Between September and November, thousands of humpback whales travel again to Antarctica, typically accompanied by their calves. During the Southern Migration, whales tend to swim nearer to the shore, providing prime whale-watching alternatives as they guide their calves south. This slower, extra relaxed journey supplies a unique chance to see these magnificent creatures up shut.
Although southern proper whales grew to become protected in the mid-1930s, restoration in their conventional calving grounds has been slow, particularly in south-eastern areas the place numbers are still critically low. After a couple of months, the whales make their way again down south at a extra leisurely tempo along each coasts with calves in tow, stopping close to shore to relaxation and play. Kangaroo Island is half an hour away from Adelaide by aircraft or a two-hour drive and ferry trip from Adelaide (maybe you’ll even spot whales on the method in which there!). We’ve created superior videos, photographs, fast details, infographics, a whale watching guide, humpback ID chart, a migration calendar, maps, quizzes and more that can arm you with all you have to find out about humpbacks. During lengthy migrations, such as the one at present going down off the East Coast of Australia, whales travel from nutrient-rich areas to nutrient-poor areas. This journey transports important vitamins across the ocean in a process known as the “Great Whale Conveyor Belt”.
On the North Coast, Ballina Head Lookout, located between Shelly and Lighthouse seashores, provides panoramic views over the sparkling blue water out to the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the whale spotting from this headland or stroll down onto the surf patrolled seaside and watch the whales go by as you swim or as you enjoy breakfast or lunch at the café above the surf membership at Lighthouse Beach. Renowned for its crystal-blue shoreline and white sandy beaches, Jervis Bay is a surprising place for whale watching. Being a bay, the realm serves as a pure sanctuary for whales throughout their annual migration.
Small group three.5 hour swim with whales tour – this is the one tour that I am aware of that you could swim with whales. Our team want to acknowledge the normal custodians of Country all through Australia and their connections to land, sea and group. We pay our respect to their elders previous, current and emerging and lengthen that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples right now. We acknowledge that the sharing of data has occurred across the lands and waterways of Australia for lots of thousands of years. As we continue to share stories we try to listen to the data and follow that has always existed right here and think about how we can contribute to the preservation of tradition and Country wherever we live and work.
The gateway to Sydney Harbour, eighty metres excessive and further east than all of southern Sydney, you probably can see whales coming for miles. World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef Marine Park is a pristine ocean reserve situated just north of the tropic of Capricorn. One of the largest fringing coral reefs on the planet, it’s house to a tremendous number of exotic corals and tropical fish, as properly as the distinctive and immense whale sharks. Whales may be seen migrating north every April, while throughout August they make their return. Most Australians are in settlement that the Sydney Harbour backdrop is beautiful. Book a tour and sail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past the Opera House and out by way of the heads.
The Jervis Bay whale-watching season stretches for near seven months, allowing locals and travellers to plan a handy journey for as brief or lengthy interval as they wish. While within the waters, you’ll see the bay come to life with the incredible sight of humpback and southern proper whales as they leap out of the water in nice splendour. If you travel 200 kilometres northeast of Sydney, you’ll find lovely Port Stephens. Known for its pristine beaches and clear blue waters, it’s additionally a temporary residence to 9,000 migrating humpback whales. When the weather cools down in Australia, whale-watching season heats up as humpback and southern right whales make their annual migration to our heat coastal waters to escape the icy chill of Antarctica. Over half of the world’s complete variety of whales travel by way of Australian waters annually and these are the best places to catch a glimpse, or if you’re lucky, a close encounter with these majestic creatures of the sea.
The Great Australian Bight Marine Park covers forty five,822 square kilometres of protected calving and gathering areas for southern rights, and is the proper vantage point to witness these majestic giants in their natural habitat. Watch from the pier or surrounding cliffs because the mammals blow spray and do physique rolls to reveal their beautiful white-speckled bellies. With 26 golden seashores to choose from, Port Stephens is a superb place for whale-spotting from the sand between May and November.
But earlier than you go on your trip, there are a few things you should take with you. Bondi is a beautiful place to stay, with many eating places, cafes, and bars. There’s additionally a lot to see and do, corresponding to visiting Bondi Beach, exploring the coastal stroll, or going for a swim. Whale watching is considered one of the most popular things to do in Sydney, and for an excellent reason – it’s a incredible adventure! This blog submit will tell you every thing you should know before going whale-watching in Sydney.
