Were at the most easterly point of australia spotting whales from the famous light tower at byron bay. Our trips are intimate and personalised with a maximum of 12 customers per tour. Plan your next coastal adventure to byron bay to experience the whales enjoying their natural playground. A study prepared for international fund for animal welfare in 2009 estimated that million people went whale watching globally in 2008.
Download our free app to find the top whale watching spots in nsw and submit your sighting. Visit byron bay, one of australias most popular whale watching locations. Jul 02, 2019 the northern humpback whale migration is in full swing with pods being regularly sighted passing cape byron. Redballoon offers a range of whale watching experiences that capture the annual migration of whale season in byron bay at its finest. The idea is to travel along the east coast of australia during the humpback whale migration visiting ports along the way showing films and giving continue reading migaloo2 whale ocean conservation yacht. June marks the whale watching season queenslands official start date which lasts through winter into early spring until the end of october, but you never know, you may very well catch a glimpse of these majestic marine mammals before the official whale migration season commencement date. The fact that humpback whales travel in close proximity to the shore line and that cape byron is australias most easterly point makes this region one of australias premier whale watching destinations. 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. Whale and dolphin experiences in byron bay november. The humpbacks have been spotted off the coast of byron bay, which marks the start of whale watching season in the area. While byron bay was known as a whaling town from 1954 to 1962, where a total of 1146 humpbacks and two sei whales had been slaughtered, it is now regarded as one of.
The whale migration season has officially started in byron bay, both in and out of the water. See amazing footage of whales and dolphins breaching the surface. Byron bay whale swim swim with humpback whales in byron bay. Our trips are small and personalised with a maximum of 12 customers. Come and enjoy an intimate encounter with their majestic humpback whales from the comfort of their 8. You might just spot some of the whales that make their way along the east coast. Ms farrell says the humpback whale is listed as a threatened species in nsw. May 30, 2019 the whale watching season officially starts in june, however, humpbacks have already been spotted off bundaberg and the fraser coast and a larger pod has been seen near byron bay. The best time for whale watching in this region, however, is between july and september. The stretch of coastline found between byron bay and ballina is not only home to spectacular golden beaches and sparkling waters, but also many great places from which to spot. Like now, going to byron to see whales was a popular outing. Top spots for whale watching in australia tourism australia. Byron bay whale watching tour with free photos backpacker deals. Whale watching byron bay has been operating since 2002 making us byron bay s most experienced whale watching tour.
The australian coastline provides bountiful opportunities to observe any number of whale species on their annual migration. Byron bay, once a whale hunting ground in the 1950s and 60s is now one of the best places on the east coast of australia to view majestic humpback whales. The first migrating humpback whales can possibly be sighted in may, but we dont start whale watching. The gulf of the farallons national marine sanctuary, california coastal waters off san francisco have annual migration patterns for whales. Personally, we think its better to watch the whales on their migration back down the coast as they have their calves with them then and so seem to take more time and stop off and rest more. The whales and their calves are returning to the warmer subtropical waters to breed after spending the. Oct 18, 2014 were at the most easterly point of australia spotting whales from the famous light tower at byron bay. A commercial fisherman has spoken of watching killer whales attack a whale just off the coast of byron bay. Passengers meet at whale watching byron bays base located at 9 marvell st byron bay pre booking essential. It is highly likely that we will encounter several whales each tour and also other marine creatures such as dolphins, turtles and migratory seabirds as we explore the cape byron. The northern humpback whale migration is in full swing with pods being regularly sighted passing cape byron. Its mid may, and that means whale watching season is upon us in byron bayknown as one of australias best locations to catch a view of the majestic beasts.
Consider whale watching in byron bay with out of the blue adventures. Get set for an amazing, naturefilled adventure as you witness the incredible sight of whales breaching off the coast of northern nsw. Adult humpbacks range between 40 and 50 feet in length. You can also see southern right whales migrating during may to november along the nsw coastline. From june, byron bay becomes the capital of humpback whale spotting. Subscribe to naturescapes for the latest news from nsw national parks and wildlife service. Whale watching byron bay has been operating since 2002 making us byron bays most experienced whale watching tour. The cape solander whale migration study is a longterm scientific study to collect data on the abundance of whales swimming past cape solander on the southern side of botany bay. Whale watching byron bay has been operating since 2002 making us byron bays most experienced whale watching tour operator. Incredible aerials of humpback whales in byron bay 15 of 17 at the time when they came up, i was not afraid at all but then one of the whales hit the boat, it actually lifted the front of the.
