South Coast’s ‘humpback highway’ whale phenomenon explained

It’s a stunning phenomenon on the east coast of Australia every winter, tens of thousands of humpbacks migrating north to warmer waters. And one of – if not the best – viewing spots is in this coastal town. See the video.

It is a phenomenon which occurs on the NSW South Coast every winter - about 40,000 humpback whales migrating to warmer, northern waters - and some of the best seats in the house are overlooking this stretch of sea.

Between June and July, the giant mammals can be spotted cruising past the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla Shire and Shoalhaven on their way to Queensland’s warmer waters.

Whale researcher Dr Vanessa Pirotta from Macquarie University said the annual journey was driven by changes in food supply and the need to reproduce.

“Our blue backyard is a truly magnificent place at this time of the year when we have whales transiting along the humpback highway — it points to what an amazing part of the world we’re privileged to see every day,” she said.

Professional photographer, whale enthusiast, and South Coast resident, Josh Burkinshaw, said the coastal strip offered some of the clearest whale sightings in the country.

Josh Burkinshaw takes his images from various lookouts along the NSW South Coast. Picture: Josh Burkinshaw

“We have these headlands on the South Coast, these cliffs where the whales can so easily be seen,” he said.

“Guerilla Bay, Pretty Point — you can see them 50 metres off the rocks, it’s incredible.”

Humpback whales can be seen off the coast of Guerilla Bay. Picture: Tom McGann

Mr Burkinshaw has captured stunning images of humpbacks breaching and tail-slapping offshore, and urged others to try their luck at a coastal lookout.

“They are out, but it’s also a luck thing,” he said.

“But when you do see them, it’s awesome. I caught some the other day breaching and jumping out of the water.

“It’s an amazing thing to witness.”

Humpback whale and its calf travelling along the Eurobodalla Shire. Picture: Josh Burkinshaw

While mid-year is the perfect time to watch the whales move north, later in November and December, you can see them again heading back south - this time with calves in tow.

“I’d tell people to go out and have a look while you can,” Mr Burkinshaw said.

“We’re so lucky to live in an area like this where you’re able to go for a quick drive and see some whales.”

The whales can be spotted across the next few months at any lookout from the Bega Valley to the Shoalhaven.

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Originally published as South Coast’s ‘humpback highway’ whale phenomenon explained