The amazing crew at Coast XP provide some nice whate watching excursions from the Newcastle CBD. As one of the most well-liked and iconic Sydney experiences, whale watching is best enjoyed when it’s deliberate ahead and ready for. Whale-watching tours pop up all over the place in the course of the whale-watching season in Sydney. Depending on which tour company you book with, whale-watching tour boats can carry as a lot as one hundred passengers at a time. But when you actually need to get the most effective expertise of whale watching in Sydney, you want to consider going on the water to satisfy them on a boat tour, or a whale watching boat rent.
While they can usually be seen from the shore, the prime whale-watching positions are up on the cliffs and headlands alongside the coast. It’s also one of the best place to spot the frequent and bottlenose dolphins who reside within the waters all yr spherical. One of our favourite times of year in Byron Bay is the annual whale migration season.
Explore the Eyre Peninsula and visit a variety of the best whale recognizing areas in South Australia on a five-day wildlife journey with Australian Coastal Safaris. You’ll even have alternative to eves-drop on the giants of the deep as a hydrophone is dropped over the facet of the boat to hearken to the chatter of humpback whales. The Great Ocean Road just isn’t solely an iconic Australia road trip destination but additionally an outstanding location for whale watching in Australia. The route offers numerous lookouts, such as the Castle Rock and Teddy’s Lookout, where you’ll have the ability to watch whales as they journey alongside the coast. The area is frequented by each humpback and Southern Right Whales, notably near Apollo Bay and Portland during their migration season. Starting your journey from Melbourne, the drive is an expertise in itself, with dramatic coastlines and plush rainforests.
It is likely one of the few identified feeding grounds of Blue Whales on the earth and the one location in Australia you probably can be part of a dedicated Blue Whale tour with our family staff at Whale Watch Western Australia. The season is a shorter season as the Blue Whale population continues to be recovering and with only approximately one to a few thousand people estimated to visit the canyon becoming a member of a tour at the right time of the 12 months is vital. The Head of Bight Whale Watching Centre, positioned inside the Yalata Indigenous Protected Area approximately 20km south-east of Nullarbor Roadhouse, is well price a go to. With greater than 50 per cent of the world’s whales present in Australian waters, Amber Jacobs shares the most effective whale watching spots. Adventure Bay on Bruny Island is the place humpback and southern right whales move the shoreline at various durations from May till December. Exploring Australia’s whale-watching hotspots is made easy with Drive mate.
Humpbacks are the primary arrivals, followed by southern rights, and pygmy blue whales seem later within the season. The key to whale watching is to place your self from a premier viewing point. When the uncommon moment strikes that a whale comes into view, you need to be positioned in a major spot to soak up the expertise or capture a photograph.
When the whale flag is hoisted above the Portland Visitor Information Centre, you could be sure there’s one thing special occurring off the coast. Compare and e-book all Hervey Bay Whale Watch tours with the local specialists. Whale watching is likely certainly one of the most popular actions in the South West and Great Southern areas, and we get plenty of questions about it. Among the areas where these magnificent creatures can be noticed, Margaret River ranks prominently.
Watersports Guru provide personal whale watching excursions for you and 9 of your closest family and friends. Perfect for the avid whale watcher, photographer or for an upcoming special day. Each 12 months, these inquisitive creatures embark on a powerful 5,000-kilometer journey from Antarctica to our warm and tranquil waters along the Great Barrier Reef, the place they offer birth to their calves. The whale watching season kicks off in July and extends till mid-September alongside the eastern seaboard of Australia. At the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, the Noosa Heads Coastal Track is a spectacular choice for a whale-spotting day out. Wrapping across the Noosa headland, the track provides ‘take-your-breath-away’ views out throughout the Pacific Ocean.
