Australian Humpback Whale migration can be seen every year during our winter and spring from late May through to early December. Humpback Whales feed during the summer months in the waters around Antarctica feasting on the plentiful krill that can be found. During that time they gain an immense amount of body fat reserves which they will need during their migration as from the moment they leave Antarctica until they return the vast majority of the population will not feed. The migration takes place on both the east and west coast of Australia as winter welcomes the northbound arrival of thousands of excited Humpback Whales.
It is the start of their breeding and calving season as they navigate towards warmer, tropical waters found in the Kimberly region for Western Australian Humpbacks and in the picturesque Great Barrier Reef for the east coast Humpback population. The journey from Antarctica to their northern calving grounds and back again will take each population between four to six months to accomplish and a round journey of thirteen thousand kilometres long. Due to the length of the migration the Humpback Whales need to ensure they conserve energy on these epic migrations but at the same time don’t miss our on breeding opportunities.
Rest is important and a reason why many individuals will gather in sheltered bays or coastlines for a short break in-between each stage of the journey. Conserving energy appropriately at times during their journey will then allow for some truely spectacular Language of the Whales to be observed. The Australian Humpback Whale migration is an incredibly special time of the year to enjoy watching the largest migration of Humpbacks in the world.
