Whale watching southern right whales at head of bight take up residence for an entire 5 month period between june and october and generally remain within a 15km long section of coast. The southern right whale does not migrate in the same pattern as the humpback whales, but during the winter months the southern rights will move along the coastline seeking places to mate and shelter with their newborn calves they will enter and remain in bays and harbors for days at a time and then move slowly north or south. South australian whale centre 2 railway terrace, victor harbor, south australia 5211 rated 4. Each winter south australia has the privilege of watching southern right whales gather on its. Whales 9news latest news and headlines from australia and. Whale watching, nature and wildlife, victoria, australia. The australian coastline provides bountiful opportunities to observe any number of whale species on their annual migration. But whale watching season differs throughout the country and so do the kinds of whales youll see. All along australias coastline are fantastic spots to see whales. Viewing season whale watching along the coastline of south australia has become a popular attraction for visitors and locals in adelaide. Top spots for whale watching in australia tourism australia. Physical copies of this map are available during whale season may to september from the sa whale centre at 2 railway terrace, victor harbor. And if you are thinking of coming outside of peak season, the whale sharks usually arrive in early march and hang around exmouth until that the whale sharks usually hang around well into. Whales begin arriving in may and stay until early october, when they make the return journey to antarctica.
There are two prime seasons for viewing great white sharks at the neptune islands in south australia. Australia is quite privileged when it comes to whales over 50% of the worlds cetaceans are found in australian waters. Or join one of the daily research expeditions to bremer canyon, where the largest known pod of killer whales in the southern hemisphere congregate each year. A magnificent afternoon spent with the friendly whales of flinders bay, augusta. The sheer size of these magestic creatures splashing and frolicking right up close to your boat is an experience like no other, and will leave you captivated with the beauty of these mammals and their young as they migrate along the east coast of australia. The sunshine coast whale watching season runs each year from july to november with. They can be found at various locations, albany, augusta, dunsburough.
Whale watching in nsw nsw environment, energy and science. Your whale watch experience offers the opportunity of watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat in one of the most majestic regions in the world. Some of the best whale watching spots can be found in our national parks all along the nsw coast, stretching from byron bay in the north to eden in the south. This 14km coastal trail follows the ancient song lines of the yuin aboriginal people. Dont miss out on an unforgettable experience this whale watching season, visit the. The whaleplanner january a whale watching infographic. The best places to swim with whale sharks lonely planet. Australia is fortunate to have many whale and dolphin species use our waters, making it an ideal place to participate in whale and dolphin watching. Great white shark cage diving, south australia shark. Watch as whales come within metres of the shores, and join in on the festivities of the annual hermanus whale festival this year held on. The good news is that the likelihood of swimming with a whale shark on your first tour is around 95% success rate from very late march to late july each year. Use the map below to identify locations on our sightings log as well as known local whale watching hot spots such as bashams beach and petrel cove. During whale watching season there are plenty of opportunities to jump on whale watching cruises and see these majestic marine mammals up.
Start planning your next coastal road trip with these tips. Jul 02, 2018 having the opportunity to see two unique whale species on the same afternoon in sheltered, calm waters of flinders bay is one of many reasons why augusta is the best place to go whale watching in australia during the winter time. Whether youre a swimmer and ready for the once in a lifetime experience of swimming with whales, or if youd rather keep your feet on the ground and see whales frolic in the ocean from the beach or a cruise, theres a spot in australia perfect for your style of whale watching. Whale watching in sa south australian whale centre. Every year, whales migrate along the nsw coastline. Whale watch western australia whale watching perth, western. Whale watching adventures in south coast nsw whale watching. We were told that oct is not ideal as it is almost the end of season but we saw in sydney while at the beach and gold coast in the tour. The sa whale centre has gathered important whale watching guidelines, to help you know the law when whale watching this season. Whale watching cruises in australia a variety of species of whale can be found in the waters around australia s coast, from sydney and jervis bay to perth and exmouth. The humpback whale is known for their long migration journeys each winter, putting on a magnificent display of breaching, tail slapping and spy hopping as they make their way to warmer waters. Whale app app wild about whales nsw national parks.
Just a reminder or a heads up for anyone visiting adelaidesa that it is currently whale watching season here, which is quite popular amongst visitors, and its currently quite busy down at the victor harbour whale. They head north to the warm coastal waters of queensland and the coral sea to mate and give birth from late april to august, and return southwards from around september to november. Southern right whales may arrive in our waters anytime through to october. Best times for swimming with whale sharks essential information. This is an important calving and mating area for southern right whales, especially close to shore in the south australian marine.
Get up close and personal between june and november. Wild about whales is a celebration of whales along the nsw coastline. Nsw whale watching season wild about whales nsw national. Only a two hour drive from cape town, this little town is the heart of the whale route. Ningaloo whalesharks operate whale shark tours from the 15th march to the end of september each year, which covers the entire ningaloo whale shark season in exmouth, and we consistently have swum with whale sharks most years at these times. Adelaide and south australia whale watching world guides. The high cliff line provides fantastic views for the landbased whale watchers, and boardwalks are available at head of bight to take visitors to two main. The annual migration to south australia is a key part of the whales breeding.