Whale watching is amongst the favorite winter pastimes at North Stradbroke Island, with humpback whales visible from numerous vantage factors at Point Lookout. The Sunshine Coast is another prime location for whale watching with whale watching tours departing from Mooloolaba, offering a scenic journey along the shoreline. It is a famend stopover point for humpback whales, providing calm waters for the whales to rest and nurture their younger. Whale watching tours in Hervey Bay sometimes supply close-up encounters with these gentle giants. This small and delightful city is residence to the biggest known congregation of orca within the southern hemisphere and is the only place in Australia you can be assured to fulfill these apex predators!
This small city in Queensland is widely thought to be the best destination to see humpback whales because the whales keep right here for an extended period. One of the best-known whale watching spots within the region is accessed by sea. Nearby Montague Island, just 9 kilometres from Narooma, is fantastic for whale watching, and large pods of whales are sometimes seen off Montague. Beaches dot the sting of Murramarang National Park, bringing with it plenty of opportunities to access some of the Park’s finest whale watching spots.
Early in the season, you presumably can normally spot females and younger calves born from the previous yr. By September, whales begin their return journey, and in October, you’ll be able to usually see females with their newborn calves. Each 12 months, between May and early November, the japanese coast of Australia turns into a heavy-traffic highway for migrating humpback whales. Once decreased to only 150 individuals due to industrial whaling, the eastern Australian humpback whale inhabitants has now rebounded to roughly forty,000, and they all make their annual migration up the coast. Humpback whales journey the extent of both the east and west coasts of Australia, while southern right whales favour the area around the Great Australian Bight. In June 2014, an aerial scan counted 169 southern proper whales, 2 humpback whales, a few great white sharks and lots of dolphins.
Australia’s coastal waters are residence to 1000’s of whales or somewhat, short-term highways as different species migrate to warm waters from the Antarctic to breed. They aren’t tough to identify, usually between May and November, so there’s never been a greater time to hop within the automobile and head out to an excellent whale watching location. Here are five of our favourite whale-watching locations across the nation. If you’ve by no means seen the wild and rugged shoreline alongside the Great Ocean Road, the Whale Trail in winter is the time to do it.
It’s true, there are more convenient locations to get a whale photo than the Nullarbor Plain. For travellers making the crossing in winter stopping on the Head of the Bight is a should do (just don’t get there too late within the day!). If you identical to whale watching, this is one of those journeys the place the reward outweighs the trouble. Richmond Beach and Dark Beach are two other choices value including to your list, as is Emily Miller Beach. The key to spotting whales from land is to find an area offering an elevated view of the sea.
On the Far West Coast of the Eyre Peninsula, there is room to breathe, to dream, and to develop. one thousand whales have been recorded in the HoB region, and some have been noticed returning since 1991. Whales take up ‘residence’ at the Head of Bight (HoB) for the 5-month winter season. Fortunately, with robust safety, its numbers are progressively rising and the species is returning to its former numbers.
Continue down the Pacific Coast to Coffs Coast Regional Park, the place the Solitary Islands coastal track winds previous rocky headlands which are good for whale watching. Don’t miss Arrawarra Headland and Woolgoolga Headland, which the locals have nicknamed ‘whale watch headland’ for a purpose. Continue on to Bongil Bongil National Park, for a night in the spacious, self-contained seaside house of Tuckers Rocks Cottage.
Southern proper whales were targeted by whalers because they yield more oil and blubber, have the longest baleen plates of any whale species, and calve very near shore. But the story could be very different for southern proper whales, which proceed to be listed as endangered at a federal degree. The western humpbacks are heading as a lot as their calving grounds, which lengthen from the turquoise waters of Shark Bay to the ochre cliffs of the Kimberley. Encounters with minke whales, a information to spotting and swimming with these light giants with departures from Cairns, cruising to the northern sections of the Great Barrier Reef. Orca tours Bremer Bay are just a quick trip south from Perth, Western Australia. Enjoy a day of sightseeing and take a five hour drive south from Perth, or fly to Albany and drive just 2 hours to reach within the peaceful city of Bremer Bay.
The best places to see humpback whales in Queensland are thought-about to be the Sunshine Coast, The Great Barrer Reef, and Hervey Bay. I assume the Eyre Peninsula and South Australia’s Far West Coast is stuffed with surprises. The surroundings is constantly stunning and the experiences out there are jaw-dropping. To stand on the Bunda Cliffs and watch the Southern Right Whales is mesmerising.
