Around 30,000 whales are now migrating along the NSW coast - a great time to visit a coastal national park, according to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
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NPWS spokesperson Matthew Mannall said it’s the perfect time to head to one of our national park’s spectacular lookouts, headlands or foreshores to experience the record number of whales enjoying their natural playground.
“The waters off our coastline are bustling with whales on their annual migration swimming north to the warmer waters off Queensland to breed before making the journey south to Antarctica, many with their newborn calves”, Mr Mannall said.
“At this time of year we commonly see Humpbacks and Southern Right Whales, but visitors may be lucky enough to also spot Minke, Blue Whales and Orcas,” he said.
National parks make up almost 50 per cent of the NSW coastline and provide some of the best vantage points to spot the ocean’s most majestic creatures on their annual journey.
NPWS recommends these top whale watching spots on the NSW Mid North coast:
• Cape Hawke lookout, Booti Booti National Park – Just five minutes from Forster, the Cape Hawke lookout offers spectacular 360-degree views along the coast from the top of a dedicated tower, perfect for whale watching.
. Headland walking track at Saltwater National Park – this short walk around the headland takes you to a whale watching viewing platform, has Aboriginal history, is near Khappinghat Nature Reserve near Taree.
• Front Beach, Arakoon National Park – Close to South West Rocks, Arakoon National Park provides plenty of rocky foreshores to spot passing whales, as well as great picnic and camping spots near the historic Trial Bay Gaol.
• Caption Cook lookout, Hat Head National Park - located beneath the Smoky Cape lighthouse near Kempsey, this is a great spot for picnics and amazing scenic views for whale watching.
• Charles Hamey lookout, Kattang Nature Reserve – located near Laurieton, this clifftop lookout offers breathtaking coastal views for whale watching and a nearby popular coastal walking track.
“Whale watchers are reminded to stay safe during the season by keeping a safe distance from cliff edges and rock platforms, on coastal walks, and at lookouts”, Mr Mannall said.
Whale-watchers can download the free Wild About Whales app to get real-time notifications of sightings nearby, log their own sightings, find top vantage points and much more. For all your whale watching information this season, visit: www.wildaboutwhales.com.au