THE WINTER
south coaster
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1. Humpback, Montague Island. 2. No one knows why whales breach; maybe to communicate, attract other whales, or warn off males. 3. Green Cape keeper’s cottages 4. Green Cape vantage point. 5. Lobtailing, aka tail slapping.
they come out?’ We all just laughed and looked at each other and thought ‘Rookies’ – until someone shouted, ‘Whale!’ “Just then a large humpback whale travelling north split the surface and breached four times right in front of us. The elderly couple said: ‘Oh, that’s great’, jumped back in their car and drove off. “If only whale-watching from the coast was always that easy! Often you have to wait some time to see anything. But that is all part of what makes it so exciting when you do!”
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Meroo National Park Located between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, this national park has great vantage points for whale watching – don’t miss the panoramic coastal views from Meroo Head lookout, or follow the walking track to Nuggan Point.
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Eurobodalla National Park South of Narooma, this park offers plenty of lookouts and headlands for whale viewing. Visitors keen to explore the area on foot can set out on the Bingi Dreaming Track, a 14km walk along the coast south from Congo to Tuross Head. “Eurobodalla National Park is full of excellent vantage points for viewing whales,” Susan said. “One amazing sighting by a ranger has been southern right and humpback whales feeding 50m to 200m from the shore in several locations. Killer whales have also been seen from Montague Island – quite the experience!”
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Mimosa Rocks National Park For a view you’ll never forget, head to Bunga
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Head in Mimosa Rocks National Park for sunrise, then take a short walk to Wajurda Point and relax on the rocks as you look out for whales. The lookout at North Tura, just south in Bournda National Park, is also a great vantage point to spot the majestic animals on their journey. WHERE TO STAY Want fabulous ocean views? Try the heritagelisted Montague Island Lighthouse Keeper's Cottages or the Green Cape Lightstation Keeper’s Cottages. Looking for something family friendly and affordable? Check out Pretty Beach campground and cabins; Depot Beach campground and cabins; and Pebbly Beach Shacks in the secluded coastal rainforest of Murramarang National Park. (Pebbly Beach is also famous for its ‘surfing’ kangaroos.) NSW National Parks is offering special winter deals on accommodation (for example, stay 3 nights for the price of 2). For rates and bookings, go to www.wildaboutwhales.com.au. Thank you to NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service for providing information and photography for this article. For more about whales, the latest sightings or to share your own photos, visit www. wildaboutwhales.com.au or download the free Wild About Whales mobile app.
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