Southern right whales, specifically, venture close to the coastline, making for spectacular sightings from the seaside. The best time to go whale watching in Queensland is during the annual migration season, which runs from June to November. During this time, 1000’s of humpback whales travel from the chilly waters of Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland to breed and give delivery. Dunsborough and Busselton are the beginning point for numerous whale watching tours, so you presumably can head out into Geographe Bay to see the migrating whales. The sheltered waters of Geographe Bay are a favourite spot for resting whales and their calves, so the whole coastline is a potential whale watching location!
Aquamarine Adventures provide a “Whale Watching Express” trip which takes 90 minutes. Head straight out to the whales, much less travelling time, more time with these superior animals! Lookout for dolphins and pay a visit to the Fur Seals and watch as they laze on the rocks at spectacular Cabbage Tree Island. This shorter boat trip is ideal for people quick on time and who like smaller groups. The Head of Bight is broadly thought of to be top-of-the-line land-based whale watching spots within the country (and maybe, even the world).
This is the only place in Australia where there are reliable sightings of Orcas. Despite their charismatic profile, little is understood about killer whales within the coastal waters of Australia. The citizen’s science project goals to raised perceive these apex predators and achieve a conservation listing for the whales in Australia. Killer Whales Australia has been learning the killer whales, which are actually a type of dolphin, in southern waters for many years and is being helped along the means in which by the Eurobodalla community.
Boats can’t method whales nearer than one hundred metres from the aspect or closer than 300 metres in entrance or behind the whale, however they’re curious creatures, and sometimes come as a lot as inspect the boat, swimming and nosing round. The calm waters of Geographe Bay present a resting stop, the place whales usually pause to relaxation and nurture their younger. Southern proper whales and humpback whales are most commonly noticed on these journeys, but you might also see minke whales, orcas, blue whales and more. Around 45 species of whales, porpoises and dolphins are present in Australian waters, in all. Like clockwork from June to November, majestic humpback whales swing by South-East Queensland on their 10,000km trek to the good and cozy, tropical water up north. Spot these light giants from lookout spots on land or spend a day on the water to stand up close and personal to witness these lovely creatures for yourself.
If you’re further north than the Ballina-Byron Bay space, or into Queensland, it’s probably you won’t see whales till early June. Many of those whale species are transient, with each Southern Right and Humpback whales famed for his or her incredible migratory journeys from Antartica’s nutrient rich waters. Actually, the world’s largest inhabitants of Humpback Whales, estimated to be greater than 30,000 people, migrates off the coast of Western Australia, to breed in the warmer regions of the Kimberley coast.
The Coast Track walking trail in the Royal National Park takes you along a beautiful stretch of NSW shoreline, where you’ll be able to spot sea eagles, silver gulls, and terns. In hotter months you can end your walk with a swim at Garie Beach, and in the winter maintain your eyes peeled for migrating whales. You’ll walk by cliffs, seashores and escarpments taking in magnificent ocean views. The 26km trail is of medium difficulty, running from Bundeena to Otford and the time instructed to finish the observe is 2 days. There’s something awe-inspiring seeing a beast greater than a school bus gliding through open waters, and even breaching the waves to crash down once more with a splash.
If you don’t wish to do the entire stroll, you presumably can catch ocean views from the Awabakal Viewpoint on the headland on the Dudley end of the track. On a transparent day you presumably can see all the finest way to Newcastle, so this implies your chances of recognizing a whale within the big blue are excessive. 🐋 Seal and Dolphin Watching Tour from Hardys Bay (90 mins)Glide throughout the waterways of scenic Broken Bay on a high-speed journey boat. Visit a neighborhood seal colony and a Little Penguin colony at a respectful distance.
The wolves of the sea, orca, are noticed each year, but like to stay out wide where solely the boats go. Another spot to go to in your whale-watching journey on the EP and Far West is Fowlers Bay Conservation Park and the Nuyts Archipelago Marine Park. The sleepy seaside township of Fowlers Bay lies approximately 1.5 hours, or 160km west of Ceduna, with a really small population of 20 folks calling it residence. Toothed whales similar to sperm whales, pilot whales and orcas are around, however are normally discovered further offshore.
