By Little Ocean Explorers ·

Quick answer

Humpback whales travel past Sydney on a huge journey between feeding areas in the Southern Ocean and warmer waters farther north. They breathe air, feed through baleen instead of teeth, and can grow to about 15 metres long. Their exact migration dates change a little each year.

A whale tail rising from the sea is a sight you remember. See Verity’s whale photo, taken off the coast of Sydney, Australia, on Instagram. Verity photographed a humpback whale off Sydney, Australia. Here are nine facts about this amazing species and its journey along the eastern Australian coast.

9 humpback whale facts for curious kids

  • They are mammals. Humpbacks breathe air through blowholes on top of their heads, then dive back under the waves.
  • They make a very long trip. Humpbacks travelling along eastern Australia can migrate up to 10,000 kilometres between Antarctic feeding grounds and warmer breeding areas.
  • Sydney has a whale season. Humpbacks are often seen off Sydney in June, July and August, but the timing can shift from year to year.
  • They are giants. Adult humpbacks can reach around 15–17 metres long. That is longer than a city bus.
  • They have no teeth for eating. Humpbacks are baleen whales. Comb-like plates called baleen help filter tiny prey from seawater.
  • Krill is a favourite food. Southern Hemisphere humpbacks mainly eat krill and can also eat small fish that swim together in schools.
  • Those long flippers help identify them. Humpbacks have very long pectoral flippers, knobbly bumps on their heads, and individual black-and-white patterns under their tails.
  • Whale songs are still a puzzle. Male humpbacks make long, changing songs in breeding season. Scientists study them, but their full purpose is not certain.
  • Calves stay close to mum. A humpback calf usually depends on its mother for about a year while it grows and learns.

For grown-ups: Humpbacks are baleen whales, a group that filters prey from water. Not every whale has baleen: toothed whales, such as sperm whales, have teeth. So “whales have no teeth” is not true for all whales.

Why do humpbacks swim past Sydney?

Eastern Australian humpbacks feed in Antarctic waters during the warmer months, then migrate north as the Southern Hemisphere winter approaches. They travel towards warmer subtropical waters where they mate and calves are born. Later, many head south again. The exact timetable depends on conditions, so the migration is a season rather than a promise of a particular day.

The Australian Museum says June to August is the best time to look for humpbacks off Sydney. A whale may show its tail, roll, or leap out of the water, but sightings are never guaranteed. If you are lucky enough to see one from shore, enjoy it from a distance.

How to watch whales kindly

  • Never touch or feed a whale.
  • Give whales space. Australian Government guidance says boats must stay at least 100 metres away from whales in Australian waters.
  • Follow local signs and whale-watching rules. If a whale approaches, let it choose how close it comes.
  • Keep rubbish out of the water and take it home with you.

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Whale questions parents ask

What whales can you see near Sydney?

Humpbacks are commonly seen migrating along eastern Australia, including near Sydney.

When do humpback whales pass Sydney?

The Australian Museum says June, July and August are the best time to see humpbacks off Sydney. Migration timing varies from year to year.

How far do humpback whales travel?

Eastern Australian humpbacks make an annual migration of up to 10,000 kilometres between Antarctic feeding grounds and warmer breeding areas.

What do humpback whales eat?

They filter food such as krill and small schooling fish from the water through baleen plates in their mouths.

How should people watch whales in Australia?

Do not touch or feed whales. Australian government guidance says vessels must stay at least 100 metres away; follow local rules and keep a respectful distance.

Sources: Australian Government: humpback whales of eastern Australia; Australian Museum: humpback whale; NOAA Fisheries: whales and baleen.