Having a whale of a time off the Far North Queensland coast
Reef tourism
Whales have started their annual pilgrimage up Australia’s East Coast towards Far North Queensland.
An estimated 35,000-50,000 humpback whales are expected to migrate up the coast from May, while several other varieties including dwarf minkes and rare Omura’s whales can also be spotted by whale watchers.
The humpback whales head from Antarctica to seek the warmer waters of Queensland’s coast every year, including mothers teaching their calves about survival skills.
Far North Queensland reef tour companies are excited about the prospect of the new whale season, which runs from June to November, finally arriving.
One dedicated whale-watching operator, Reef Unlimited, has just launched its tour season.
Operating until September 6, the tours offer guests the chance to see humpback whales in the wild.
The company runs a marine science division called GBR Biology managed by whale researcher Dr Eric Fisher.
“There are few more engaging experiences in nature than witnessing majestic humpback whales,” Dr Fisher said.
“Last year, our tours had a sighting success rate of over 90 per cent.”
About 100 humpback whales and 30 calves were spotted by tour guests last year.