Departing on time is necessary for the symmetry of tours to make sure plenty fo time with the whales and no rushing for our friends. Just like the Bremer Canyons there are lots of different species of cetacean that go to the Perth Canyon to feed and also migrate through the area. Over the years there have been sightings of the below species with the most common species noticed in the course of the Blue Whale season listed first.
Your browser isn’t supported for this experience.We advocate utilizing Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Aboriginal folks as the Traditional Owners and occupants of New South Wales land and water. From kangaroos to snoozing koalas — and every little thing furry or finned in between — Australia’s wild animals are as unforgettable because the land they name home. Here’s where to search out these unbelievable creatures of their pure habitat throughout New South Wales. Barrenjoey Headland viewed from West Head lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Numbers are increasing every year and have most lately been estimated at 45,000 finishing this annual migratory route. Sunreef Mooloolaba have been the first in Australia to offer the prospect to swim with humpback whales – you can’t get a lot closer than that! Noosa Wave in Noosa and Tasman Venture in Hervey Bay additionally offer an incredible swim with the whales experience. Flights over Noosa, Fraser Island and the Sunshine Coast also provide the prospect to spot whales. Air Fraser Island have day excursions and overnight experiences to the World Heritage-listed island on Noosa’s doorstep, whereas The Recreational Flying Co also offer scenic and charter flights over Fraser, Noosa and Rainbow Beach. Encountering a whale up close, and even simply seeing them glide and play in the water is an unforgettable expertise and solely a handful of places provide the opportunity to witness these giants of the ocean.
There are some fabulous small businesses on the Eyre Peninsula, many of which we proudly partner with. These partnerships allow us to offer travellers probably the most comprehensive bundle of experiences within the region. Southern proper whales have been utterly protected since 1937 because they had been virtually hunted to extinction.
There are many locations in Australia the place you can go on a whale watching tour to see them, from Jervis Bay to Eden, Sydney, The Gold Coast, Albany and Exmouth simply to call a number of. Sydney is the envy of Australia with a whale watching season that lasts over five months of the year. Over 20,000 Humpback whales make the three,500km journey from sub-Antarctic waters to the Great Barrier Reef every year. Whale numbers peak off Sydney in June-July for the Northern migration to provide delivery, and September-October for the return Southern migration. In August, whale behaviour is commonly extra spectacular with younger males showing off with amazing breaches. When standing on the boardwalk, you’re searching over the Far West Coast Marine Park, which links to the offshore Great Australian Bight Marine Park.
Whale watching season in Sydney is a superb cause to get on the winter woollies and head to the coast. There are quite a few vantage points all along the shoreline but we’ve chosen the six greatest, most simply accessible and dramatic places to watch whales in Sydney. Book at tour with NOVA Cruises, departing from Newcastle Harbour which is just a short journey out the heads and into open water to search out the whales. For land based spotting in Newcastle attempt Shepherds Hill Lookout, a preferred spot with the locals.
Each year from June to November, the Newcastle shoreline becomes a little busier with round 35,000 humpback whales making their seasonal commute. These gentle giants are on their epic migration from the cool local weather of Antarctica to hotter waters and then back again. The spectacular nature of Indian Head combined with the fact that it’s positioned on an incredible World Heritage Listed all-sand island makes this probably the greatest land-based whale watching options out there. Because of the gap from Brisbane, you’re most likely going to want to make this a 2 – three day journey but it’s going to undoubtedly be price spending the additional time. If you don’t have your individual 4WD you can rent one (we recommend Fleet Crew) or be part of a 2 or three dayFraser Island tour which hits the main locations on the island.
For the more adventurous, the Cape Baily Coastal Walk in Kamay Botany Bay National Park is a two-and-a-half-hour trek to the cliffs. Even if you don’t get to see whales, you’ll rating the prospect to see wildflowers along with numerous birdlife similar to sea eagles, kestrels, and terns. There are loads of vantage points around Sydney made for off-water whale-watching. From August to November, Naturaliste Charters presents a whale sighting assure, so you can be assured that you’ll witness these light giants throughout your tour. For an underground journey, visit Ngilgi Cave, positioned just exterior Dunsborough.
