Home & Lifestyle Winter 2022

Top whale watching spots on the Central Coast

however, it is a steep walk to the top. This has been made easier in recent years with the concrete stairway and path added. Your effort will be rewarded with your uninterrupted ocean view from the top. • Norah Head Lighthouse - Norah Head Lighthouse is beautiful to visit in any season. There is designated parking with a pathway to the Lighthouse. There are ample spots to sit and scan for the passing whales. Why not get the best view of the whales right from the top and book a lighthouse tour to walk the 96 stairs to the top! • Bateau Bay Beach Viewing Area - Is perfect for taking in the sights. While it is not the highest vantage point, the landscaped sandstone platform provides a clear viewing point out over Bateau Bay. Plenty of parking is available, and picnic tables and amenities are close by. • Copacabana Beach – Whale Watching Platform – Captain Cook Lookout - At the Southern end of the coast this purpose built platform has views all the way south to Palm Beach; perfect for watching the annual whale migration. To remain safe when whale watching, keep at least five metres from cliff edges and rock platforms and pay close attention to signage.

Park – For a fantastic vantage point without a long hike, head to Gerrin Point lookout. This spot is located along the Bouddi coastal walk and is reached via a short walk from the eastern end of Putty Beach. Relax on the bench and soak up the panoramic views of Maitland Bay and the Bouddi National Park Marine Extension. • Crackneck lookout,WyrrabalongNational Park – Make a day out of whale watching and head to Crackneck lookout. Spot whales with expansive views over Shelley Beach and The Entrance and enjoy a picnic on the grassy area or at one of the picnic tables. After lunch, stroll along The Coast walking track that stretches north to Bateau Bay or south to Forresters Beach. • PelicanBeachRoad lookout,Wyrrabalong National Park – For a tranquil whale watching experience, located at the northern end of Wyrrabalong National Park. Enjoy spotting whales from the great lookout platform or go for a relaxing walk along the beach's long stretch of golden sand. • The Skillion, Terrigal - As you drive into Terrigal, the Skillion is easily recognisable and is a prominent landmark. You can drive and park easily at the base of the Skillion,

The whale migration along the NSW coastline runs from May until November. The waters off our coastline are currently very busy with whales on their migration north to the warmer waters off Queensland to breed. With over 30,000 whales predicted to be currently migrating along the NSW coastline. Now is the perfect time to head to one of the central coast's spectacular national park lookouts, headlands or foreshores to experience a record number of whales enjoying their natural playground. Humpbacks and southern right whales are the most commonly sighted, however minke, false killer whales and orcas may also be spotted. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends these top whale watching spots on the central coast: • Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park – This 8.5km Bouddi coastal walk runs from Putty Beach to Macmasters Beach and is known for its excellent boardwalk offering sublime ocean views. The track hugs the rugged coastline providing ample opportunities to spot whales and dolphins, and enjoy the beautiful beaches and picnic spots.

• Gerrin Point lookout, Bouddi National

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5 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Winter 2022