Media Release – 4 July 2013
The 2013 whale watching season is right now in the midst of its peak with numbers greater than the past two years already being recorded at coastal vantage points in NSW National Parks.
“As at 2pm yesterday afternoon, we’ve had 1601 Humpback whales pass our counting stations at Cape Solander in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park south of Sydney,” said Geoff Ross, Coordinator of Marine Fauna Programs for NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
“This number is higher than at the same time last year which saw 1291 whales, and in 2011 when 1240 Humpbacks were recorded, so we’re well up on the last two years. 49 whales were recorded off Cape Solander to 2pm yesterday alone,” he continued.
Geoff said NSW National Parks are thrilled with these numbers which indicate a really great season. They have seen a few high count days with 75 animals recorded at Cape Solander on 25 June, and he says we’re likely to continue to see high numbers for the next few weeks.
“The whale watching season runs through until 30 November, but if people really want the best chance to see whales, and lots of them, they should head out into the coastal national parks from now and over the coming weeks.
“There are many scenic whale watching locations in our parks, and especially the headlands at places like North and South Head in Sydney, for a great chance to see these amazing mammals,” he continued.
Geoff also praised the work of the volunteer whale counters with 16 volunteers recording 670 hours in whale observations so far. He said potential volunteers can get involved by contacting the NSW National Parks Botany Bay Office on (02)9585 2000 or via www.wildaboutwhales.com.au
During the season, visitors are also encouraged to get involved by sharing their whale sightings on Twitter (@wildaboutwhales), Facebook, or by sharing via the Wild About Whales mobile app. The best whale watching spots can be found in our national parks all along the NSW coast, stretching from Byron Bay in the North, to Eden in the South.
As well as whale watching, there are plenty of other activities to experience in our coastal national parks, from bushwalking and photography, to Discovery tours and spotting a wealth of other marine and land based wildlife.
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.