Whale Watching Season 2024

The first of migrating humpback whales are now starting to be sighted off the Central Coast. These early whales start appearing around this time of year and will become more in numbers as we advance through May. The peak of the migration will be between late June and early July.

 

These magnificent animals start leaving Antarctic waters in February, travelling over 5000klm to the warmer waters off Queensland, in the Coral Sea. They venture north to mate or give birth. A humpback calf weighs over one tonne and is around 3 to 4m in length at birth. On the way south, they must suckle very nutritious and fatty milk from their mother, to develop their blubber layers. They need this insulation to be able to withstand the icy Antarctic waters when they are in their summer feeding grounds. These whales are often seen heading south close to shore from September to November.

 

Great places to view this amazing spectacle of nature include Captain Cook lookout at Copacabana, The Skillion at Terrigal, Wyrrabalong Lookout at Forresters Beach, Crackneck Lookout at Bateau Bay, Soldiers Beach at Norah Head and Wybung Head at Munmorah Conservation Area.

 

For those who crave more adventure, Terrigal Ocean Tours operate whale watching tours from Terrigal Haven. This is a great way to observe whale behaviour and have a memorable whale experience. They start their whale tours on May 4th.

 

During this time other species of marine mammals are often encountered including Minke whales, Brydes whales, dolphins, and seals. Late June is when we may be lucky and see a Southern Right Whale or two. Blue whales and Orcas have also been sighted in the past but are not very common.

 

If you see a whale, dolphin or seal that appears in distress or is needing help, please call Marine Wildlife Central Coast on 0478 439 965 as soon as possible.