Lady Musgrave Experience’s whale watching began this week with a splash, as guests on one of the season’s first tours were treated to an unforgettable display of humpback whale activity in what is shaping up to be one of the best seasons yet.
In a welcome surprise, a female humpback whale and her days-old calf lingered peacefully in the clear blue water and even approached the vessel, offering a calm and close encounter.
The sighting of the newborn calf so early in the season delighted guests and set a tone of anticipation for the weeks ahead.
In addition to the remarkable mother-and-calf interaction, three other pods were spotted throughout the tour, stunning guests with dramatic tail slapping, playful pectoral slapping, and a breathtaking breach as they travelled past Bundaberg.
Lady Musgrave Experience Director Brett Lakey said the team couldn’t have asked for a better start.
“It was a perfect day out on the water with calm seas, clear skies and whales everywhere you looked,” he said.
“It’s always incredible to see the joy on our guests’ faces when they witness these animals up close for the first time.
“Whale watching isn’t just about incredible wildlife encounters, it’s about connecting people with nature and inspiring a love for the ocean.
“Ecotourism plays a vital role in conservation by raising awareness and showing that these ecosystems are worth protecting for future generations.”
This year, an estimated 50,000 humpback whales will migrate along the Queensland coast between July and October as they journey from Antarctica to the warmer breeding grounds of the Great Barrier Reef and back.
This seasonal spectacle offers a rare chance to witness one of nature’s most majestic migrations right off the coast of Bundaberg.
Whale watching tours are now operating three times a week on every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, from the Bundaberg Port Marina.
