It's April 2013 and for the next 6 months we will be inspired by the humpback whale, one of mother natures largest mammals,  as they conduct their yearly migration. These charming creatures of the sea bring with them a spectacular show of acrobatics and playful gestures and wonderful whale songs. Gazed upon by many loving whale watchers along the east coast of Australia. You can view Humpbacks whales for free from many locations along the coast line or if you like a close encounter it is best to take a tour with one of many whale watching operators.

The migration from the ice cold Antarctic waters to the warmer sub tropical waters occurs from late April when the first whales migrating north are spotted along the the east coast of Australia and finishes early November with the last of the majestic animals swimming south back to Anarctica to feed on the large schools of krill found in the southern ocean.

Playful Humpback off the Gold Coast

     With the onset of winter in the Antarctic region the polar ice cap swells and the waters cool further. The whales then head north for breeding and birthing hugging the coast line of Australia with young males leading the way,  the bulk of the migration occurs with the adult breeding mammals followed by the pregnant cows and mother-calf pairings which are slower and arrive in the tropical play ground later. During late August and early September  we have both the end of the north bound whales and the start of the early south bound whales passing the Gold Coast together. During the migration we are witness to the tail slapping, breaching and spyhopping on a daily bases with as many as 20 whales per pod cruising by and showing off. The early migrating "teenage whales" also put on an aerobatic display with loud tail slaps large breaches and constant whale songs. At the end of the migration south we here on the Gold Coast are treated to more mother and young calf pairings. The young calves are a playful critter doing repetitive breaches with their youthful energy.

Spyhopping Tail Slapping and Breaching