A FLUKE MIGHT be a rare thing, but not when it comes to whale watching along the NSW North Coast with guests of North Coast Holiday Parks (NCHP) in Byron Bay, Ballina and beyond currently being treated to the playful sight of whales fluking and breaching as they undergo their annual migration.
With daily sightings being made across the region, North Coast Holiday Parks in Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay and Lennox Head are reporting a rise in guests booking in who are hoping to take advantage of this year’s Whale Watching season.
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The 2017 Whale Census hosted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and ORRCA is reporting record numbers and the east coast will see as many as 30,000 of the gentle giants in migration mode this year.
NCHP Clarkes Beach manager Nancy Sparkes said whale season had hit Byron Bay in a big way with many guests captivated by the gentle giants as they swam in their family units and enjoyed the water.
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“There are plenty of whales to see at the moment whilst they are embarking on their migration north with guests reporting how breathtaking it is to watch tens of whales at a time flapping around, breaching, or just cruising through the bay,” Ms Sparkes said.
“It is certainly a major drawcard for our guests at this time of year and overseas backpackers making their pilgrimage to Byron Bay often report the Whales as a major drawcard in visiting the area.
“It’s like a water park with the all the blowholes going off directly in front of the park; anytime you get to see the massive humpbacks breaching it’s a special moment with the majestic beauty, sheer size and power leaving you with a feeling of awe and wonder.
“We especially love it at Clarkes Beach from September to early November when the newborn calves swim with their parents a lot closer to shore.”
NCHP Lennox Head park managers Deb Smith and Aaron Matenga said they regularly spot a number of Whales during their daily morning walks along the beach and make sure they do the rounds to guests to ensure they are able to take advantage of this majestic sight.
“The most common Whale to sight is the Southern Right Whale, who are easily spotted as they are famously slow swimmers who tend to rest with their calves in shallow water just below the surf line,” Ms Smith said.