The Great Australian Bight. One of the most well-known features of our vast country. This magical spot provides a sanctuary for migratory Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis), which travel from Antarctic waters to give birth to their calves in the calm, shallow and warm waters. The Head of the Bight Whale Centre has a brilliant interpretation centre with plenty of information about the Aboriginal history and ecology of the surrounding Nullarbor Plain, as well as the biology of these gentle giants, and beautiful boardwalks provide easy access to viewing platforms from which you can see whales.
We were absolutely thrilled to read on the sign on the main highway that no less than 126 whales had been sighted in the bay at the last count!! Views from the cliffs with fresh sea air in our faces had us overlooking about 30 female whales (cows) and their calves. We watched in awe as they floated in front of us and felt totally privileged to absorb such an amazing sight. How people in the past could have harpooned such majestic mammals is beyond me, but fortunately times continue to change and much more of the world now agrees providing conservation areas for whales is far more rewarding than hunting. I'll definitely be back one day to see these creatures again.
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| A female Southern Right Whale and her calf blow spouts of water in unison. |
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| Whale calves are 'small' - but only compared to the adults. They are still the length of a car. |
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