Having a Whale of a Time!

Well for those of us on the East and West coast of Australia the whale watching season has began. You would have seen in the media the hype and excitement surrounding these amazing animals as they journey from their summer feeding grounds of Antarctica to the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast and Ningaloo Reef on the west. 

It’s such a superb time to get out and experience them pass by. The sheer size, grace and presence just blows me away every time I get to see them. I was surfing alone in Byron Bay a few years ago and an adult came up 10 metres from me. It quite happily rested with me for about 15 minutes. It was a massive privilege to experience and just reminds me of how incredible moments in nature can be.

If you have your own vessel and are heading out to view them, just remember a few things:

- these animals are travelling over 10,000km on this journey 

- they can be aggressive especially if hassled with young, and can also weigh 40 tonne

- the fines for breaching whale watching rules, including the 100m rule, can be over $15,000

- approach slowly from the sides only, don’t block their path

- remember your engines make noise underwater so be mindful of their presence and that they use echolocation to communicate

Just be careful and respectful, and take as many people with you as you can so they fall in love with the planets largest, and I think most incredible, animals. Have fun and send us some pics!

We recommend Sea World Whale Watch on the Gold Coast - 

Photo Courtesy of Sea World Whale Watch

Link: http://www.whalewatchgoldcoast.com.au