More than 30,000 whales are expected to pass by one of the east coast's best whale watching destinations this year and the best spot to watch them is less than three hours from Canberra.

An old lighthouse marks the location, perched high above the ocean on the top of the sandstone cliffs at Booderee National Park.

Whale watching in Jervis Bay. Credit:Michelle Stewart

National park visitors services manager John Harvey said the steep cliffs and the topography of the area meant it was an ideal location to spot whales.

"Jervis Bay and our park juts out that little bit more into the ocean," Mr Harvey said.