Following a mid-Friday afternoon traffic stoppage on the Forster Tuncurry bridge, the southern right whale which had taken up temporary residence in the Wallis Lake, began to glide towards the breakwall, the open ocean and freedom.
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However, it was a sometimes reluctant departure, with the mammal occasionally turning back towards the bridge.
Guiding and ensuring the safety of this endangered gentle giant along the way were the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Maritime.
Along with hundreds of locals and visitors who lined both sides of the breakwall was keen photographer and whale enthusiast, Judy Butler, who captured the historic occasion on 'film'.
"It felt like the whole town came together to farewell the whale on its way," Judy said.
She described the scene as almost serene.
"The crowd was very mindful of not making too much noise; they were very excited to see it go.
"I nearly cried when it did go."
Judy said at one stage it stayed for a little while off the Tuncurry Rockpool before heading to open water.
ORRCA vice-president, Jools Farrell reported just two kilometres offshore the whale began heading south - at speed.
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Jools said it could be sometime before either the gender or age of the whale could be identified.
Just a little update, at 3.55pm the whale was reported to be two kilometres offshore heading south - at speed.
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
