Humpback whales were hunted to almost extinction. An estimated 90% of the humpback population were wiped out due to commercial whaling before a moratorium was introduced in 1966.
Today, humpback whales, who travel along the east coast are staging a remarkable comeback. With an annual growth rate of around 10-11%, researchers from the University of Queensland estimate the current population sits around 20,000.
While Byron Bay was known as a whaling town from 1954 to 1962, it is now regarded as one of the world’s best whale watching locations.
The Mighty Whale Migration
Each year, between May and November, southern hemisphere humpback whales (megaptera novaeangliae) travel north from their Antarctic summer feeding grounds, past Cape Byron headland, and on to their breeding and birthing grounds in the sub-tropics.
At a distance of more than 2,500 kms, this is considered one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom.
Usually a group of young male whales will lead the migration group providing protection for pregnant cows or cow-calf pairs that follow.
Whales didn’t always migrate. The long journey only became necessary when their food source and safe breeding areas became separated. Whales need to survive the very cold Southern Ocean feeding waters by developing a thick layer of fat to keep warm. They build this fat from food, however newborn calves don’t have this thick layer and wouldn’t survive if born in the Antarctic.
The journey to warmer waters for birthing allows the calves to build up their insulation from the mother’s rich milk. Humpback whales can be identified by their blow, surfacing and diving characteristics.
Where to Spot Whales
Witnessing this stunning spectacular is easy from mainland Australia’s most easterly point, be it from the lofty heights of Cape Byron Lighthouse or the protected waters of Cape Byron Marine Park.
In fact, you don’t have to venture far from Elements of Byron, with breaching whales visible from where we hold the First Light Club overlooking Belongil Beach.
Between Captain Cook Lookout, the lighthouse and the surrounding cliffs, it’s little wonder Cape Byron State Conservation Area is a popular whale-sighting spot. Grab a coffee at the lighthouse café and enjoy the panoramic views as the whales pass gracefully by (ask one of the volunteers if you can borrow their binoculars if you’re having trouble spotting them).
Cape Byron Walking Track also offers plenty of vantage points, as does the viewing platform at the end of the Three Sisters walking track in Broken Head Nature Reserve, which is a few minutes drive south.
To get closer to the action, Out of the Blue Adventures will take you out into the water to see these majestic, curious creatures in their native habitat, led by their knowledgeable Marine Biologists. It’s an unforgettable experience not to be missed! Just as the whales return year after year, so do many visitors to this area, just to experience them.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.