Whale of a Time in Shellharbour
Duration: 2 days /1 night
Self Drive Getaway
From Sydney: 90 mins
Regions Included: Shellharbour Village, Bass Point, Shell Cove, Lake Illawarra, Warilla and Shellharbour City Centre
2 Day - WHALES, Culture & art Trail
Every year thousands of humpback whales pass the Shellharbour coastline on their epic migration between Antarctica and Queensland. This two-day itinerary combines whale watching, coastal adventures, Dharawal cultural experiences, public art and waterfront dining to help you experience Shellharbour’s deep connection to whales and Sea Country.
DAY ONE: Coastal Whale Encounters & Marina Experiences
8:00am | Breakfast by the Ocean
Start your whale-inspired getaway with breakfast by the ocean at Warilla Beach Café.
9:00am | Whale Inspired Public Art Trail
Discover how whales have inspired local artists throughout Shellharbour.
Must-see artwork: Burri Burri
Part of the Lake Illawarra Art Trail, this impressive bronze humpback whale sculpture draws inspiration from the Gang Man Gang Dreaming story and celebrates the cultural significance of whales to the Dharawal and Yuin peoples.
Local Tip: Download the Tread Shellharbour App to discover additional public artworks, stories and heritage sites along the way.
11:00am | Coastal Walk & Whale Spotting
Continue along Shellharbour’s shared pathways and coastal lookouts between Warilla Beach, Barrack Point and Shellharbour Village.
These elevated vantage points provide excellent opportunities to watch the migration while enjoying stunning ocean views.
Keep an eye out for the stunning sculpture Long Distance, located at Bardsley Park, Shellharbour North Beach, this striking sculpture by Carla Gottgens celebrates the annual migration of humpback whales along the NSW coastline.
12:30pm | Lunch at Shellharbour North Beach
Enjoy lunch at one of The Sands Kiosk overlooking Shellharbour North Beach while continuing your whale discovery journey.
Spend some time exploring the village’s boutiques and The Imaginarium Artspace.
Stop into the Shellharbour Visitor Information Centre to chat to the friendly team about more amazing things to see and do in Shellharbour. Buy a whale souvenir while you are these.
2:00pm | Whale Watching at Bass Point Reserve
Make your way to Bass Point Reserve, one of Shellharbour’s most spectacular coastal locations.
Take a leisurely walk along the coastal trails and keep watch for:
- Breaching humpback whales
- Mothers and calves during the southern migration
- Dolphins and seabirds
- Whales passing close to shore
Local Tip: Bring binoculars and allow plenty of time. Whales are often spotted from the headlands and have even been known to venture into the sheltered waters of Bushrangers Bay. Keep an eye out for whale spouts – clouds of condensed water vapour expelled from the whale’s blowhole.
4:00pm | Check-In & Relax
Check into accommodation at:
Take some time to relax before an unforgettable evening on the waterfront.
6:00pm | Dinner Beneath the Whale Bones
Enjoy dinner at The Waterfront Tavern, Shell Cove.
One of Shellharbour’s most unique dining experiences, guests can enjoy waterfront dining beneath a full-sized whale skeleton while overlooking the marina and ocean beyond.
As the sun sets, and the Marina sparkles with ambient lighting, reflect on the incredible migration journey occurring just beyond the harbour.
DAY TWO: Cultural Connections to Sea Country
8:00am | Breakfast at the Marina
Start your morning with breakfast overlooking Shellharbour Marina.
Keep an eye on the horizon as whales are regularly sighted offshore during migration season.
9:30am | Aboriginal Cultural Whale Cruise
Experience one of Shellharbour’s most unique whale encounters with the Aboriginal Cultural Whale Cruise from Shellharbour Marina.
Developed through a collaboration between Shellharbour Wild, Dr Jodi Edwards and Gumaraa Aboriginal Experiences, this unforgettable experience combines whale watching with thousands of years of Dharawal knowledge and storytelling.
Learn about:
- Sea Country
- Traditional connections to whales
- Whale songs and stories
- Aboriginal cultural knowledge of marine life
- The significance of whales to Dharawal people
This is a powerful opportunity to experience the migration through both natural and cultural perspectives.
1:00pm | Lunch at The Waterfront Precinct, Shell Cove
Return to the marina precinct for a relaxed waterfront lunch. Enjoy the Waterfront Japanese Restaurant for modern Japanese cuisine, or Blu Fin & Marina for delicious take away fish and chips.
Take time to stroll the breakwall, boardwalk and see the murals and public art installations throughout The Waterfront, Shell Cove.
2:30pm | Cultural SUP Adventure on Lake Illawarra
Discover another side of Shellharbour’s whale story with a cultural stand-up paddleboarding experience on Lake Illawarra.
Led by local cultural custodians, this unique on-water experience combines gentle paddling with storytelling, language and cultural knowledge, offering a deeper connection to Country and the waterways that have sustained local communities for thousands of years.
Learn the local Dreaming stories of Gang-Man-Gang (The Whale and the Starfish), the creation of Windang Island, and Gurrangatty, the creation of Lake Illawarra.
This gentle experience offers a unique way to connect with the landscape and waterways that have sustained local communities for generations.
4:00pm | Yurran Muru Aboriginal Play Space
Before heading home, stop at the award-winning Yirran muru Aboriginal Play Space at the Shellharbour Civic Centre.
Designed around stories of Country, culture and connection, the playspace offers families an engaging opportunity to learn about Aboriginal heritage and the significance of whales and Sea Country through play and exploration.
TOP TIPS
For Whale Watchers:
The peak whale watching season generally runs from May to November, with excellent viewing opportunities during both the northern and southern migrations.
For Families:
Pack binoculars, cameras and a picnic rug for extended whale spotting sessions along the coastline.
For Culture Lovers:
Book an Aboriginal Cultural Whale Cruise to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between whales, Sea Country and Dharawal culture.
For Photographers:
Bass Point Reserve and Shellharbour’s coastal headlands provide some of the region’s best whale photography opportunities.
LOCAL ADVICE
Our team of friendly locals at the Visitor Information Centre can help you plan the perfect whale season getaway, from accommodation recommendations and whale watching experiences to local dining, cultural attractions and hidden coastal gems.
Be sure to collect a copy of the Shellharbour Visitor Guide to discover even more ways to enjoy your whale-inspired adventure. Take home a whale souvenir for your memories!🐋
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