And, Brisbane whale watching offers a variety of the world’s best humpback whale sighting opportunities, with excursions departing every day from Moreton Bay. If you are in search of whale watching in Western Australia you’ll find Perth and Fremantle have you covered with some superb journeys. Make a notice, the best time to go whale watching in WA is September to December. If you wish to take whale watching to the next stage, head to Exmouth, the place you can even get in the water on some special tours. The island is located along the migration path of humpback whales, making it an ideal vantage level for viewing these majestic creatures as they journey along the east coast of Australia. With its clear waters and expansive shoreline, Moreton Island presents unobstructed views of the whales as they swim previous, sometimes coming within meters of the shore.
We absolutely love this whale watching experience with Peter and the crew. Be one of many few, not the numerous, with Hervey Bay’s longest working and award winning crusing tour operator. The whales leave the feeding and breeding grounds of the Southern Ocean close to Antarctica in winter, and travel north to the warm waters of the Kimberley area the place they offer delivery to reside young. Filled with history, surrounded by beaches and waterways, and a great place to go to whereas on holiday on the south coast of WA. If you are coming to Albany to watch the Whales, we recommend booking your whale watching tour prematurely.
With day by day departures and flexible scheduling, we are going to make your journey both memorable and significant. At last rely, there were lower than 300 southern proper whales within the south-eastern population. Warrnambool, on Victoria’s far south-west coast, is a critical nursery for the south-east population of the southern right whale. But just lately, whales have been spotted feeding in mass supergroups of 20 or more individuals in September and October within the waters off Sydney, and further down the south coast of NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
It is a magical experience to see a new born calve with its mum, and for many nature-lovers and eco-travellers, this is usually a highlight of the 12 months. Researchers have monitored Humpback whale songs and it appears that they mix in the Southern Ocean, however then stick to the identical migration path that they be taught as a calf. Other research signifies that they use the gravitational forces of the moon to navigate the oceans. BATEAU BAY BEACH VIEWING AREARecently renovated this space is ideal for whale watching. Plenty of parking is on the market, and picnic tables and facilities are close by.
When standing on the boardwalk, you’re looking over the Far West Coast Marine Park, which links to the offshore Great Australian Bight Marine Park. August is the height season to see whales at this spot, with as a lot as 300 whales noticed in the busier years, and one hundred sixty within the quieter ones. There are nonetheless, a quantity of Australian locations that boast ideal circumstances to see the whales at their most playful and up close. All of those places supply whale watching tours during the migration interval however not all tour operators are the identical.
Naturaliste Charters employs educated guides who provide in-depth insights into whale behaviour, ensuring that you simply not solely see these magnificent creatures but also understand them. His staff additionally works with local analysis partners to proceed to help track, identify and observe patterns of whale behaviour. You’ll be despatched the most recent news, unique offers and competitions to your inbox. Urban List acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands the place we work, reside, and play. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge this at all times was and always shall be Aboriginal land.
Each year, Southern Right Whales migrate north from Antarctica to Australia’s southern coastline to provide birth in warmer waters. Being the northern most extent of the Great Australian Bight, the Head of Bight offers an incredible view over the ocean and is perfect for spotting whales within the cooler months. Every yr each humpback and southern proper whales take shelter within the blue-green waters of Adventure Bay as they travel previous Bruny Island. May to July and September to December are the best occasions for whale sightings with some staying for so lengthy as five weeks at a time. It’s also a fantastic location to see other whale species together with the orca, pygmy right whale and minke whale that often migrate previous the island.
Just a few weeks in the past, I saw two humpback whales taking half in within the bay, about 100 metres off-shore. Discover Phillip Island’s picturesque shoreline as you circumnavigate the island whereas preserving a lookout for the smooth footprint of humpback and southern right whales. Find out the place to go between May and November if you want to expertise a few of the finest whale watching excursions and vantage points on the planet. The opportunity to witness these light giants up close will leave you breathless. Whale watching on the Gold Coast is especially special as a end result of it lasts several months. The Gold Coast area is also a super nursery for moms and their calves before they head back south.
