Local Travel.A Dream has been Fullfilled

A Dream has been Fulfilled
One of my must do’s has been on hold for many years and last Monday I was fortunate to be able to share a wonderful experience with five fellow volunteers from the Maroochydore Information Centres.
We boarded the luxurious Volante IV for a fast cruise from the Wharf at Mooloolaba to a likely spot 17 –20 miles off the Sunshine Coast near North Stradbroke and Moreton Islands hoping to see the magnificent Humpback Whales at play in their natural environment.
It was a near perfect day, overcast, warm with a very slight breeze. Leaving the Wharf the catermaran past the fleets of trawlers and pleasure craft and luxurious homes that settled along the banks of the harbour.
Our Captain and crew for the day were very pleasant and helpful, explaining the facilities on board and safety precautions.
Leaving the harbour we gathered speed for a fast trip out to the viewing areas. Our first opportunity of spotting was a few telltale spurts of water on the horizon; the boat carried on a little further, then stopped and waited. Boats are not allowed to get closer than 100 metres. Our Captain explained to us the nature of the Humpback, which may get curious and want to come closer for a look, this was correct, they did, three pods of 2-3 year old Whales began circling the boat, doing rolls and flapping their tails as much as to say “welcome, we have come to play”. They were followed by groups and singles criss-crossing the bow of the boat, Adrenalin was flowing with amazement at the closeness of these graceful mammals.
A lovely smorgasbord luncheon was served while our Captain continued to explain the pattern of how the Whales migrated north from the cold waters of the South Pole every year to the warmer climate of the East Coast of Australia, here the females give birth to their calves. They very rarely eat on their journey north as brim is their favourite diet and is found in abundance in the south, the whales can live for months on accumulated fat.
Time to return to base, the trip was a little rough, a few of the passengers looking a bit uncomfortable, but the satisfaction of this wonderful experience would make the day worth their while.
Many thanks for this opportunity to enjoy “ Whale Watching with Whale Planet”