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Whale Watching Kurnell
Kurnell
Sydney’s wildest coastal experience
If you're craving fresh sea air, epic ocean views, up-close whale sightings, and ice-cold cocktails by the beach, there's a place just outside the city that delivers it all — and more. Welcome to Kurnell: Sydney’s most underrated coastal escape, where humpback whales, historic landmarks, and laid-back beach culture collide.
Just 45 minutes from the CBD, Kurnell offers a rare blend of natural spectacle, outdoor adventure, and world-class relaxation — no tour bus required.
The ultimate whale watching spot near Sydney
From May to November, the waters off Kurnell become a superhighway for thousands of migrating humpback whales, making this area one of the top whale watching destinations in Australia.
For the best views, head to Cape Solander Lookout, perched high on the cliffs inside Kamay Botany Bay National Park. With deep blue ocean stretching to the horizon, this is one of the few places in New South Wales where whales pass so close you can see them breach, tail-slap, and blow — all from solid ground.
Don’t forget your camera. And maybe a moment to just watch and wonder.
Step into Australian history
Kurnell isn’t just a whale watching paradise — it’s where modern Australia began. This is the very place where Captain James Cook made his first landing in 1770, and the area still holds that sense of awe and origin.
Walking through the Burrawang Walk and along the coast, you’ll uncover powerful stories of the Gweagal people, the original custodians of the land, as well as monuments and interpretive trails that share the layered history of first contact. It’s a moving and unforgettable backdrop to your visit.
Adventure by land, sea and sky
While the whales are the main event, Kurnell is built for explorers. The national park’s coastal walks offer dramatic clifftop views, secluded coves, and plenty of photo opportunities. Along the way, you’ll find bike tracks perfect for a cruisy coastal ride, and open spaces for skateboarding or just stretching out in the sun.
When the wind picks up, the bay becomes a haven for kite surfers, carving across the water with the Sydney skyline in the distance. Nearby, you’ll find guided horse riding experiences, where you can trot along the sand or through native bushland — a true off-the-grid escape just minutes from the city.
And if you’ve brought your dog along, Kurnell’s dog-friendly beaches are perfect for sandy paws and salty swims.
Kurnell Uncovered
Your beachside hideaway
When you’ve had your fill of nature’s wonders, there’s one place that wraps it all together: Cook at Kurnell. Set right on Silver Beach, this iconic beachside venue is where good food, chilled cocktails, and global flavours meet the relaxed energy of a perfect coastal day.
Think zesty tacos, refreshing tropical cocktails, served up with front-row views of the bay.
The space is family-friendly, pet-friendly, and totally unpretentious. Whether you're here for breakfast after a coastal walk, lunch post-whale watch, or drinks as the sun dips behind the sails, Cook at Kurnell is the kind of place you’ll wish you found sooner.
Your next weekend destination
This isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to breathe. Kurnell is quiet but wild, close but untamed, and bursting with experiences that most Sydneysiders haven’t even discovered yet.
So skip the crowds. Chase the whales. Walk where history happened. Soar on a kite. Splash with your dog. Then grab a drink, kick back by the sea, and let Cook at Kurnell show you what a real local escape feels like.
No schedule. No stress. Just salt air, soft sand, and unforgettable views.