Whale watching in south africa is of the best in the world. It is considered one of the best locations in the whole of nsw to see whales. Nature lovers can watch the show from numerous scenic coastal lookouts and walking tracks. Wedged between the mountain and the sea, the quaint hamlet of hermanus has been rated by the world wildlife fund wwf as one of the twelve best whale watching locations in the world, and it is often regarded as the heart of the whale route. It offers some fine landbased viewing opportunities because the whales often come within metres of the shoreline. Moby dicks whale beach whale beach, new south wales. The 2020 2021 season rates commence on the 1st april 2020. Spend some time gazing out to see over walker bay and youre sure to spot a whale or two. Take the plunge and explore our parks, go whale watching and discover what there is to see and do. Oct 26, 2016 we have added a new whale watching boat to our fleet, gunnar hamundarson gk 357, a beautiful oak boat built in iceland in 1954.
Off the coast of kaikoura lives a stable population of sperm whales. Nothing prepares you for your first whale and the impact that seeing it has upon you. There are a few whale watching spots in sydney area. See photos and contact moby dicks whale beach for a tour. Jervis bay, sydney, port stephens, port macquarie and byron tweed heads. The australian coastline provides bountiful opportunities to observe any number of whale species on their annual migration.
Despite mostly consisting of sand and cacti, the baja california is one of the best locations for whale watching in the whole world. The whaleplanner february a whale watching infographic. Information regarding the requirements in state and territory waters can be found by following the links provided below. Each winter south australia has the privilege of watching southern right whales gather on its pristine shores. You can go whale watching from the likes of sydney, port stephens, byron bay and jervis bay to name a few, each with.
If you make it all the way south to chile, you have pretty good chances to meet the mighty blue whales around the. Find the best whale watching locations, cruises and other coastal activities within nsw national parks. Top 8 whale watching spots in nsw australian geographic. Whale watching in sydney official sydney tourism website. 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. Or head south and walk out to broulee island connected to the mainland by a sandbar.
Nsws coastal national parks during the annual whale migration season from may to november. Humpback whales and southern right whales frolic in augustas picturesque flinders bay in the margaret river wine region from early june, and then watch rare blue whales and their calves join bottlenose dolphins in geographe bay in dunsborough in september. Southern right whales can also be seen near the coasts of new south wales. Whales often cruise close to shore, so they are easy to spot, and have even been known to pop up inside sydney harbour. Each whale swims past the sydney coast over a 6 hour period, so they may pass us in the night time when no one is watching. Hermanus, the whale capital, was ranked in the top 12 whale watching locations in the world by the world wildlife fund. The much anticipated 2016 whale watching season commences in may 15th, just short of two weeks from today. The ocean waters off new england offer one of the best places in the world for a whale watch tour.
From eden in the south to byron in the north each location is witness to the majesty of the humpback whale migration. Darling harbour, new south wales more darling harbour tours. Up north, byron bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in nsw. In warmer months, many species of whales including humpback, finback, right, and minke whales migrate to rich feeding grounds off the new england coast to dine on mackerel, herring, krill and other schooling fish. Definitely it is the whales authenticity and the absolute trust they show towards us. Set on the hill overlooking whale beach, the panoramic beach views create the perfect backdrop to your event. Whale watching holidays discover the world call us today. But local school children started a campaign and persuaded neath port talbot council to alter its plans. 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. Hermanus is rated as one of the top 12 whalewatching locations in the world by the world wildlife fund. Pdf blue whales balaenoptera musculus aggregate to feed in a regional upwelling. Byron bay whale watching 9 marvell street, byron bay, new south wales 2481 rated 4. The humpback whale migration passing sydney takes place between april and december each year. Another popular whale watching spot is the fairfax lookout, north headthe gateway to sydney harbour.
Whether you watch orcas hunt, humpbacks breach or sperm whale dive, encounters with any of these magnificent creatures of the deep are always inspiring. Best time for whale watching in south africa rhino africa. The wild about whales website and app lists all the best viewing locations. Best places for whale watching in new south wales, australia from may to november, the waters along the new south wales nsw coastline become a living, moving spectacle as thousands of humpback, southern right, fin and other whale species make their way north. Where to go whale watching in nsw this winter ellaslist.
The 10 best australia hotel deals apr 2020 tripadvisor. Or head south and walk out to broulee island connected to the mainland by a sandbar for 360degree views of the ocean. Humpback whales are the most likely whales you will spot during the sydney whale watching season in 2018, however you may be among the lucky to spot orcas and. But mostly it is the overwhelming sense of awe, of. The best time for whale watching in this region, however, is between july and september. Jun 09, 2017 fight to save huge humpback whale stranded on nsw beach.
