Whale watchers of the Illawarra rejoice: migration season has begun.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Whales have started moving up north from Antarctica to warmer waters ahead of winter, but come spring they will begin to head back down south.
The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) says water currents hugging the coastline and higher water temperatures could make for a bumper season this year.
Already people have spotted whales close to shore at Sandon Point in Bulli.
Humpback whales are the most common species seen off the NSW coast, but other species include minke, southern right and pilot whales.
Over the Easter period some lucky onlookers spotted a pod of orcas off Eden.
This month, ORRCA plans to launch a new minke whale research project, which vice president Jools Farrell said aimed to provide information on their numbers and what the population was like.
And come June 26, whale watchers can take part in a citizen science initiative: ORRCA's annual whale census.
This involves counting whales and sending the information to ORRCA.
The Illawarra's best whale-watching spots
- Bass Point, Shell Cove - a favourite amongst whale watchers
- Gerringong Headland - sitting above the cliffs is a specially constructed whale-watching platform; access is from Belinda Street
- Minnamurra Headland, Kiama Downs - another whale-watching platform; access is from Eureka Avenue
- Hill 60, Port Kembla - avid whale watcher Michael St John says the viewing platform and Marine Rescue station provide a good vantage point
- Bald Hill, Stanwell Tops - also recommended by Mr St John, whale watchers can look out to sea from a platform on top of the amenities block
- Flagstaff Hill, Wollongong - watch whales passing the city from beneath the lighthouse
To read more stories, download the Illawarra Mercury news app in the Apple Store or Google Play.
Sign up for breaking news emails below...