Whales at play around Lady Elliot Island
Each year between June and October, migrating humpback whales make their way to the southern Great Barrier Reef to breed and give birth. The 2006 migration has seen an increase in the numbers of these magnificent creatures travelling north and many sightings have been made right along the Queensland coast.
As the southern most island on the reef, Lady Elliot Island becomes a meeting point which plays host to visits from many of the migratory pods throughout the season.
Four different pods were sighted from one of Lady Elliot Islands glass bottomed boats last week. One tourist described the experience as amazing. "We were out there to look at the reef and snorkel. It was an incredible bonus to be able to watch those magnificent animals from so close, we couldn't believe it, an unforgettable experience.”
Managing Director of Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, Peter Gash, says this is not an uncommon occurrence during the season.
“We get many people coming to the island this time of year just to see the whales. The scenic flights from the mainland come across the whales all the time and many days you can simply watch from the beach. An amazing experience is when you hear the echo"s of the whale song under the water while you’re snorkelling, it really can’t be equalled anywhere else.”
The whale season gets into full swing in Hervey Bay at the beginning of August. Early indications make this season look like it will be one of the best seen in the region, with the whale population being on the steady increase annually.
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