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Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Whale watching in Byron, Ballina and Beyond



A fluke might be a rare thing, but not when it comes to whale watching along the NSW North Coast with guests of North Coast Holiday Parks (NCHP) in Byron, Ballina and beyond currently being treated to the playful sight of whales fluking and breaching as they undergo their annual migration.

With daily sightings being made across the Region, North Coast Holiday Parks in Brunswick Heads, Byron and Lennox Head are reporting a rise in guests booking in who are hoping to take advantage of this year’s Whale Watching season. The 2017 Whale Census hosted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and ORRCA is reporting record numbers and the east coast will see as many as 30,000 of the gentle giants in migration mode this year.

NCHP Clarkes Beach Manager Nancy Sparkes said Whale Season had hit Byron Bay in a big way with many guests captivated by the gentle giants as they swam in their family units and enjoyed the water.

“There are plenty of whales to see at the moment whilst they are embarking on their migration north with guests reporting how breathtaking it is to watch tens of whales at a time flapping around, breaching, or just cruising through the bay,” Nancy said.

“It is certainly a major drawcard for our guests at this time of year and overseas backpackers making their pilgrimage to Byron Bay often report the Whales as a major drawcard in visiting the area.

“It’s like a water park with the all the blowholes going off directly in front of the park; anytime you get to see the massive humpbacks breaching it’s a special moment with the majestic beauty, sheer size and power leaving you with a feeling of awe and wonder.

“We especially love it at Clarkes Beach from September to early November when the newborn calves swim with their parents a lot closer to shore.”

NCHP Lennox Head park managers Deb Smith and Aaron Matenga said they regularly spot a number of Whales during their daily morning walks along the beach and make sure they do the rounds to guests to ensure they are able to take advantage of this majestic sight.

“The most common Whale to sight is the Southern Right Whale, who are easily spotted as they are famously slow swimmers who tend to rest with their calves in shallow water just below the surf line,” Deb said.

“It truly is a special experience to see the Whales on their migration and there are plenty of great spots to see them in Lennox Head. Aaron and I recommend checking out the Whales from the Pat Morton Lookout or going for a stroll along the Lennox Head Boardwalk, though you’ll also have a strong chance of seeing Whales breaching the water at Seven Mile Beach and Flat Rock.”

North Coast Holiday Parks are part of the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Trust (NSWCHPT), which is committed to providing unforgettable holiday memories in iconic destinations across NSW. NSWCHPT also manages the operations of Inland Waters Holiday Parks (IWHP) and South Coast Holiday Parks (SCHP).

NSWCHPT CEO Steve Edmonds said the Group was dedicated to providing guests with a unique experience not found in other holiday destinations, noting the opportunity to see Whales in their natural habitat as a particular example of this.

“We pride ourselves in the fact our parks are located in some of the most idyllic tourism hotspots in NSW,” Mr Edmonds said.

“We can offer our guests experiences that may not be found on your typical holiday and we look forward to welcoming anyone hoping for the opportunity to Whale Watch.

“Our goal is to be recognised as a leading provider of recreational destinations in NSW and we certainly see our parks’ vicinity to popular Whale Watching areas as a strong example of our ability to offer our guests exciting and exceptional experiences.”

A Winter getaway in Byron Bay and surrounds provides the perfect prospect to scout out the Whales. With six parks in the local area there is no shortage of accommodation options for your animal adventure.

For a full list of parks and to book your next holiday visit North Coast Holiday Parks


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