More ways to watch as whale season continues on the Sunshine Coast
Whale season is in full swing on the Sunshine Coast, with up to 40,000 humpback whales expected to pass the region during their annual migration.
Each year, humpback whales migrate from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warm breeding grounds of Tropical North Queensland, travelling north between June and August before returning south with their newborn calves from mid-August to November. Whale watching has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s signature winter experiences, attracting thousands of visitors each year and providing a welcome boost for local businesses.
Locals and visitors have even more ways to experience the migration this year, with new operator Whales Sunshine Coast offering tours from Kawana Waters aboard The Explorer, Australia’s largest jet-powered whale watching vessel.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said there was something special about whale season on the Sunshine Coast.
“Every winter we’re treated to one of nature’s greatest migrations right on our doorstep, and it never gets old,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“With another whale watching experience available this year, visitors have even more opportunities to get out on the water and experience these incredible animals, while supporting local tourism businesses during the winter months.”
Whales Sunshine Coast captain Allan ‘Shorty’ Short said this year’s migration was shaping up to be one of the best on record.
“It’s going to be phenomenal,” Shorty said. “It will be, without a doubt, the best whale season we’ve had in history because of the numbers.
“It’s the largest animal migration on earth. I started whale watching in 1992, there were about 4000 in the population. That increases by about 11 per cent per year.” Designed for whale watching, The Explorer gives guests faster access to whale activity and more time on the water, while its jet propulsion system means there are no exposed propellers.
“It’s the biggest, fastest commercial jet boat in Australia. We’ve got stadium seating so every seat gets a view of the ocean,” Shorty said.
Whales Sunshine Coast joins the region’s diverse whale watching offering, adding to a range of experiences that includes dedicated cruises, ocean kayaking adventures and guided humpback whale swimming experiences.
Elsewhere across the region, Noosa Ocean Adventures has also strengthened its offering this season, welcoming a new commercial vessel, Noosa Flyer, and two experienced skippers to the team.
Tours depart from Mooloolaba and Noosa, with operators including Sunreef, Adventure Rafting, Sunshine Coast Afloat, Noosa Ocean Adventures, Noosa Oceanrider, Epic Ocean Adventures, The Pressure Project and Noosa Wave Boating Adventures. Find out more about whale watching experiences on the Sunshine Coast via Visit Sunshine Coast.
About Visit Sunshine Coast
Visit Sunshine Coast is the official Regional Tourism Organisation for the Sunshine Coast, representing the local government areas of Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie. VSC promotes the region to domestic and international visitors.
As a member-based organisation, VSC delivers marketing and promotional initiatives that support and strengthen the tourism industry, while maximising the long-term benefits of the visitor economy.
For more information, visit www.visitsunshinecoast.com.