Every year, humpback whales and southern right whales can be seen migrating along the NSW coastline. They head north throughout June and in the first week of July, travelling up to their breeding grounds in warmer waters. Then, from around September to November, they return southwards. Dave Gaden has operated Reel Time Charters whale watching tours out of Yamba for the last nine years said that 99 per-cent of the whale they see on their tours are humpbacks. “Last year we had three sightings of southern right whales,” Mr Gaden said. “We’ve also spotted killer whales (orca’s), a few minky whales out wide and there are a few pilot whales about. “There are also two species of dolphin – bottlenose and spinner, which are also part of the whale family.” Some of the characteristics of the humpback are their fluke-up dives, fin-slapping rolls and spectacular breaches. You can usually spot a southern right whale by its V-shaped plume of spray. These whales are usually seen in shallow water, including estuaries and bays. Humpback facts • Length Adults: 14m to 18m; Calves: 4m to 5m at birth • Weight Adults: up to 50 tonnes; Calves: 2 tonnes at birth • Gestation: 11-11.5 months • Weaning age: up to 11 months • Calving interval: 2-3 years • Physical maturity age: 12-15yrs • Sexual maturity age: 4-10 years • Mating season: June to October • Calving season: June to October • Cruising speed: 8km/h • Blow pattern: Small and bushy, up to 4m • Protected Since 1965 For more information: https://www.wildaboutwhales.com.au/