The first humpbacks of the season have been sighted off Mooloolaba, marking the start of whale-watching season on the Sunshine Coast.
About 40,000 whales are expected to pass the region’s coastline as they travel the “Humpback Highway” over the next five months.
The start of the official whale-watching season began with the traditional bell ringing at The Wharf Mooloolaba last Saturday morning, followed by Whale One’s first 2023 whale watching trip, which left at noon.
It was the first of a wide range of whale-watching cruises conducted by the Coast’s leading marine tours operator Sunreef, including its pioneering Swim with Whales tours.
The season runs until the end of October, capturing the progress of the whales on their 10,000km return journey from the Antarctic – firstly as they swim north to their breeding grounds, and then as they return later in the year, often accompanied by their calves.
The Wharf Mooloolaba is set to become “whale central”.
The marine mammal-inspired fun includes an Australian (possibly world) first: a special Ocean’s Journey Whale Ale, created by local craft brewer Blackflag, inspired by the awesome spectacle of the migration.
SUBSCRIBE here now for our FREE news feed, direct to your inbox daily.
The craft beer is available now from restaurants and bars throughout The Wharf.
“Ocean’s Journey Whale Ale is a masterfully crafted coastal pale that pays homage to the grandeur of whale migration,” Blackflag said.
“With its vibrant citrus notes, tropical fruit flavours and balanced bitterness, this beer captures the essence of the ocean and the awe-inspiring journey of these majestic creatures.
“Raise a glass, savour the flavours, and join in the celebration of the wonder and beauty that is whale migration.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said the whale watching and swimming tours supported the region’s reputation as a leading nature-based tourism destination.
“We know our whale experiences are top on our visitors’ to-do list across our winter months,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“This year, it’s been great to see the Sunshine Coast community get onboard with the launch of the whale season with a series of events in the planning and even the creation of a Whale Ale in honour of our migrating mammals.
“As Australia’s ‘Craft Beer Capital’, it was brilliant that Blackflag could capture the vibrancy of the whale migration in this new beverage.
“It is the perfect addition to our craft brew collection.
“The whale season also arrives at the same time as direct flights from Auckland recommence, enabling our Kiwi friends the opportunity to enjoy ‘sunshine by lunchtime’ and viewing whales in the afternoo, too.”
Sunreef Mooloolaba’s Philip Hart said this year’s whale-watching season was already attracting considerable interest from interstate and overseas.
“The message is that people want premium nature-based experiences,” Mr Hart said.
“Whale numbers appear to be increasing at an average of about 10 per cent a year and, given the interest, we are extending opportunities for people to view these remarkable mammals in what is one of Australia’s most pristine environments.
“With international capacity beginning to return to 2019 levels, we are receiving strong overseas interest for our Swim with Whales tours. People are prepared to travel considerable distances for such a unique opportunity.
“One of the major attractions is that we only offer these tours on the whales’ terms. We have the strictest code of conduct, only operate with small groups, and invariably provide a profound and memorable experience.”
Swim with Whales cruises are restricted to a maximum of 15 participants, who are outfitted with wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel.
The expert crew firstly spot the whales, then the vessel is positioned ahead of the humpbacks’ predicted route and snorkellers enter the water and wait for the magic to happen.
“The rest is completely up to the whale,” Mr Hart said.
“If they want to come to you, they come to you – and more often than not, they do.
“They’re just as interested in us as we are in them. They’re very curious creatures.”
Swim with Whales cruises start from July 1, with daily cruises (subject to conditions) through to October.
Adult tickets are available for $249 and include all equipment, expert commentary and guiding, plus refreshments.
Sunreef’s Whale One provides daily cruises which have now started for the whale-watching season. Adult tickets are $85 and children $65.
For further information and bookings, go to the website.
Local journalists supporting local people. Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.
