Whale Watching season will officially commence on the 12th May, with greater expected whale numbers due to migrate. The whales will begin their journey heading north from Antarctica, to the warmer waters of Queensland. During September, October and November they're heading back down south to Antarctica. Though do keep a look out! Whales are foreseen heading north, closer to shore. This is due to the eastern Australian current that runs like an expressway heading southbound.
More whale sightings? ..... Why? This year be on the lookout for more whales and their newborn calves. These families travel to northern waters to give birth, as it is a more suitable environment to give birth - newborn calves are born without a protective blubber layer underneath their skin and would quickly lead to death. Due to the increased sightings, whales meet their needs for food and calving areas by travelling far distances from cold, feeding areas, to warmer, shallower waters for feeding and mating.
Keep your distance!!! Boat users are being reminded to keep their distances from migrating whales.
Boat users must not move closer than 100m to a whale or 300m if the whale has a calf or shows signs of disturbance. If you are in control of a vessel, it is your responsibility to maintain legal approach distances. Your are not allowed to follow them or chase after them.
If you are swimming or diving, you must stay at least 30m away from the whales.
Boat users must not move closer than 100m to a whale or 300m if the whale has a calf or shows signs of disturbance. If you are in control of a vessel, it is your responsibility to maintain legal approach distances. Your are not allowed to follow them or chase after them.
If you are swimming or diving, you must stay at least 30m away from the whales.
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