The coastal waters of New South Wales contain an abundance of whale species for whale watchers to study, spot and photograph. All round the coast of Australia can be found species of fish and aquatic mammals that help add to the extraordinary biodiversity of Australasia.
Wildlife enthusiasts are treated to an abundance of different species to observe and interact with in Australia. The continent contains some of the world’s most unique animals, species that have had millions of years to evolve unconnected with the rest of the world.
There are many species that are only to be found in Australia. Join me as we take a look at some of Australia’s more and less unique species.
Koala Bear – Although not an aquatic animal, this cute and well-known fluffy critter can be found throughout the entire continent and is worth mentioning. Koala Bears spend the vast majority of their time in trees and only come down to the ground when absolutely necessary. Their diet is famously composed of nothing but the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, a fact that is known to have an effect on their ability to move quickly and indeed even to stay awake.
Whales – There are numerous species of whale that call Australian waters home. Common species easily spotted by people whale watching in Eden or any other coastal town include the following:
- Humpback Whale – this species can be found throughout the coastal waters of Australia, especially in shallow waters less than 200m deep and around 20k form the coast.
- Blue Whale – the most majestic and longest creature to even have lived on earth, this species was once hunted to the brink of extinction. Luckily, the species is protected now, but numbers are still only around 1% of what they used to be before commercial whaling activities began.
- Sperm Whale – known for having the softest leather of any animal on earth, the spear Whale is commonly spotted around the coastal waters of NSW and Australia in general.
- Right Whale – so called because during commercial whaling operations, it was the correct whale to catch, this unfortunately named creature is lucky to have survived the onslaught on mankind’s ruthless whaling history. Another species that was hunted almost to extinction, it is now showing signs of recovery.
Australia offers an almost unlimited number of exciting wildlife spotting opportunities around its rich and vibrant coastal waters.
Comments are closed.