There are a number of whale watching tours available close to central perth and the whale watching season generally runs between september and november, when the enormous humpback whales pass close to the coastline, during their annual migration south in the indian ocean. Where to go whale watching in was southwest private. Kayak next to whales with ep cruises, the great australian bite, eyre peninsula. Swim with whales in australia are you thinking australia. At least 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises can be found in australian waters. Western australia s premier whale watch experience. The humpback whale migration passing sydney takes place between april and december each year. Whale watching australia 2017 sydney, gold coast, hervey. Have a whale of a time your guide to whale watching in brisbanes moreton bay. From headlands, whales may often be seen making their migration south.
Best time for whale watching in south africa rhino africa. As well as whale watching, there are plenty of other activities to experience in our coastal national parks, from bushwalking and photography, to discovery tours and spotting a wealth of. Whale watching in australia is a popular recreational pursuit and a tourist activity along various coasts. If you love australian wildlife and outdoor experiences download this list and keep it. Dec 03, 2016 whale watch western australia season 2016 whale watch western australia. There are a number of whale watching tours and viewing spots available close to adelaide, in and around victor harbour, which lies 83 km 52 miles to the south. According to recent estimates at least 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises visit or live permanently in australia, including nine baleen whales and 36 toothed whales species and with all the whales cruising along the nsw coastline, you can see we call it new. Get the latest sightings, learn whale facts and plan your next coastal adventure. Southern right whale and calf, great australian bight, eyre peninsula, south australia when. The longest whale watching season follows the epic annual migration of humpback, southern right whales and the rare blue whale, from the foodrich southern ocean in the south west to the warm breeding grounds on the north kimberley coast.
Join a cruise to see the whales as the migrate around the coast of australia s south west. How to plan a trip to australia with pictures wikihow. May 18, 2018 most whale watching charters offer 100% guaranteed viewing during migration season, but if you want to monitor the activity for yourself download the nsw whale watching app for recent sightingsm, real time updates and notifications of whale activity. Whales, dolphins and porpoises are warm blooded, air breathing marine mammals which give birth to live young. The season is split into two distinct sections depending on the direction of travel of the majority of whales at that time. South east queensland is one of the best places to view these amazing creatures, with up to 33,000 whales expected to journey past moreton island this. Commercial whale and dolphin watching operators form an important naturebased industry that attracts a large number of tourists to coastal towns.
Thank you to all of our guests this season and the communities of augusta and busselton. See how the season progresses with the whale sightings counter. In migration season, majestic humpback whales swing by south east queensland on their 10,000km trek to the warm, tropical water up north. Between may and december, humpback, southern right and blue whales make their way along western australia. Here on our beautiful west coast, from may december the humpback, southern right whales and the rare blue whales, can be seen on their epic migration, from the foodrich southern ocean, as they hug the coast and journey north, to warm breeding grounds of kimberley coast. Essential information for your whale shark dive when are the best times to swim with whale sharks. Very good chances of seeing blue whales in southern australia. Tours are being arranged to give people the chance to swim with humpback whales in western australia following the success of a similar scheme with whale sharks at ningaloo marine park. Humpbacks and southern right whales are the most commonly seen whales along australia s coastline, but some other cetaceans that you may see include. The migrating population is named the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population or the australian east coast humpbacks. Whale watching on the nullarbor its a long drive but its worth it. In eastern australia, whale watching occurs in many spots along the pacific coast. Last season encounter bay was visited by groups of courting adults up to 3 or 4.
New south wales national parks and wildlife took an active role in 2010 during the peak southern whale watching season between may and november with the launch of its whale watching site. Whale watching in sydney more than 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises can be found in waters surrounding australia. Sightings usually begin around midmay and eagerly awaiting whale watchers gather atop the cliffs and headlands of the areas stunning coastline, hoping to spot the first whale of the season. Enjoy a trip to australia s north coast, traveling to port stephens and the stockton bight sand dunes, on a fullday guided tour from sydney. With some of the best whale watching spots right here in south australia, find out where to see them from june to september and what whale watching tours will get you up close and personal on kangaroo island, the fleurieu peninsula and the eyre peninsula. In new zealand and australia the summer is about to start. Whale watching south australia tours spirit safaris. Whaling in australian waters began in 1791 when five of the 11 ships in the third fleet after landing their passengers and freight at sydney cove then left port jackson to engage in whaling and seal hunting off the coast of australia and new zealand. Here is a chart with weekly humpback whale sightings in sydney between 2010 and 2012. Follow the annual whale migration along the west australian coast each year thousands of humpback whales and rare blue whales make their annual migration along the western australian coast. Whale watching in south australia each winter south australia has the privilege of watching southern right whales gather on its pristine shores.
Whale watching maintaining the legal distance from marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, and seals is important, both for our safety and that of the animals the animals may be seriously injured if they are struck by a vessel or frightened young may become separated from their mothers. Whale and dolphin watching department of agriculture, water. In south australia whales are watched in the great australian bight marine park areas and. Watching a 30tonne whale leap out of the water and crash back into the waves is an incredible sight, only to be followed by the graceful elegance as the whales glide past your vessel.