The whale watching cruise, for instance, is unique in byron bay, and is a huge drawcard. Its mid may, and that means whale watching season is upon us in byron bay known as one of australias best locations to catch a view of the. In california, good whale watching can be found yearround on the southern california coast. You may see whales jumping, breaching, spouting and frolicking as you walk along any of the beaches in byron shire. Byron bay of course, which is now regarded as one of the worlds top spots to see these majestic creatures up close. The ultimate backpackers guide to byron bay, australia. Each year, humpback whales migrate past byron bay australias most easterly point on their annual migration to their northern breeding grounds. Redballoon offers a range of whalewatching experiences that capture the annual migration of whale season in byron bay at its finest. The best time for whale watching in byron bay is between june and november.
Each year, approximately 25,000 humpback whales migrate north, travelling over 10,000 kilometres from antarctica, past sydney and further up australias east coast to the great barrier reef to feed and breed in the warmer subtropical waters. The whales and their calves are returning to the warmer subtropical waters to breed after spending the summer months feeding in the waters of antarctica. Passengers meet at whale watching byron bay s base located at 9 marvell st byron bay pre booking essential. 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. During the whale migration season in byron bay, thousands of humpback whales pass by byron bay where you can spot them travelling with. Humpback whales are gentle and curious by nature, and will often approach us for a bit of people watching. Make the most of this best time for whale watching queensland waters by being in the perfect place to catch sight of the humpbacks cresting. During their migration season, humpbacks make their way from antartica to the warmer waters off queensland and return with their young calves. From may to november every year, byron bay plays host to thousands of humpback whales as they make their 11,000 km migration journey from the antarctica to breeding grounds off. Byron bay is located on the east coast of northern nsw, 772 km from sydney. Whale watching byron bay conduct tours every day during the whale watching season junenovember. Whale watching byron bay is the only whale watching tour operator departing directly from byron bay. Whale migration season begins both in and out of the water. While byron bay was known as a whaling town from 1954 to 1962, where a total of 1146 humpbacks and two sei whales had been slaughtered, it is now regarded as one of the worlds best whale watching locations.
Call the free hotline or visit the web site to book your tour today. The byron bay whale watching season starts in mid june. This allows us the quickest access to the humpback whale migration on the australian east coast. Weve already had the first whale sighting of the 2014 humpback migration and so begins the season for whale watching byron bay. Byron bay is one of my favourite destinations in australia if not the world ive been drawn back here time and time again since i first visited in 2009 so i thought it was about time i put together my ultimate backpackers guide to byron bay even though its changed a lot of the years it still has the awesome vibes i fell in love with on my first visit and its still one of. Check out for details of other great whale watching spots around this area. Whale watching in nsw nsw environment, energy and science. If you are wondering what type of whales that you will see. Whale migration wild about whales nsw national parks. Whale watching is mostly a recreational activity cf. Watch them pass by from may to november from the most easterly point of the state, byron bay, and other coastal towns in the region, like brunswick heads, lennox head and.
Whale watching byron bay owner rob dalton said the season was in full swing now with the northern migration underway and the bulk of the. Migaloo2 whale ocean conservation yacht the aim of yacht migaloo 2 is to use it as a platform to raise awarness on important issues facing whales, dolphins and ocean health. Its mid may, and that means whale watching season is upon us in byron bayknown as one of australias best locations to catch a view of the. These whales travel alone, or in groups of up to to 10 individuals.
