I saw my first whale of the season!

Winter along the NSW coast brings more than just offshore winds and great ocean visibility; it marks the return of one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles- the annual humpback whale migration. And if you are lucky enough to live here- we can view these incredible mammals on our doorstep!

Starting at the end of May, beginning of June, thousands of humpback whales begin their epic journey from the krill-rich waters of Antarctica to the warmer breeding grounds of the Coral Sea. This 12,000 to 16,000 km round trip is one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom. By early June, sightings off Sydney and the Central Coast become increasingly common, with whales breaching, tail-slapping, and cruising close to shore.

Peak viewing typically occurs from late June through July, when hundreds of whales pass by daily. Prime vantage points in Sydney include North Head, Cape Solander, North Curl Curl and Long Reef in Sydney. On the Central Coast you can head to Bouddi National Park, Copacabana, Forresters Beach, Crackneck in Bateau Bay, Terrigal Haven and Soldiers Beach.

If you are an ocean lover; there are some fantastic tour operators that head out on the ocean daily (weather permitting) so that you can see these incredible animals up close. Some operators, such as Wobegone in Jervis Bay, offer swim with whale experiences (www.woebegone.com.au). For fellow coasties- Terrigal Ocean Tours (www.terrigaltours.com.au) have trips heading out daily and have some great mid week deals. I went out with them twice this season and hope to take my children out for the first time, this winter.

For ocean enthusiasts, this season offers a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Whether you're a seasoned whale watcher or a first-timer, the migration is a reminder of the wonders that lie just beyond our shores. The humpback whale migration is a great ‘good news story’ for environmental conservation policies. Thanks to decades of strong conservation policies (including the 1966 international ban on commercial whaling) the humpback whale population has made a remarkable recovery, with numbers in Australian waters increasing from just a few hundred to over 40,000. However, these gentle giants still face serious threats. Shark nets entangle migrating whales each season, causing injury or death, while large-scale krill fishing in the Southern Ocean threatens their primary food source. We can all help by supporting marine conservation initiatives, choosing sustainable seafood, advocating for non-lethal shark control methods and reporting whale entanglements to marine rescue authorities. Every action counts in protecting these icons of the deep.

So grab your binoculars, head to the coast, and keep an eye out for the telltale spouts and splashes. The giants have arrived—don't miss their spectacular show!