The first sightings of whales off the NSW east coast have been recorded as the annual migration from Antarctica to warmer northern waters begins.
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the first of about 40,000 humpback whales have started their long swim towards tropical waters.
'The whale migration is one of the longest journeys of any animal species and we are so lucky to be able to witness it right on our doorstep,' Mr Griffin said.
'We have more than 880 national parks and reserves in New South Wales, many of which are on the coast and provide excellent viewing opportunities for these oceanic giants.
'After declining to an estimated few hundred whales in the early 1960s, the recovery of the humpback whale population is a great conservation success story and one we can all be proud of as we enjoy watching these majestic creatures make their way up the coast.'
Whales cover about 10,000 kilometres during their annual round trip from Antarctic waters, at a migratory speed of about six kilometres per hour.
Most of the whales that travel past the NSW coast are humpback whales; however, other whale species include southern right whales, dwarf minke whales, tropical whales and even blue whales.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) marine fauna expert Shona Lorigan said humpback whales are easily recognisable and their behaviours, like breaching and rolling, always put on a show for whale watchers.
'Later in the year, we'll be able to see theses whales heading south again, many with their newborn calves,' Ms Lorigan said.
Regulations require all vessels to remain at least 100 metres away from whales, aircraft can fly no closer than 300 metres, and drones must not be operated closer than 100 metres.
Whales in distress can be reported to the NSW NPWS on 13000 PARKS or ORRCA Whale and Dolphin Rescue's 24 hour hotline on (02) 9415 3333.