This can additionally be the proper alternative to learn concerning the various marine life and the significance of ocean conservation. Australia, with its intensive coastline, presents quite a few spots where travellers can get pleasure from whale watching. Australia’s 50,000 km of shoreline presents countless alternatives to look at a quantity of species of whales on their annual migration. This blog is your go-to guide for locating the top spots to go whale watching in Australia to identify these majestic creatures. From the pristine waters of Queensland to the scenic coastlines of New South Wales and the rugged shores of Western Australia, we cowl all you have to know to make your whale-watching experience unforgettable.
Sightings are commonest in Adventure Bay on South Bruny, where some whales take shelter for as much as 5 weeks. Several other whale species visit the region on occasion, together with killer whales, pygmy right whales and minke whales. The central coast of California isn’t only jaw-droppingly lovely, but the space, especially round Monterey, is a main whale-watching vacation spot. Winter and spring are good for watching migrating grey whales while summer time and fall are when the blue whales and humpbacks are right here. Orca sightings happen mid-April via mid-May, and late August through October, but can occur at any time.
The waters round Moreton Island are also known for their calm and sheltered circumstances, providing a secure and cozy surroundings for the whales to relaxation and play. Humpback whales are one of the 14 types of baleen whale species that include blue, fin and minke, named for his or her keratin jawbone plates that differentiate them from the other seventy six whale and dolphin species with tooth. Aside from the toothy sperm whale, baleen whales are the most important of the varied species and therefore make for breath-taking viewing, whether via a whale-watching tour or from the assorted gorgeous headlands of NSW. They suckle their calves, in the protected waters of Camden Sound Marine Park, the “maternity ward” for round 35,000 humpback whales. Calves are nurtured within the tropical waters while they construct up energy for the 3000km journey again to the Antarctic.
With a few of the whitest sand on the planet, the seashores on this part of the country are stunning, and it’s not just the whales enjoying within the waters beside the boat that’ll wow you. On the two-hour journey, you’ll get a fantastic view of the area’s pristine beaches and bays, to not mention the impressive towering cliffs of Point Perpendicular. Whales could be spotted along the Great Ocean Road, round Phillip Island and right down to Gippsland’s south coast between May and early October. Watch humpback whales, southern right whales, blue whales and orcas on their annual pilgrimage with considered one of our spectacular cruises. Choose from Port Welshpool or San Remo, or watch from purpose-built viewing platforms and vantage factors along the coast. Over 35,000 humpback whales will make their annual journey north from Antarctica to the nice and cozy waters of the Pacific the place they’ll breed or start their young before returning south again to feed.
During this era, these magnificent creatures travel northward from Antarctica to hotter waters for breeding after which return southward with their calves. Peak whale watching in Australia varies significantly, with June to October being optimum for east coast places similar to whale watching in Hervey Bay in Queensland and whale watching in Port Stephens in New South Wales. On the other hand, June to September is prime time for southern places similar to these trying to go whale watching in Dunsborough in Western Australia and whale watching in Phillip Island in South Australia. Port Stephens is one other idyllic coastal destination famend for its clear waters and beautiful beaches, making it one of many prime spots for whale watching in Australia. The area is especially popular for its humpback whale sightings, which could be seen from both land and sea. The Tomaree Head Summit stroll offers panoramic views of the ocean, perfect for spotting these majestic creatures.
During their annual migration, Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales usually spend several weeks within the waters of Fowlers Bay. You can easily head to Fowlers Bay from Ceduna, simply 142km or a 1 hour forty five minute drive away. If you’re not travelling across the Nullarbor to Western Australia, you might also visit the Head of Bight as a day journey. However, it’s a fairly a protracted drive from Ceduna to make it there and again in a day.
Whales can be spotted all the method in which along the Great Ocean Road coast between Torquay and Nelson. Whilst the complete shoreline along the Great Ocean Road is in style for whale watching in Victoria, there’s a section of the Great Ocean Road often recognized as the Whale Trail that might be a well-liked destination for whale watching. There are strict pointers on how shut vessels of all kinds, from kayaks to cruise boats, can approach whales. It additionally depends if there are calves within the pod and the number of vessels within the space. This nevertheless doesn’t stop whales from taking matters into their own hands for a better look of us! At all times, Captain Cook Cruises operates with the safety and pleasure of each our passengers and the whales.
