The humpback whale migration is underway, with sightings off the Central Coast starting to become more regular each day.
About 40,000 humpback whales will make their annual migration northward off our coast, to mate and give birth in the warm waters of Queensland and the Coral Sea.
The peak of the northern migration is at the end of June and the start of July.
From about the end of September through to November Coasties may be fortunate enough to see mother whales bringing their calves south.
During the migration, watchers might also see several types of dolphins, minke whales and hopefully some rare southern right whales.
There is also the possibility of seeing orcas, following the migrating whales.
Some of the best vantage points on the Coast to look for whales include Captain Cook Lookout (Copacabana), The Skillion (Terrigal), Wyrrabalong Lookout (Forresters Beach), Crackneck Lookout (Bateau Bay), Soldiers Beach Car Park (Norah Head) and Wybung Head (Munmorah State Recreation Area).
Ronny Ling of Central Coast Dolphin Project said the best time to go was usually in the morning before the breeze came up, when the sun was still silhouetting the whales’ blow.
“However, in the peak of migration anytime is usually rewarding for whale watchers,” he said.
If you see a whale, please call or text the Central Coast Whale Hotline on 0490 401 969.
If you see a stranded whale or dolphin, or any other marine wildlife in need of help, call Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast as soon as possible.
Source:
Central Coast Dolphin Project