We’re right in the middle of the stunning whale watching season here in Byron Bay.

From about late April to late October each year, if you spend time along Australia’s east coast you’re almost guaranteed to spot whales on their annual migration north for breeding and birthing, or their return journey south to feed in their native Antarctic waters.

It’s not unusual to see pods of whales traveling together and on a particularly lucky day you might see up to half a dozen pods in the same vicinity.

There are countless spots along the extensive east coast to view these graceful, gentle creatures. However the coastline that runs from Ballina through Byron and up to Tweed is particularly advantageous because it is the most easterly section of the east coast.

So where are the best spots to view from in the area?

Top picks (from north to south):

  • Fingal Head
  • Cudgen Headland
  • Norries Head
  • Hastings Point
  • Cape Byron Headland
  • Broken Head
  • Lennox Head
  • Skennars Head

If you’re traveling further afield and would like to whale-watch check out the Wild About Whales website. It has heaps of good viewing points.

Out in the Big Scrub

The Big Scrub was a massive area of subtropical lowland rainforest, 900 square kilometres in fact, that once covered North-Eastern NSW. It was the largest area of subtropical rainforest in Australia. To give a comparison, New York City (including all its...

Spotlight on Humpback Whales

As the whale season draws to a close this month it seems appropriate we are catching the last glimpses of the humpbacks that grace our shores year after year. Humpback whales get their name from the acrobatic way they arch their back out of the water when...

Walking in Goonengerry National Park

Goonengerry National Park is a bit of a hidden treasure. It has only been a national park since 1999. Before that it was state forest. As a new national park it has no facilities and very few signs, but as an escape from the busyness and heat of Byron...

The vulnerability of wildlife this time of year

My partner called me outside on Saturday afternoon. He had pulled out a plate that's part of the barbecue and discovered a nest of mice. All of the 6 tiny furless baby mice had fallen on the ground and the mother had darted off, terrified....

Hiking to Nightcap Bluff from Rummery Park

Nightcap Bluff is a ridge in the north-eastern part of Nightcap National Park. Walking there from Rummery Park Camping Area takes you past Peates Mountain and along the Historic Nightcap Track.This walk is 4-5 hours each way so it can be nice to camp the...