Killer Whales Off Sydney

For the first time in 6 years, Killer Whales (Orcas) have been sighted off Curl Curl in Sydney's Northern Beaches.

It turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some lucky whale watchers who joined Whale Watching Sydney for the morning cruise on August 29th.

Every year, from May to November, Australia's East Coast becomes the stage for the majestic migration of humpback whales. These remarkable creatures undertake a long journey, traveling thousands of kilometers from the warm, tropical waters of the north, where they give birth and nurture their young, to the cooler, nutrient-rich southern waters, which serve as their primary feeding grounds. This migration is one of nature’s most impressive events, with over 30,000 humpback whales making the journey along Australia's coastline, often treating observers to spectacular displays of breaching, tail-slapping, and playful behaviour.

On the morning cruise of August 29th, a burst of excitement unfolded as crew members and whale watchers were astonished to spot a pod of killer whales several miles off Curl Curl Beach—an incredibly rare sighting that hasn't been documented off Sydney's East Coast since 2018, when a pod of around 100 killer whales was spotted off Botany Bay.

A crew member from Whale Watching Sydney recounted the sighting: "There was a frenzy of activity, and the orcas buzzed past the boat in formation while chasing the humpbacks. The humpbacks were closing in together, and we assume they may have been protecting a calf, but it's hard to tell with such a flurry of excitement!"

Killer whales, or orcas, are apex predators renowned for their sophisticated hunting techniques, which vary depending on their prey and environment. These highly intelligent mammals hunt in coordinated pods, often using strategies that resemble those of a wolf pack. When targeting larger prey like seals or even whales, orcas use a combination of speed, stealth, and teamwork. They may create waves to wash seals off ice floes or work together to separate a calf from its mother. Their ability to communicate and adapt their tactics makes them one of the ocean’s most efficient and formidable hunters.

While witnessing this display of nature, the food chain, and the remarkable intelligence and teamwork of killer whales is incredible, we sincerely hope all the humpbacks—mothers, calves, and companions—made it out of this pursuit safely.

If you want to try you luck Whale Watching, you can check out our suggestions for land based Whale Watching HERE. To get up close and personal, we recommend:

• Captain Cook Cruises Whale Watching

• Whale Watching Sydney

By Georgina Pengelly