What to Do: Whale Watching & Marine Life
Whale Watching
From June to November each year, the majestic humpback whales pass the North Gorge headland on their annual migration from Antarctica to their calving grounds near the Great Barrier Reef. While the calves are still quite young, they begin their southern return journey passing close to the coast. The North Gorge offers a breathtaking vantage point and when the tide and sea conditions are right, air whistles through a blowhole - just like a spouting whale! Be sure to stay on designated walking tracks for your own safety and obey the warning signs.
Under the water
The Waters off North Stradbroke are unique because of the mix of colder southern waters and warmer northern waters. They are filled with an array of fish that divers and snorkellers love to discover. The underwater environment also attracts manta rays in the summer and plenty of other marine life throughout the year, including turtles, dolphins, eagle rays, barracoudas, spanish mackeral and much more.
Dugong and Turtles
Moreton Bay is a renowned marine park and is one of the few places in the world where large numbers of dugongs can be found. These fascinating creatures live in shallow tropical waters and there are believed to be between 600-700 in the area. Dugongs have very specialised dietary needs as they feed almost exclusively on certain types of seagrass, which is different from seaweed. They have a rounded head with small eyes and a large snout. The nostrils are at the top of the snout, so they must surface to breathe. Although very shy, these mammals can be seen around Amity Point or during the crossing to the island from the mainland.
Sea turtles are long-term inhabitants in the waters of North Stradbroke Island, and in particular are often seen from the headlands at North Gorge. If these gentle reptiles are to survive, we must respect them in their habitat and also become aware of human behaviour and activities which harm them.
A sea turtle can become tangled in old nets, ropes and fishing line, which will strangle and drown it. Care must be taken when fishing or enjoying time on the beach and waterways as often plastic bags and other objects that are discarded can become a death trap to all forms of marine life.
When boating, remember to go slow in a non-planning or displacement mode and operate your vessel in a way to avoid hitting a turtle, dugong or any other marine creature.