Albatrosses on the Central Coast: Ocean Giants of the Sky

Albatrosses are some of the most impressive birds in the world – and believe it or not, they sometimes cruise past the Central Coast! While they don’t come in close to shore like gulls or pelicans, these majestic seabirds can be spotted gliding over the open ocean just off our coast, especially during certain times of the year.

With their massive wings and calm, gliding flight, seeing an albatross is something special – and a reminder of the wild world beyond the surf.

What is an albatross?

Albatrosses are huge seabirds known for their incredible wingspans, which can stretch over 3 metres – the longest of any bird on the planet. They’re built for long-distance flying and spend most of their lives soaring over the open ocean, only coming to land to breed.

There are several types of albatrosses in Australian waters, but the ones most likely to be seen off the Central Coast include:

  • Shy Albatross – pale body, dark wings, and a pale yellow beak.

  • Black-browed Albatross – white body, dark eye markings, and dark upper wings.

  • Yellow-nosed Albatross – smaller, with a distinctive yellow stripe on its beak.

  • Wandering Albatross – the largest of them all, but more commonly seen further south.

Where can you see them?

Albatrosses are pelagic, stick to the open ocean, but you might spot one from high coastal lookouts, especially on windy days when the sea is rough. Good places to keep an eye out include:

  • Norah Head Lighthouse

  • The Skillion at Terrigal

  • Crackneck Lookout at Bateau Bay

  • Bouddi Coastal Walk lookouts

  • Taking a tour with Terrigal Tours

They’re more common in winter and early spring, when colder ocean currents bring fish and squid closer to the surface, attracting all kinds of seabirds – including albatrosses.

You’re most likely to see them gliding low over the waves, barely flapping their wings. They use the wind to soar for hours, even days, without getting tired. It’s a pretty amazing sight!

What do they eat?

Albatrosses mostly eat:

  • Squid

  • Fish

  • Krill

  • Other small sea creatures

They feed by grabbing prey from the surface or diving just below. They’ll also follow fishing boats to scavenge scraps, which sadly puts them at risk of getting tangled in lines or caught on hooks.

Do they nest on the Central Coast?

Nope – albatrosses don’t nest here. They breed on remote islands in the Southern Ocean, like Tasmania’s Albatross Island, or islands off New Zealand and Antarctica. They only come to land to lay eggs and raise chicks, then spend the rest of the year flying over the ocean.

How can we help protect albatrosses?

Even though they don’t live right here, we can still make a difference:

  • Keep plastics out of the ocean – they can mistake it for food.

  • Support sustainable fishing – bycatch is a big threat to albatrosses.

  • Respect marine life – whether you're boating, fishing, or just enjoying the view.

  • Supporting Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast who care for seabirds and protect breeding areas

Albatrosses might be rare visitors to the Central Coast, but they’re a true wonder of the sea. If you're lucky enough to spot one, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of a bird that’s been flying over oceans for millions of years.