Booderee National Park Whale Watching Brochure
Director of National Parks, September 2007
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About the brochure
Booderee National Park provides fabulous opportunities for terrestrial based whale watching. The best location is at the Historic Ruined Lighthouse at the end of Stoney Creek Road.
Humpback and southern right whales begin their northerly migration in early June and continue to the first week in July. They are heading to their breeding grounds in the warmer Queensland waters.
It is possible to spot many whales in one day. Over 2,000 make the yearly migration. They make the return journey around September to November and it is possible to spot the young calves making their first journey to the Antarctic.
The best time to spot a whale from a terrestrial position, such as at the Ruined Lighthouse, is in the late morning or early afternoon, on a clear and calm day. The glare from the sun will be lessened at these times allowing for clearer viewing.
Whale watching is an activity that often requires some patience and a good set of binoculars. However, on some days, more often during the southerly migration in spring, whales will come very close to shore and may spend time frolicking in sheltered bays with their newly born calves. When whales do come close to shore it is important to remain quiet and not disturb them. This is for the benefit of both the whales and the whale watchers, as the whales will be more likely to remain visible if not startled or stressed.
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