101: Be entranced by the majesty of whales

With almost 60 per cent of the planet’s whales calling Australia’s seas home, and with our coastline covering such vast distances, you’re likely to be able to spot a whale somewhere round the country, pretty much any time of the year.

They’re naturally curious, so don’t be afraid of making a racket when you spot a majestic tail waving in the deep; it might just help draw them closer. Whether it’s from a clifftop, a surfboard or a boat, anyone who’s witnessed these giants in their element will tell you it’s a spine-tingling experience that makes you realise: a) how small we really are, and b) there really is magic in nature.

Oh, and if you’re really lucky, you might even spot Migaloo, an extremely rare ‘albino’ whale who’s often spotted migrating along the East Coast on his yearly journey (check out migaloo.com.au for the latest sightings).

Try these

Hervey Bay, Qld Said to be the whale-watching capital of the world, Hervey Bay makes a safe, sheltered pit-stop for whales on their annual migration between July and November.

Geographe Bay, WA Humpback mums drop by with their little ones between September and December.

Byron Bay, NSW Humpback whales cruise these waters (incidentally, where Migaloo was first sighted back in 1991!) between June and November.

Warrnambool, Vic Head to the viewing platform at Logan’s Beach to catch a glimpse of the Southern right whales giving birth to their calves in the bays between late May and early October.

Great Australian Bight Marine Park, SA A hive of activity between May and October, Southern right whales mate, calve and nurse here before heading to the Southern Ocean. environment.sa.gov.au

Bruny Island, Tas Humpbacks and Southern right whales pass by the island between May-July and September-December.

100<< up close with penguins

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