ORRCA Whale Census Day 2025

Every year, coastal communities across NSW gather at headlands, beaches, and national parks to witness the awe-inspiring humpback whale migration – and to help count every whale sighting. It’s a unique blend of community, conservation, and adventure that makes it one of the best ways to spend a winter’s day by the ocean. You can participate for as little or as long as you like, and be part of one of Australia’s longest running citizen science projects. Sightings are logged via an app and collated as part of ORRCA’s broader research program.

There are so many incredible spots to participate from along the beaches. ORRCA are hosting an official Census site on Longreef Headland and would love the community to get involved. We’d also invite you to come along on the day to cover the story. We’d have ORRCA Vice President Steve Trikoulis (Northern Beaches local) on site for interviews.

With over 40,000 whales expected to pass by this season, it’s shaping up to be a truly spectacular event. The best part? Anyone can get involved – from seasoned whale watchers to curious first-timers – and all sightings contribute valuable data to support marine mammal conservation.

It’s free, fun, and makes for an unforgettable day out – and more importantly, contributes to our understanding of our northern humpback whale migration.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN ORRCA MEMBERS AT AN OFFICIAL ORRCA LOCATION, YOU CAN REGISTER FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

• POINT DANGER, COOLANGATTA
• LENNOX HEAD HEADLAND
• WOOLGOOLGA HEADLAND, COFFS HARBOUR
• TACKING POINT LIGHTHOUSE, PORT MACQUARIE
• BOAT HARBOUR, PORT STEPHENS
• CAPE SOLANDER, KURNELL WITH NPWS
• HILL 60, PORT KEMBLA (INSTEAD OF BASS POINT)
• WARDEN HEAD, ULLADULLA WITH NPWS
• BAR ROCK LOOKOUT, NAROOMA
• CAPE BYRON LIGHTHOUSE WITH NPWS
• LONG REEF HEADLAND WITH NORTHERN BEACHES COUNCIL
• CAPE BANKS, LA PAROUSE
• KING EDWARD PARK, NEWCASTLE