vantage points in the Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven regions are: Bull Hole Lookout in Jervis Bay National Park, Hammerhead Point picnic area in Jervis Bay National Park and Seven Mile Beach National Park.

Experts from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) are encouraging South Coast residents to head to their nearest coastal national park to seek out a vantage point to see the whales on their annual migration north.

Senior Wildlife Officer at OEH Susan Crocetti said that from now and all throughout June and July, keen whale watchers are likely to see larger groups of humpback whales as they move along the NSW coastline towards warmer waters for breeding.

“We expect more than 30,000 humpback whales will make the migration this year, and they’re already underway heading north,” Ms Crocetti said.

“We will see them heading southwards, many with their newborn calves, during spring from September through to November, travelling at a much more leisurely pace than on their northward journey.

“NSW has over 860 national parks and reserves, and many of these are situated on the coast and provide excellent viewing opportunities to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants.

“If the spectacular sight of whales breaching, blowing and tail-slapping is on your bucket list, now is your chance to tick it off,” Ms Crocetti said.

Vantage points in national parks usually also offer visitor facilities like a viewing platform or a walking track, and nearby picnic facilities and carparks.

To find out more about the best whale watching vantage spots along the NSW coast, to learn about whale behaviours and different species of whales, and to download the free Wild About Whales mobile app (to log and view the most up-to-date whale sightings near you), go to wildaboutwhales.com.au. 

Share photos and experiences of your coastal whale adventure on the Wild About Whales Facebook page (facebook.com/WildAboutWhales) and learn how others are making the most of the whale watching season.

You can also join in the conversation and share your whale sightings on Twitter with the @wildaboutwhales community.

Stranded, entangled, or sick whales should be reported immediately to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Environment Line on 131 555 or ORRCA Whale and Dolphin Rescue on (02) 9415 3333 (24 hours hotline).