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Have a ‘whale of a time’ as Eden celebrates the whales’ southbound journey.
As the 2013 whale watching season continues, the focus is now on the South Coast of NSW where rich ocean currents combine to stimulate the whole food chain from tiny krill right up to the whales.
The nutrient rich waters attract not only whales but birdlife and even orca along with the resident population of marine life such as seals, dolphins and more bird life.
Eden’s position at the top of the Bass Strait, the next step in the whale’s migration, makes it the perfect place for them to slow down, feed and play.
It is not unusual to see whales breaching or slapping their tails and fins from shore but there are also whale watching charter vessels who will guarantee a close encounter with excellent commentary.
Each year we are learning more about these majestic mammals, identifying individuals, welcoming calves, learning their social behaviours and keeping a watchful eye on their health.
The Eden Whale Festival is the perfect time to rediscover Eden’s wild coastline and beautiful open gardens, chat with marine experts, indulge in good food and wine and enjoy a festival vibe.
Taking place between Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, November 3, the Eden Whale Festival is an annual event which highlights the southern migration of the humpback and other whales that are found in the Australian waters.
“For one weekend each year, the rich maritime and whaling history of this port becomes the centrepiece for a weekend that links all things whale,” said Anthony Osborne, general manager at Sapphire Coast Tourism.
“We’ll have even more activities on the program than ever before with a spectacular street parade, vibrant markets and educational marine displays and presentations, the Wild About Whales inflatawhales, and of course the real whales.
“And this year, an extra special visitor is coming.
“The controversial Skywhale, a huge hot air balloon created for Canberra’s Centenary celebrations, will float high in the sky above Eden. “The 34 metre long, 23 metre high hot air balloon will be tethered to the ground offering mini rides to watch the whales from the air,” Anthony continued.
The festival will also include great local food and wine, children’s entertainment and live music, and it all takes place at a time when whales can be seen in large numbers in the town’s stunning Twofold Bay.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will host shore based whale watching at Rotary Lookout in Eden, and, because of the town’s historical links with whales, the festival will also include tours of the Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site.
“If you’re coming for the festival and staying on for a while, make sure you visit the Eden Visitor Information Center then head out on the Killer Whale Trail, the self-drive day tour that takes you to five historical sites around Eden which uncover the dramatic history of whaling from 1828 to 1930.
“Whether you’re in a boat, up high in Skywhale, or watching from the shore, you’re bound to catch sight of our resident marine mammals popping in for our annual celebrations in their honour,” Anthony concluded.
For more information on the Eden Whale Festival, visit www.edenwhalefestival.com.au.
