Whale, Dolphin, and Seal Watching
May 19, 2008. The Illawarra Whale watching season has commenced.
Humpback Whales travel north along the east coast in June and July each year, and return in October and November. During their northward migration to their breeding grounds in warmer waters they travel close to the coast (generally 3 kilometers or so from the NSW Coast) and can be seen from Sea Cliff Bridge. On their return journey south those whales with calves travel much slower and are generally further out to sea, but may still be seen when breaching. Late morning and early afternoon are reasonably good times of the day to whale watch from most vantage points, as the glare off the water doesn't make sighting the tell-tale "blow" too difficult to see. Early morning can also be a good time as the "blow" is often highlighted by the backlight of the morning sun.
Other whale species can also be seen from the coast, short and long-finned pilot whales, mink whales, and blue whales. Common and bottled nose dolphins are local residents of the South Coast and can be seen all year round frolicking in the ocean.
Both Australian and New Zealand fur seals are also seen regularly feeding on fish close to shore.
Read up on the latest news from the Antarctic where Japan conducts an annual (controversial) whale hunt.
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