Humpback whale photo courtesy eGuide Travel via Flickr
Whale watching from the Cape Byron Light is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Located on the cliffs above Byron Bay, the Cape Byron Light is the easternmost lighthouse on mainland Australia, warning ships of than dangers of the rocky shore.
To get to the light, drive from the Byron Bay town centre towards the coast. Turn right onto Lawson Street and follow it as it becomes Lighthouse Road and takes you all the way to the top of the cape. If you don’t have a car, there’s a walking track that runs off Lighthouse Road.
Whilst the Cape Byron Light is open year round, whale watching season doesn’t run through summer and spring. Visitors can still walk from the lighthouse out to the very tip of the cape and enjoy the views, but there won’t be any whales.
If you’re after the whales, you’ll need to visit the region from June through November. Whales tend to swim a little farther offshore when they head North for winter, and a little closer when they’re heading back down to Antarctica for the summer feeding months.
About 60% of the world’s whales can be found in Australian waters, with about 43 species of baleen and toothed whales. The most common whales you’ll see from the Cape Byron Light are the southern right, humpback and killer whales. Southern right whales are about 13-18 metres long and have no dorsal fin. They’re usually black, and swim slowly just below the surface, making them one of the most easily spotted whale species in the world.
Humpback whales are a little larger, ranging from 14-19 metres. They have a small dorsal fin, and whilst also black, are usually lighter coloured than southern right whales due to their white bellies and the undersides of their fins and tail flukes. Humpbacks are the whales that you’ll see leaping out of the water and splashing their tails before they dive.
Killer whales should need little introduction. Made famous by the Free Willy films and their distinctive black and white patterning, these whales are easily recognised. Killer whales are less usually sighted off Cape Byron, though they can be spotted during the season. You’ll know them from their tall black dorsal fin and the white saddle patch immediately behind it.
If you’re not visiting Cape Byron during whale watching season, there are still sea mammals to be spotted. Try kayaking with dolphins in Byron Bay to get up close to the whale’s smaller, more human-friendly cousin.
- Lindsey Hodder
Whale Watching from Cape Byron Light from Australia Things to Do