There are unique scenic flights along the Nullarbor and Far West Coast, which have the option for heading over the Head of Bight through the winter months. This means you’ll be able to spot the whales and calves in the water below, against the backdrop of the cliffs and semi-arid plain. This includes a big car park and lined picnic area, boardwalks and viewing platforms, toilets, water tanks and informational boards.
These cruises present a unique alternative to rise up close to the whales and witness their behaviour in their natural habitat. You’re extra likely to spot these magnificent creatures through the winter season, as there are round 20,000 people that migrate along this stretch of shoreline. As properly as humpbacks, you might even be capable of spot a minke whale and an orca or two.
Around one-third of all southern proper whales now seen in Australian coastal waters were born in the Great Australian Bight. Maximising its location, Discovery Bay is a showcase of amazing regional bio-diversity, but still remains true to the original whaling display. Take a self or guided tour of the Station, explore the final Whaling Ship “The Cheynes IV” and see Australia’s largest marine mammal skeleton display. Today hundreds visit throughout whale watching season to catch sight of the whales as they cavort round in King George Sound. Visitors also visit Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, residence of the previous Cheynes Beach Whaling Company. Keep an eye fixed out when you’re again on land too – whales may be seen throughout Kangaroo Island.
Each 12 months, the duo would journey up the coast from their residence in Byron Bay to spend 10 weeks photographing whales, amassing whale songs and conducting different analysis. At the time, not a lot was identified concerning the actions of various teams of humpbacks into the world as they migrate southward between July and October. Since then, numbers along the east coast have returned near pre-whaling ranges, and they’re not thought-about endangered. Southern proper whales are bigger and darker than humpbacks, have a much shorter paddle-like pectoral fin, and are the only species of large whale that does not have a dorsal fin.
Another spot to go to on your whale-watching journey on the EP and Far West is Fowlers Bay Conservation Park and the Nuyts Archipelago Marine Park. The sleepy seaside township of Fowlers Bay lies approximately 1.5 hours, or one hundred sixty km, west of Ceduna, with a very small inhabitants of 20 folks calling it home. A road-trip worthy 12-hour drive from Adelaide, the Head of the Bight’s excessive cliff-line provides incredible views for land-based whale-watchers. Toothed whales corresponding to sperm whales, pilot whales and orcas are round, however are often discovered additional offshore.
If you’re up for a reasonably troublesome hike, The Tagon Coastal Trail is a 14km return loop which winds through coastal heath and throughout rocky headlands, providing excellent vantage points for whale watching. Southern Right whales are large baleen whales, simply recognisable by their broad backs with no dorsal fin and the distinctive callosities on their heads. These whales usually bring their calves close to shore, providing frequent and intimate sightings close to the shoreline. Known for their curious and interactive nature, Southern Right whales generally method boats, providing spectacular viewing alternatives. They migrate from the chilly, nutrient-rich waters of the Antarctic to the hotter waters off the coast of Australia for breeding and calving.
Top whale recognizing websites on the island include Cape Woolamai, Pyramid Rock, Surf Beach and the Nobbies and Summerlands areas. Located close to Manly, North Head offers spectacular views of Sydney Harbour. Complete the 1km loop observe and take within the shoreline between two lookouts – offering views south in the direction of the town skyline and South Head, or North, previous dramatic cliffs to Blue Fish Point. The loop observe is an accessible walkway with new sandstone blocks to take a seat and admire the views. If you’re after something slightly extra tucked away, head around to Shelly Beach car par and up to the lookout on the cliff. An hour’s drive from Adelaide CBD on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Victor Harbour is a hype of activity in July to August with southern proper whales calling Encounter Bay home.
Migrating whales cross by the coastlines of Australia in ever-growing numbers every winter, making them straightforward to find if you know where (and when) to look. Seven swimmers can enter the water at a time, accompanied by a divemaster as their information, who ensures participants are a safe distance from the whales. The information has an in-water radio to speak with the boat, to be kept up to date with the exact location and movement of the whales. The whales here are typically quite curious, with more extended encounters than you might count on in other parts of the country. Seeing a new child whale calf come proper as a lot as your boat, to get a closer look at its first people, is an experience you are not prone to forget in a rush. If you’re fortunate, that’s the sort of factor that might just happen at Hervey Bay.