The migrating population is named the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population or the australian east coast humpbacks. Armed with a portly, elvis impersonating band manager and a luxury double decker tour bus, these new south whales set off to become the bonafide lords of the road they always aspired to be. The best whale watching in sydney where you are more likely to spot whales from the shore is during winter when as many as 20,000 of them migrate along the new south wales coastline. Moby dicks whale beach is a wedding venue in whale beach, new south wales, australia. Founding member 1 hr around 4 porpoise spotted off strumble head yesterday from 11. 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. 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. If you want to combine a whale watching experience with a unique stay in this beautiful part of new south wales, have a look at the imeson, mildenhall and thomson cottages in the cape byron conservation area.
May 24, 2019 i bought a whale watching trip in sydney for clients last year through groupon. Schoolchildren have saved a giant concrete whale that was set to disappear from a south wales seafront. With an 80% chance of spotting whales it is certainly worth. Once a major whaling town, eden is now a whalewatching hub. Gray whales, the most prevalent of the species cleaving our waters, migrate 6,000 miles south every october from their feeding grounds in the bering strait to mate and calve in the warm lagoons of baja, mexico. Last year was an amazing season for whale watching and hopefully this year will be just as good, if not better. The 2019 2020 season rates are valid from the 1st april 2019 to the 31st march 2020. From tweed to eden, the nsw coast provides perfect vantage points to see these majestic ocean giants. Whale watching in sa sa whale centre whale watching tips. These new south whales is a tv series about four cocky underdogs in a punk band from newcastle, new south wales, doing the bes. Even more worthwhile to catch a glimpse of a porpoise, swimming through a sunlit wave.
Around 4 porpoise spotted off strumble head yesterday from 11. From the rainforest to the mining lands there are a thousand shades of green, while the ocean offers a dazzling palette of blues. 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. We will restore gunnar fully during this winter and have him ready for our next season alongside our every trusty oak boat niels jonsson ea 106. Humpback and southern right whales migrate north to warmer. The season is split into two distinct sections depending on the direction of travel of the majority of whales at that time. If youre planning to go whale watching in the southern states, new south wales offers some viable cruise options around the state. Nsw whale watching season wild about whales nsw national. Pdf blue whale habitat selection and withinseason distribution in.
Spectators on both the east and west coasts have the chance to enjoy their own whale show, twice a year, as the mammals travel to and from antarctica for what should be known as the worlds longest lunch feasting on all types of fish, krill, and plankton. Once a major whaling town, eden is now a whale watching hub. Unless otherwise specified, the rates listed are for the 2019 2020 season. See how the season progresses with the whale sightings counter. Whale tries to swallow south african tour operator in. Available for android and ios, download the wild about whales app and log your whale. There are viewing terraces at the old harbour, and gearings point is a popular spot.
With a migration route that averages about 5000km, one of the longest migratory journeys of any mammal on earth, the ocean beaches and coves of new south wales are some of the best places to get a glimpse of this remarkable event. The best places to swim with whale sharks lonely planet. We are introduced to these new south whales through a series of polarising interviews with reallife industry peers and personalities, live footage and of course, the band themselves, who are relaxing in a backyard somewhere in the innerwestern suburbs of sydney. In western australia, the south coast is the best place for spotting whales. The abc open audience has shared their favourite spots to whale watch, so with whalewatching season in full swing we have rounded up your best suggestions. Whale watching nsw whale watching season, activities.
Enjoy panoramic views from meroo head lookout in meroo national park north of batemans bay. Whale watching in south africa home brand south africa. Watch the worlds gentle giants of the deep frolic in waters of walker bay. The first day of winter today marks the official start of the whale watching season around sydney and the new south wales east coast. Prime whale watching season is from january through april when the mamas return north with their young. Whales have already been spotted migrating north off the east coast of new south wales, months before the whale watching season officially begins. Many of these coastal parks and reserves provide excellent viewing opportunities for whale watching. Quebec, british columbia, new england, washington and oregon are among the best places in the world for whale watching. Whales have already been spotted migrating north off the east coast of new south wales, months before the whale watching season officially. The new south wales whale watching season runs from may november. Warm water white lies in the south australian gulfs west of adelaide. The south african dive tour operator has described the moment everything went dark as his head and torso were suddenly swallowed by a brydes whale mid feeding frenzy as it gulped down. This season s guest stars are sublime sydney morning herald theyre rich with self deprecating humour noisey these new south whales are trailblazers and trendsetters happy mag artpunk brilliance kerrang.
I bought a whale watching trip in sydney for clients last year through groupon. 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 between may and december, humpback, southern right and blue whales make their way along western. This app is the official whale watching guide to new south wales developed by the nsw national parks and wildlife service. Whale watching adventures in south coast nsw visit nsw. Australia the best tips for whale watching in australia whaletrips. Whale watching in new south wales the best time of year. So, depending on the area, the main season for whale watching is earlier or later. Jervis bay is halfway along the whales 5,000km migration route, and they often stop here to rest and play with newborn calves.
