Media Release – Wednesday 25 September 2013
As the 2013 whale watching season continues, the focus is now on the South Coast of NSW as the whales make their southbound journey, andEden, on the far south coast, is where it’s all happening with the Eden Whale Festival celebrating this amazing natural journey.
Taking place from 26 October until 3 November 2013, the Eden Whale Festival is an annual event which highlights the southern migration of the humpback and other whales that are found in the Australian waters.
“For one weekend each year, the rich maritime and whaling history of this port becomes the centrepiece for a weekend that links all things whale,” said Anthony Osborne, General Manager at Sapphire Coast Tourism.
“We’ll have even more activities on the program than ever before with a spectacular street parade, vibrant markets and educational marine displays and presentations, the Wild About Whales inflatawhales, and of course the real whales.
“And this year, an extra special visitor is coming. The controversial Skywhale, a huge hot air balloon created forCanberra’s Centenary celebrations, will float high in the sky aboveEden. The 34 metre long, 23 metre high hot air balloon will be tethered to the ground offering mini rides to watch the whales from the air,” Anthony continued.
The festival will also include great local food and wine, children’s entertainment and live music, and it all takes place at a time when whales can be seen in large numbers in the town’s stunningTwofoldBay.
TheNSWNational Parksand Wildlife Service will be hosting shore based whale watching at Rotary Lookout inEden, and, because of the town’s historical links with whales, the festival will also include tours of the Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site.
“If you’re coming for the festival and staying on for awhile, make sure you head out on the Killer Whale Trail, the self drive day tour that takes you to five historical sites aroundEdenwhich uncover the dramatic history of whaling from 1828 to 1930.
“Whether you’re in a boat, up high in Skywhale, or watching from the shore, you’re bound to catch sight of our resident marine mammals popping in for our annual celebrations in their honour,” Anthony concluded.
For more information on the Eden Whale Festival, visit www.edenwhalefestival.com.au, and to see the full event program go to www.edenwhalefestival.com.au/program/
DIARY DATE:
What: Eden Whale Festival
Where: Eden, far south coast of NSW
When: Sunday 26 October until Sunday 3 November 2013
Cost: Various depending on events
Web: www.edenwhalefestival.com.au
Start your own coastal adventure at www.wildaboutwhales.com.au. It’s the best way for you to learn about whales migrating along our coastline, and to find the best spots in our national parks to see whales and enjoy other great coastal adventures. Share your whale sightings on Twitter with the @wildaboutwhales community using #whaleon, let us know via our mobile app, and check out where the whales are with the map on our website. Share photos and experiences on www.facebook.com/wildaboutwhales