Image by Sebastian Elmaloglou - Whale Leap from our Love the Coast Competition
Each year, thousands of whales journey past Sydney’s coastline in one of nature’s oldest and most awe-inspiring migrations — a reminder of both the beauty of the natural world and the growing urgency to protect it.
This World Environment Day, Waverley Council is encouraging residents and visitors to reflect on the deep cultural, environmental, and ecological significance of whales as they once again travel along the east coast during their annual migration.
From late June through early July, and again between October and November, people walking the Bondi coastline are often lucky enough to spot a breach, tail slap, or waterspout offshore. The migrating whales — humpbacks, southern right whales and occasionally Minke, Orca and Blue Whales — are travelling from Antarctica to the warmer waters of north Queensland to breed and give birth.
It is estimated that between 40,000 and 60,000 whales now pass Sydney each year along what is often called the “humpback highway”, with conservation efforts helping whale populations recover after decades of commercial whaling.
Yet while the return of whales is one of Australia’s great environmental success stories, the impacts of climate change are increasingly being felt across marine ecosystems, including the oceans that migrating whales depend upon. Rising ocean temperatures, changing ocean currents, habitat degradation, pollution and shifts in food availability are already affecting marine species globally. Protecting whales means protecting the health of the oceans they depend on and taking action to address the environmental challenges facing future generations.
Rock engraving – North Bondi
Burriburri
For First Nations peoples, the story of whales stretches back thousands of years and is deeply connected to Country, culture, and storytelling.
At Mackenzies Point, an Aboriginal rock engraving depicting a whale and calf serves as a powerful reminder that these migrations have been witnessed on this coastline for millennia. Estimated to be around 2,000 years old, the engraving reflects the enduring relationship between whales and the Dharawal-speaking peoples of coastal Sydney.
Known as Burriburri, the whale is an important cultural figure in Dharawal Dreaming, with stories explaining how the whale came to be and the role it plays within the natural world. These stories continue to connect people to Sea Country and remind us of the responsibility to care for the environment and its creatures.
Find out more about Burriburri and the Gujaga Foundation HERE
Image from Gamay Rangers
Gamay Rangers and La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council
Today, that responsibility continues through the work of the Gamay Rangers, the only Indigenous ranger group operating in an urban setting. Working across the traditional lands and waterways managed by the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council —including the Waverley area — the Rangers undertake natural and cultural resource management from Sydney Harbour to the northern Illawarra.
Their work includes marine mammal awareness and protection, cultural heritage conservation, threatened species management, environmental education, and waterway patrols. A key focus is protecting animals that are significant ancestral beings for Aboriginal people of Coastal Sydney, including whales and other marine life.
The La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council also employs Cultural Heritage Officers who work to identify, document, and protect Aboriginal sites throughout the Waverley area. Through this work, the La Perouse Aboriginal community continues its cultural responsibility to care for Country while helping preserve thousands of years of Aboriginal history and connection to place.
Image from Gamay Rangers
Giving Whales Space
As whale sightings become more common along the Bondi coastline, Council is reminding residents and visitors to keep a safe and respectful distance from marine life.
Under NSW regulations, no boat, swimmer, or surfer may approach within 300 metres of a whale accompanied by a calf. For other whales, minimum approach distances apply, including 30 metres for swimmers and divers, 100 metres for boats and surfboards and 400 metres for jet skis. Dolphins must not be approached within 50 metres. Significant fines apply for breaches.
Giving whales space is essential to ensuring they can rest, communicate, and safely continue their migration.
Image by Gergo Rugli – Rapture from our Love the Coast Competition
Coastal Management Program
World Environment Day is also an opportunity to consider the future of our coastline.
Council is currently developing Stage 2 of its Coastal Management Program — a roadmap for how Council, community members and partner organisations can work together to protect and manage Waverley’s remarkable coastline into the future.
As part of this work, Council is inviting the community to share what they value most about the coast through a short Coastal Values Survey. Community feedback will help identify priorities for future protection, conservation, and management.
Complete the survey HERE
Image by Ariel Baron - Bondi Beach from our Love the Coast Competition
Whether it is spotting a humpback breaching offshore, learning about the ancient story of Burriburri, or helping shape the future of our coastline, World Environment Day reminds us that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.
Bondi’s annual whale migration offers both a moment of wonder and a call to action — reminding us that caring for our oceans means protecting biodiversity, respecting Aboriginal cultural heritage, and taking meaningful action on climate change for generations to come.