For the full itinerary and Tour details click here! | |
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The Whales are so close | AUD99.00
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WHALE COUNT..........
Humpback Whales or (Megaptera Novaeangliae)
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Associate Professor Peter Harrison, director of the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre, says whale numbers have been gradually rebuilding since the cessation of commercial whaling in the mid 50's and 60's. Professor Harrison says about 7000 whales make the 5000km journey up Australia's East Coast each winter, and their numbers are increasing by about 10 per cent each year. So 2008 should see over 10,000 whales go passed! It sounds impressive, until he points out that whaling fleets wiped out an estimated 25,000 humpbacks in two seasons in the late 1950s and 1960s. "The numbers are recovering but the population is still only about a quarter of what it was before whaling," Harrison says.
Each winter, thousands of humpback whales leave their feeding grounds in Antarctica and head north for warmer water to breed and give birth. The tepid and shallow waters of the Great Barrier Reef are the ideal maternity ward for whale calves, which are born with little body fat and would not survive in the frigid southern seas.
Our first Whale was sighted this year on 16 May 2008 of Point Lookout. A pod of 4 whales was sighted and some of them were breaching and spy hoping as they moved slowly north.
Humpback WhalesThe total number of Whales counted last year for 2007 (Southbound) was 8920. Of these if we are lucky, we see a quarter to a third (approx 2586) because there are days that the weather is a bit more unforgiving and some sneak passed at night and early morning/late afternoon.
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Clear water in the North Gorge | Whale watching package.
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Pick up from island accommodation or..........
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Pick up from water taxi terminals in Dunwich
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Aussie damper and a cuppa on Main Beach
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Lunch at Fishes restaurant at Point Lookout or...........
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BBQ lunch (the choice is yours)!
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Use of binoculars
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Spectacular views provided
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Watch for Dolphins, Turtles and Manta Rays as well!
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Your 2007 Humpback Whale Watching Itinerary.
DAILY WHALE WATCHING TOUR.
08.55am Depart Cleveland water taxi terminal (End of Middle Street in Cleveland) or pick up from your Island accommodation at 08.30am.
09.20am Arrive and meet at Dunwich with your Tour guide Dave (bloke with bare feet)
09.40am Arrive Brown Lake for a quick look at this magnificent lake and then onto Main Beach for our cuppa and "Aussie Damper" for our morning tea (looking for whales all the time).
11.00am Arrive Point Lookout's North Gorge which is Queensland's most Easterly Point.
Free time for passengers to do some serious whale watching and experience the beauty of the North Gorge walk. There are also Dolphins, Turtles and Manta rays that can be viewed from this point. As well as other pelagic fish, namely Sharks & Cobia.
12.00-12.30pm Lunch is provided at the North Gorge which is the best lookout in Queensland. This can be either a BBQ or Fish & Chips at "Fishes" Restaurant opposite the North Gorge.
After lunch free time to watch and photograph the whales. Whilst at point Lookout you can then grab a cup of coffee or an ice-cream the choice is yours!
2.00 pm Depart Point Lookout for our trip back to Dunwich for the return Water Taxi to Cleveland.
COST: ADULTS $99.00 CHILDREN $59.00 (4-14 y/o) Family Pass: 2 adults, 3 children $330.00 (Return Water Taxi fares are extra)
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| Children under 14 years old $59.00 All prices include GST. Family rates available. |
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| Payment Methods |
| Credit Card (over the phone), Cheque, Money Order or COD |
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| Description | For the full itinerary and Tour details click here! |
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