Watching brief
Sure-fire ways of getting your whale fix without having to fork out cash
Few things are certain when it comes to seeing wildlife frolicking in nature. But if you’re almost anywhere along the east or west coast of Australia during winter, chances are you may spot a humpback, southern right, dwarf minke, blue whale or orca making its way north from June to August, or returning south as late as November.
Marine scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta says the key thing to remember is you don’t have to take a cruise to see these gentle giants.
Savvy tip 1
Whales pass quite close to the coast on their migration north and south and can often be spotted from beaches and headlands without handing over any cash. Dr Pirotta says you don’t need binoculars, the naked eye or even just a good iphone are perfect for spotting them.
Savvy tip 2
Hervey Bay in Queensland is often referred to as the whale-watching capital of Australia. But you can see them along the east and west coasts of the country. In NSW, head to Byron Bay, Woolgoolga and Port Macquarie to the north, all along the Sydney coast, and Eden, Narooma and Bermagui on the south coast. In South Australia, the Eyre Peninsula’s Head of Bight is a good spot for southern right whales, while in Western Australia, Esperance, Albany, Bremer Bay and Broome are top viewing spots. Tassie’s east coast, in particular Great Oyster
Bay and Maria Island, and Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, are also worth a try.
Savvy tip 3
If you want to get up close and personal, a whale-watching cruise is your best bet. In Australia, tour operators are closely monitored to ensure they comply with strict guidelines. But the price you pay for the experience will range from less than $50 a person for a two-hour cruise to $200-plus for a six-hour cruise with lunch.
Savvy tip 4
Always ensure your interactions are conducted according to the Australian
National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching, says Dr Pirotta. “This includes keeping a distance of 100m from a whale or 300m for a whale with calf,” she says. “This is particularly important if you are in the water close to a whale.”
Savvy tip 5
Be patient, says Dr Pirotta, especially if you’re with kids. “I always laugh when people ask ‘when are the whales coming?’” she says. “Even if you do see them, they’re unpredictable and don’t perform on command.” Plan for “insurance days”, she adds, or have flexibility in case a tour is cancelled due to the weather.