Humpback whales migrate south along the Hunter coast

Humpback whales are currently undertaking their annual migration south along the ‘Humpback Highway’ off the Hunter coast toward the Southern Ocean for the summer.

Frank Future, director of Imagine Cruises, noted that approximately 3,000 calves are expected to travel with their mothers during this period. Observations near Port Stephens show mothers and calves actively breaching and playing in rough seas.

Experts suggest these behaviors serve several purposes: building the muscle strength necessary to survive the harsh conditions of the Southern Ocean, acting as a communication strategy, and helping the whales clean their skin.