The annual migration of the humpback whales along the east coast of Australia is well under way and will continue until November.

From June to August each year thousands of humpback whales travel past Byron Bay on their annual migration from the Antarctica to their breeding grounds further north near the Great Barrier Reef. After the birth of the new calves they then make their way back down the coast with the baby whales. They often stop in the relatively sheltered waters of Byron Bay to allow the young ones to rest before continuing their journey back to Antarctica.

Because the whales are now a protected species in Australia their numbers have been steadily increasing each year. Last year over 180 whales were spotted from the Cape Byron Lighthouse in one day! There is estimated to be over 10,000 making the annual migration. If you want to get closer to the whales the various dive boat operators in Byron Bay conduct regular whale watching tours. Speak to the staff at GV Byron Bay if you want further information about the tours but really you can get a great view of the whales from the lighthouse lookout which will cost you absolutely nothing!