Marine Mammals
The area is also noted for its marine mammals – in particular the Humpback Whale Megaptera noviangliae. Several whale and dolphin species visit the coastline but it is only the Humpback Whale that has an identifiable migration pattern.
The Humpback Whales travel close to our coastline each June and July on their annual northerly migration to the Coral Sea and can readily be seen from local headlands and beaches. In October/November a smaller number of whales may also be seen as the Humpback mothers return with their newborns, hugging the coastline in order to find quiet waters where they can feed their calves.
Other marine mammal species observed include: Common Pacific Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Southern Right Whale, Pilot Whale, Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals and an occasional Leopard Seal.
The Humpback Whales travel close to our coastline each June and July on their annual northerly migration to the Coral Sea and can readily be seen from local headlands and beaches. In October/November a smaller number of whales may also be seen as the Humpback mothers return with their newborns, hugging the coastline in order to find quiet waters where they can feed their calves.
Other marine mammal species observed include: Common Pacific Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Southern Right Whale, Pilot Whale, Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals and an occasional Leopard Seal.