Every year, more than 40,000 humpback whales travel from the Antarctic to Queensland along the east coast of Australia. They pass Sydney between May and November, with peak months being June and July as they move north to warmer waters and then return south. During these times there are several vantage points in Waverley to watch this incredible migration. There are already well-established whale watching locations between Bondi and Waverley Cemetery such as the Clifftop Walkway at Dover Heights and Vaucluse.

At Council's Meeting on 17 June 2025, Council resolved to install public binoculars at suitable locations for whale watching. Council is now installing permanent binoculars at Calga Reserve and Diamond Bay Reserve.

Work will be undertaken in two stages and will include:

Stage One - Supply and installation of concrete pads and low retaining walls

Stage Two - Supply and installation of fixed binoculars

Timeline

Work started on Monday 25 May 2026 and is expected to be completed in August 2026, weather permitting and subject to shipping / delivery times for the binoculars.

Important! During construction, access to the locations are not permitted. All pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area should follow site signage.