Australian waters are home to a large number of unique and magnificent marine mammals (cetaceans), including 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Some of these species are permanent residents, while others migrate from their summer feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the warmer waters of the Australian coast during the winter.
Every year, humpback whales and southern right whales migrate along the NSW coastline. They head north throughout June and July, and return southwards from around September to November.
Whale watching can be a thrilling experience both from the shore and afloat. Vessel-based whale watching is increasingly popular in NSW. However, whales require 'personal space', and harassment may severely stress them - possibly causing accidents if the whales feel threatened, with the potential to harm both the whales and humans.
Australians have long recognised the importance of whales, dolphins and porpoises to our unique marine ecosystems. The Australian Government has made whale, dolphin and porpoise conservation a priority and is a world leader in the protection and conservation of these species.
Whales are protected animals, and if you go out on the water, you should follow the regulations for whale watching. They've been designed to make whale watching enjoyable and safe, without interference to the whales.
To help remind boat owners of the set distances to keep clear of whales, NSW Maritime and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have combined to produce a sticker outlining these requirements.
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