Select a region to find the perfect whale watching spot for you. The whalewatching season in mossel bay runs from june to november, when four species are seen. Only a two hour drive from cape town, this little town is the heart of the whale route. Between may and november, thousands of majestic humpback and southern right whales make their way along the coast in an incredible annual migration. Fight to save huge humpback whale stranded on nsw beach. Whale beach is a northern beachside suburb of sydney, in the state of new south wales, australia.
Top spots for whale watching in australia tourism australia. The protogermanic hwalaz is also the source of old saxon hwal, old norse hvalr, hvalfiskr, swedish val, middle dutch wal, walvisc, dutch walvis, old high german wal, and german wal. 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. Get the latest sightings, learn whale facts and plan your next coastal adventure. Whale app app wild about whales nsw national parks. South africa sees the start of its whale watching season in may lasting through to november with canada, australia, new zealand, alaska and the arctic citing june as the place to be for whales, with blue whales commonly observed off the monterey coast of california from june to october. Whale watching in nsw nsw environment, energy and science. Quick cat ii was operated by brian and jill perry for 30 years who founded the industry in 1987.
Whale beach is located 40 kilometres north of the sydney central business district, in the local government area of northern beaches council, in the northern beaches region. Wild about whales is a celebration of whales along the nsw coastline. The three biggest whaling nations canada, greenland and norway have growing whale watching industries. The whale are already in the region and the countdown has begun. Sydneys premier punk outfit youtube a mile an hour running a different kind of marathon duration. Whale watching season whale watching iceland tours. Whale and dolphin watching department of agriculture, water. Each year, we pause to celebrate the launch of australias whale watching season, and this year were kicking things up a notch with indepth whale watching guides, great deals on whale watching tours and cruises, and a handful of awesome giveaways that could see you and the family heading out to see the whales with some of the countrys top. Check out our pick of the best whale watching vantage points, tours and accommodation in nsw. 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. If a tour is out of your price range see the various land based viewing options.
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. Not sure now whether it was manly or one of the others there are several in sydney. From may to november whale watching season thrives along the east. Here are the best eight places in nsw to go whale watching. Jul 18, 2017 best places for whale watching in new south wales, australia from may to november, the waters along the new south wales nsw coastline become a living, moving spectacle as thousands of humpback, southern right, fin and other whale species make their way north. The humpback highway runs right alongside the new south wales coast and each year more than 30,000 whales make their annual migration from antarctica to the pacific and back again. Go whale watching and enjoy whale sightings, tours, cruises.
Humpbacks on the move off nsw with 2019 migration season. Thousands of whales are seen from highlight locations including. We saw migaloo for the first time in 2014 and in 2011 we were lucky enough to see an all white humpback whale calf, so chances have doubled to see an all white whale. Offering halfday whale watching cruises morning and afternoon during the whale season, which runs from mid july to the end of october. Best time for whale watching in australia about australia. June is the start of the whale watching season on phillip island on the bass coast in victoria. The best time of year for whale watching in new south wales is may to november. Whale season in new south wales has an early start with tours operating from may until the end of the year in november.
Interested in the latest whale sightings off the nsw coast. Whale watching season starts in nsw abc news australian. The body of the whale retains a certain heat long after deatha sort of fermentation heat. Whale beach is located 40 kilometres north of the sydney central business district, in the local government area of northern beaches council, in the northern beaches region description and history. Traditionally, this is the time of year that the humpback whale migrates from the rich feeding grounds of antarctica and moves on to the great barrier reef, off the coast of queensland.
The promonade at aberavon is being redeveloped and the whale, and a number of stone penguins, were to have been removed for a car park. Ever since the early days of discover the world, when we operated the first ever commercial whale watching excursion in iceland, whale watching has played an important role in our holidays. Whales stop to feed in the calm, nutrientrich waters of twofold bay and its one of the best places to see killer whales. Whale watching on the gold coast if youd rather keep your feet on the ground but still yearn for the special experience of seeing a whale, australias east coast is the best place to spot whales from the beach. Weve been preparing our two boats, niels jonsson and sandvikin, the last couple of weeks after the now finished winter fishing season. This seasons guest stars are sublime sydney morning herald theyre rich with self deprecating humour noisey these new south whales are trailblazers and trendsetters happy mag artpunk brilliance kerrang. Sometimes whales are spotted as close as 200 m from the coast. New south wales whale watching whale watch tour bookings. The southern right is the most commonly sighted, coming into the bay to calve, but look for humpback, brydes and orcas as well. This app is the official whale watching guide to new south wales. Best places for whale watching in new south wales, australia. They manage most whale and dolphin watching activities and may have their own regulations regarding whale and dolphin watching in coastal waters. Download wild about whales and enjoy it on your iphone, ipad and ipod touch.