Between may and november, byron bay is one of australias best destinations to watch these majestic mammals on their annual migration from their cold antarctic. 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. Here you can witness the humpback whale migration, at close hand, without having to travel far. Experience the thrill of seeing humpback whales breach and witness the curiosity and playfulness. Whale watching byron bay conduct daily whale watching tours that depart directly from byron bay between june and october. There are a few different ways you can observe or get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures. Stop by one or a few of the whale watching vantage points which include the viewing platforms at angels beach and flat rock as well as skennars head, flat rock, rocky point, boulders. Migaloo the whale is turning 30, and the obsession. Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The whale watching season officially starts in june, however, humpbacks have already been spotted off bundaberg and the fraser coast and a. Humpback whales blow up to 10 feet in short, bushy, balloonshaped spouts. Whale watching byron bay out of the blue adventures. Nsw whale watching season wild about whales nsw national.
Each year between june and november thousands of humpback whales travel past. Whale migration in byron bay whats on byron bay elements. On the east coast, southern right whales tend to migrate between cape byron and antarctica, but have been seen as far north as hervey bay, queensland. We see that the population is steadily increasing at a rate of about 10 per cent per year, and numbers are predicted to reach an excess of 35,000 this. Wild byron whale watching conduct daily whale watching tours between june and october. Whale watching byron bay conduct daily whale watching tours between june and october. Byron bay area whale watching the byron bay region, on the north coast of nsw, is one of the best places in the world to observe the yearly migration of humpback whales.
Photos from the 1950s show crowds of bystanders watching whales hauled up on the jetty. Whale watching vantage points in the ballina byron bay area the most popular vantage points for whale watching in the ballina, byron area are ballina north wall, ballina lighthouse hill car park, angels beach viewing platform, flat rock viewing platform, skennars head, boulders beach headland or rocky point, pat moreton lookout at lennox. Everything you need to know about blue bay whale watching byron. The great annual whale migration from antartica to warmer northern waters has begun. The idea is to travel along the east coast of australia during the humpback whale migration visiting ports along the way sho. With whale season upon us, all eyes are on the east coast of australia in the hope of spotting migaloo the albino humpback on his 30th birthday. The whale season is one of natures most spectacular sights and nsw coastal national parks are the ideal place to catch the action.
During the whale migration season in byron bay, thousands of humpback whales pass by byron bay where you can spot them travelling with their young. On the oregon coast, several whale species, especially gray whales, may be seen yearround, and the state trains volunteers to assist tourists in the winter months, during whale migration season. How appropriate then, that byron bay also gets credited with these properties and is such an awesome place to view the majesty of our ocean going friends. Best time to see a whale on the north coast is now northern star. May 10, 2019 during the whale migration season in byron bay, thousands of humpback whales pass by byron bay where you can spot them travelling with their young. May 14, 2019 its mid may, and that means whale watching season is upon us in byron bayknown as one of australias best locations to catch a view of the majestic beasts. Whale migration in byron bay whats on byron bay elements of. The byron bay region, on the north coast of nsw, is one of the best places in the world to observe the yearly migration of humpback whales. Spend your time spotting humpback whales off cape byron as they make their annual migration north along their mammoth 10,000kilometre journey. It may be june at the moment and right at the start of the official season for whale watching in byron bay, but the first of these magnificent creatures were spotted in byron bay as early as may this year. The whales are byron bound on their annual migration. The man, who asked to remain anonymous, filmed the sequence on his.
With its clifftop location it provides the perfect lookout for spotting whales in the surrounding waters. If you happen to find yourself holidaying at byron bay between the months of may and november, you will likely spot some of the whales that make their way along the east coast of australia during their annual migration. Blue bay whale watching, the only dry and comfortable whale watching tours in byron bay brunswick heads. Best time for whale watching in australia about australia. Given the opportunity, we are able to swim with these giant majestic animals and experience them in their ocean element. Outside of byron bay, and between the towns of ballina and lennox head, are a number of great whale viewing spots that provide uninterrupted views out to see. Winter whale watching in byron bay byron bay luxury home. Each year, between may and november, southern hemisphere humpback whales megaptera novaeangliae travel north from their antarctic summer feeding.
Another man tells me of his first visit to byron back then. We are a cruise company with a specific purposebuilt eco vessel designed for a 360 degree viewing experience. Each year community volunteers count whales from the 24 may until 1 august each year, from sunrise to sunset. The most famous whale watching location in byron bay is probably the cape byron lighthouse. Located in ballina, our boarding zone, we offer first class byron bay whale watching tours and river cruises aboard our stateoftheart eco vessel.
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