🐋 Watching Whales with ACF: Annual Whale Census 2026
ACF Eastern Sydney is excited to once again join ORRCA for the 27th Annual Whale Census and we’d love you to join us for our third annual community whale count.
Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate north along the NSW coastline on one of the great wildlife journeys of the world. Together with volunteers across the coast, we’ll be helping collect important citizen science data while enjoying a spectacular morning by the ocean. And we will be hoping to spot our group’s favourite threatened species, the southern right whale.
Special guests 😀
We are delighted to be joined by:
- Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Federal Member for Kingsford Smith
- Dylan Parker, Mayor of Randwick
- Ashley Ryan, President of ORRCA (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia)
- Dr Vanessa Pirotta, one of Australia’s most renowned wildlife scientists and marine mammal researchers
- Dr Stephen Lightfoot, ACF Eastern Sydney convenor and ACF Vice President
Our special guests will share insights into whale conservation, marine science and the importance of protecting Australia’s oceans and wildlife.
Event details
📅 Sunday 28 June 2026
🕣 8:30am – 10:00am
📍 Cape Banks, Kamay Botany Bay National Park
📍 Meet at the Westpac Rescue Helicopter carpark, Cape Banks Road, La Perouse
From there, we’ll walk together to the whale watching platform along the Cape Banks walking track.
Whether you’re an experienced whale watcher or completely new to it, everyone is welcome. We’ll be scanning the horizon for humpback whales and other marine life while contributing to one of Australia’s longest-running citizen science projects.
What to bring
- Warm clothing and sturdy shoes
- Binoculars (if you have them)
- Camera or phone
- Water and snacks
- Family and friends
Why it matters
The annual whale census helps build a picture of whale migration patterns and population health while connecting people with the extraordinary wildlife that shares our coastline.
Whether you're a seasoned cetacean spotter or this is your first whale count, you're welcome. Come for the views, stay for the community, and leave with a deeper connection to our wild coast.
Let’s witness something wild – and stand together for the nature we love.
Hope to see you there,
🌊 The ACF Eastern Sydney Team