Whale Watching on the East Coast of Australia
How to Watch Whales in Australia and Stay Safe?
While whale watching can be a thrilling and memorable experience, it's essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of both the whales and the observers. Approaching whales too closely or inappropriately can disturb their natural behaviors, cause stress, and even pose risks to both the whales and humans. Here are some important guidelines to follow to ensure safe and responsible whale watching:
It's crucial to observe whales from a safe distance to avoid disturbing them or causing them distress. Different regions and countries may have specific regulations regarding the minimum distance that vessels or individuals must maintain from whales. In general, it's recommended to stay at least 100 meters (or more, depending on local regulations) away from whales.
Pay attention to the behavior of the whales you're observing. If the whales show signs of disturbance or agitation, such as sudden changes in direction, increased speed, or repeated diving, it may indicate that they're feeling stressed or threatened. In such cases, it's best to slowly and calmly move away to avoid further disturbance.
When approaching whales with a boat or other watercraft, it's essential to do so cautiously and avoid approaching them head-on or cutting across their path. Instead, approach from the side and maintain a slow, steady speed to minimize the risk of collision and disturbance.
While it can be tempting to try to interact with whales by making loud noises or splashing, it's essential to refrain from doing so. Intentionally disturbing or harassing whales can disrupt their natural behaviors and stress them out. Instead, observe whales quietly and respectfully from a distance.
Be aware of and adhere to any local regulations, guidelines, or codes of conduct for whale watching in the area you're visiting. These regulations are in place to protect both whales and humans and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
By following these guidelines and practicing responsible whale watching, you can help minimize the impact on whales and their habitats while still enjoying the incredible experience of observing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.
Which Whales Can Be Seen on the East Coast of Australia and When is the Best Time to do that?
The east coast of New South Wales, Australia, offers opportunities for whale watching during the annual migration season. Several species of whales can be observed along this coastline, including:
Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are perhaps the most commonly sighted whales along the east coast of New South Wales during their annual migration. These majestic creatures travel from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to warmer waters near the Great Barrier Reef to breed and give birth. They can often be seen breaching, slapping their fins, and engaging in other behaviors as they migrate along the coast.
The peak season for humpback whale watching in New South Wales is generally from May to November, with the highest concentrations of whales passing by between June and August.
Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) also migrate along the east coast of Australia, although they are less commonly sighted compared to humpback whales. They tend to stick closer to the shore and can sometimes be spotted in bays and sheltered waters. Southern right whales are known for their distinctive callosities (raised patches of rough skin) on their heads.
They migrate north to warmer waters to breed and can sometimes be spotted in bays and sheltered waters. The peak season for southern right whale watching in New South Wales is typically from June to August, although sightings can occur from May to October.
Minke Whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) are occasionally spotted off the east coast of New South Wales during their migration. They are smaller than humpback whales and southern right whales, but they can still be impressive to observe, especially when they surface to breathe or feed.
While less predictable than humpback and southern right whales, sightings of minke whales can occur from May to November, with peak activity often occurring from July to September.
Orca (Orcinus orca) are less common, killer whales, or orcas. They are occasionally sighted off the coast of New South Wales. These apex predators are known for their distinctive black and white coloring and can sometimes be seen hunting other marine mammals, such as seals or dolphins.
These whale species that can be observed along the east coast of New South Wales during the migration season. Visitors can witness these incredible marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Whale Watching Locations
In Sydney, whales that can be spotted near the Harbour and there have been whale sightings on local ferries. Good sites are near national parks, Northern Beaches or East Coast. There are also many whale watching tours available. The most popular location is Cape Solander near Botany Bay. other locations include Cape Banks, La Perouse, Magic Point, Maroubra, Ben Buckler, Bondi, South Head and North Head. The best time to watch whales in Sydney is between April and December.
In Queensland, the most popular location for whale watching is Hervey Bay that has its own marine park. In NSW, the most popular locations are Port Stephens, Eden, Jervis Bay, narooma, and Byron Bay.
In South Australia, popular spots are Albany, Encounter Bay, and Yalata. There are also whales passing east coast of Tasmania.
