Tuesday (June 1) was the official start to the NSW whale watching season and the first ones spotted where 2.5 metre long inflatable ones under the care of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The pod of inflatable humpback whales took to Sydney’s Martin Place while local National Parks staff in wetsuits escorted the whales on the Sydney leg their migration north.
The pod of inflatable whales where part of a unique marketing event for the kickoff to NSW’s whale watching season
From May through to late July, thousands of whales travel from their summer feeding grounds in Antarctica to warmer waters to mate and calve.
Geoff Ross, wildlife management officer and coordinator, marine fauna programs for NSW National Parks, was with the whales in Sydney this morning.
“June 1 marks the official start of the whale watching season in NSW, but whales are often seen as early as April and their return to Sydney each year is cause for celebration,” said Ross.
A record number of whales are expected to migrate up and down the east coast this season, which according to Geoff, is chiefly due to the efforts of so many people and organisations (including NSW National Parks) working to protect whales and ensure their survival.
Minders and whales took to Sydney in a marketing event that caught the attention of the general public
The quirky markleting event coincided with the launch of NSW National Parks’ new website Wild About Whales a site for all things whales, featuring the latest sightings, tours, events and activities taking place in and around national parks and marine parks, conservation initiatives, whale facts, stories, news and photos.
The site also provides whale watching tips and a list of the best spots to watch whales from the shore during whale season.
In addition to providing breathtaking views of the ocean, many of NSW’s national parks host whale watching tours, kids activities and guided coastal walks throughout the season, between June and November. See www.wildaboutwhales.com.au for more information.
