Whale Tails & Vivid City Lights: A Magical Start to Sydney’s Seasonal Spectacle

It’s that time of year again — the air’s getting cooler, the harbour is buzzing with activity, and Sydney is officially alive with some of its most beloved seasonal experiences.

Our 2025 Whale watching season officially kicked off on May 17th, and it’s already shaping up to be an incredible migration. It’s estimated around 40-50,000 humpback whales are expected to pass by Sydney harbour this year — an uplifting number considering how close these magnificent creatures came to extinction just 45 years ago. With numbers increasing by around roughly 11% each year, it’s become not only a breathtaking natural event but also a powerful conservation success story!

There’s something unforgettable about spotting a whale breaching just beyond the Heads, especially when the city skyline is still within view. Whether you’re a seasoned local or seeing these giants for the first time, it’s always a moment that stays with you.

As if that weren’t enough, just a few days later on May 23rd, Vivid Sydney returned to light up Sydney Harbour with its iconic blend of colour, creativity, and culture. The city has been transformed once again, with glowing installations, live performances, and projections that dance across buildings from the Opera House to Barangaroo.

For those wanting to enjoy Vivid in a more laid-back way, catching it from a Sydney harbour cruise is a hidden gem of an experience. Watching the lights shimmer across the water, drink in hand, with the city skyline in every direction — it’s a whole new way to appreciate the magic. The bonus? No crowds, plenty of photo ops, and a cozy spot to take it all in with friends or family.