Check out the wildlife at the australian reptile park, take a dolphinwatching cruise from nelson bay, experience 4wheeling and sandboarding at the sand dunes, and soak up gorgeous scenery all along the route. Best place to go whale watching in australia whale watch. Whales in australia wild about whales nsw national parks. Best time for whale watching in australia about australia. While its often a chore during the peak byron bay whale season june november to get a parking spot up top, making the walk to the top of the outlook justifies the physical investment as potentially hundreds of whales can be seen atop the cape byron state conservation area. South australian whale watching guidelines sa whale centre. Between may and november, you can spot majestic whales from many scenic spots along australia s coast. Whales, dolphins and porpoises in australia home page. In south australia, the whale season runs from june to october. Sep 18, 2017 hermanus, the whale capital, was ranked in the top 12 whale watching locations in the world by the world wildlife fund. Oct 01, 2015 the whale watching season in sydney is quite long maynovember, but it is not always very busy.
The first of these is our summer season where thousands of fur seals congregate for their annual pupping and breeding season. Whale watching in sydney official sydney tourism website. Whale watching in australia has grown tremendously over the last decade. Whale watching in australia is a popular recreational pursuit and a tourist activity along various. More than 60 percent of the worlds whale population can be found in australian waters, where numbers have grown steadily over the last twenty years. Coral bay ecotours batemans bay, located on the southern nsw coast around a three and a half hour drive to the south of sydney, is one of the hidden gems of australian whale watching.
The long whale season in australia between may and november no doubt contributes to its growing popularity. Physical copies of this map are available during whale season may to september from the sa whale. Incorporating waters within the south australian great australian bight whale sanctuary and great australian bight marine national park, and commonwealth great australian bight marine park. Victor harbor, located 80 kilometres 49 miles south of adelaide, is a significant historic location for both the ramindjeri people and the early colonial settlers alike who prized the area for its rich lands, sheltered waters and whales. Top 10 whalewatching spots in australia australian. Check out our pick of the best whale watching vantage points, tours and accommodation in nsw. Whale watch western australia from augusta whalefree. Guide to whale watching in brisbane visit brisbane.
Whales of the south west whale watch western australia. Welcome to one of the longest whale watching seasons in the world. Cetacean is the scientific name of the order cetacea which refers to whales, dolphins and porpoises. The two main species hunted by such vessels in the early years were right and sperm whales. Apr 27, 2020 whale watching is a popular activity in sydney, so to receive the best rates on a whale spotting cruise try looking on the outskirts of the season, meaning early april and late november. Whales return to victor harbor for 2015 whale watching season. Breaching whale surprises people fishing at port lincoln. Southern right whale season in south australia is from may october at the head of the great australian bight. May 08, 2019 the whale watching season in sydney is between may and november each year but some times are better than others to increase your chances of seeing whales. Nov 20, 2015 season 2015 has had some incredible moments and these are just a few of many that will stay with us forever.
In this footage, a small whale can be seen breaching. In nsw, its common to see humpback whales, southern right whales and dolphins, but you may also spot orcas, blue whales, minke whales and sperm whales. Between may and november, thousands of majestic humpback and southern right whales make their way along the coast in an incredible annual migration. Whales visit the entire length of south australia s coastline, making our state a whale watching paradise with an endless choice of scenery the annual migration of whales to sa waters occurs during the cooler months, which is when they mate, give birth and nurse their young. South coast whale watching from whale watching cruises to clifftop lookouts in scenic national parks, there are many ways to enjoy whale watching season on the beautiful nsw south coast. The closest whale watching cruise to brisbane, tangalooma operates the largest dedicated whale watching vessel in australia. Now people will get the opportunity to swim up close with humpback whales at coral bay and exmouth in w. In australia, dallas buyers club llc successfully applied for a group of six internet providers to hand over the details of 4726 australian accounts it alleges were used to download and share its. The first humpbacks making their annual journey to the warm waters off queensland. Whale watchers in south australia have been treated to a spectacular show, when a playful seal splashed about with a southern right whale at petrel cove. Kayak next to whales with ep cruises, the great australian bight, eyre peninsula. Whale watching season to help boost economy bundaberg now. The whale season around brisbane generally runs from midjune to october, with the majority of whales heading north between june and august, before returning south for feeding from september to october or november. While it only experiences a very short season of whale watching.
The whaleplanner november a whale watching infographic. Physical copies of this map are available for the duration of whale season from the sa whale centre. Weve been walking sydneys coastline for years, so here are our tips on how to take advantage of nature to get the best out of your whale watching time. A whale surprised onlookers at port lincoln, south australia, on may 18, popping out of the water in front of people fishing at a local pier. Whale watching along the coastline of western australia has become a popular attraction for visitors and locals in perth. Sydneys extensive coastline means the region has plenty of vantage points. Isla holbox is a 25minute boat ride off mainland mexico.
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