Curious humpback whale disrupts Sydney Harbour ferry services during morning rush hour

An inquisitive humpback whale caused ferry delays in central Sydney on July 16 after it veered off its usual migratory route and swam into the city’s busy harbour.

The juvenile whale was first spotted by commuters around Fort Denison, near the Sydney Opera House, at about 8am local time.

It later swam past Circular Quay, the city’s central ferry terminal, heading east through some of the harbour’s busiest waterways, according to national public broadcaster ABC News on July 16.

Ferry services were briefly suspended at about 9am on the advice of the New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service, as the authorities created an exclusion zone around the animal to ensure its safety and that of nearby vessels.

“(The authorities) are literally escorting a school bus-size mammal out of the harbour,” said whale expert Vanessa Pirotta, who was on board a patrol vessel shadowing the animal.

She added: “We’re giving it space and helping it exit safely.”

The sub-adult whale was seen exploring multiple locations, including Garden Island, Watsons Bay, Balmoral Bay and Rose Bay, popular seaside spots to the east and north of Sydney’s city centre. At one point, it was observed swimming close to a person on a paddleboard as onlookers watched from the beach.

Dr Pirotta said the whale appeared healthy and relaxed, describing it as “the most inquisitive whale” she had seen in the harbour.

“Most whales will realise they’re off course and head back out to sea, but this one seems to be enjoying the full harbour experience,” she said.

Small vessels were used to form a protective escort alongside and behind the whale, ensuring other boats kept a safe distance. The animal eventually made its way towards the harbour entrance around midday.

Transport officials said the incident caused only brief delays to some ferry services, which resumed normal operations by the afternoon.

Each year, an estimated 40,000 humpback whales migrate along Australia’s eastern coast between Antarctica and Queensland.

While sightings near Sydney’s coastline are common in winter, such extended detours into the inner harbour are rare.