The beginning of the northern migration of the humpback whales is under way, with regular pods being sighted below the Cape Byron Lighthouse, one of Australia’s premier land-based vantage points, in the last few weeks.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Byron Coast Area Manager Sue Walker said the recent whale sightings mark the beginning of one of nature’s great annual migrations.
“The east coast humpback whale population, estimated at approximately 10,000, travel from Antarctica up the east coast of Australia to their breeding grounds in the warmer Coral Seas,” she said.
“This is a major wildlife event that can be enjoyed by the whole community.”
To celebrate this unique event the Cape Byron Trust invites the community to a free Whale Information Morning at Cape Byron Lighthouse on Sunday 15th June, 2008 from 9:30am to 11:00am.
Keynote speakers specialising in various aspects of the humpback whales’ lifecycle will be on hand to share their knowledge.
Researchers from Southern Cross University will provide updates on their ongoing whale identification projects.
“Local whale experts Trish and Wally Franklin will provide footage and information on the lifecycle of the humpback whale,” said Ms Walker.
If you would like to witness these magnificent marine mammals travelling past Cape Byron, find out a bit more about them or would like to show your support towards conservation of humpback whales, come up to Cape Byron Lighthouse on Sunday 15th June.
Due to limited parking up at the lighthouse the Trust will be providing a free shuttle bus service that will be running continuously between Captain Cook carpark and the lighthouse from 8.45am-12.30pm on the day.
Everyone is encouraging people to make use of the shuttle bus or alternatively use the Cape’s extensive walking tracks that link the carpark to the Lighthouse.