#4 Humpback Whale
Hervey Bay
Welcome to Hervey Bay, the “home of humpback whales” and also the best whale watching spot in Australia.
Why?
This is a unique place as this is where humpback whales stop over on their southern migration. In the bay’s calm, shallow and protected waters, they have a rest before continuing their journey to Antarctica.
Mothers use the time in Hervey Bay to teach their newborn calves survival skills for the deeper, colder waters of Antarctica.
Type
Mammal
Weight
Between 27-45 tonnes
(= 11 elephants or 600 humans!)
Size
Up to 16 meters
(= to a big bus)
Diet
Majority krill, plankton
and small fish
A very long journey
Humpbacks migrate annually from summer feeding grounds near the poles to warmer winter breeding waters closer to the Equator.
This is a 10 000 km journey. During migration, whales don’t eat…
They feast on krill when they finally get back to Antarctica.
However the calves can put on weight up to 60 kg a day! They need to take energy to cope with the cold water of Antarctica. Calves don’t stop growing until they are 10 years old!
-Their fluke is unique with different markings (like a human fingerprint)
-Mother’s milk is the consistency of toothpaste and calves can drink up 600 litres a day!
-Their heart alon can weigh 200 kg!!
-Each lung is the size of a small car and they can empty and refill them in less than 2 seconds
-Humpback whale arteries are enough for humans to crawl through!! Fancy having a swim?!
More info: www.queensland.com/whales
Interesting Facts
Where?
Hervey Bay: Queensland
When?
Between July and early November
Who with? Hervey Bay Whale Watch: first whale watching company in Australia : 2 boats: Quick Cat II and That’s Awesome
Pass: ½ day trip, full day trip, packages
Rate: average $100 / €70
more info on:
