Fish & chips, steep cliffs, and Whale watching

At this time of the year you almost can't fail to see whales. Stand on the cliff top at any coastal headland, peer out at the sea, and watch patiently for the telltale water spout (or 'blow'), and quite likely it'll be followed by a breach, where the whole thing, pretty well, comes out of the water. You tend to have to focus on points two or three kilometres out, so it's a bit distant, and in my case I just snap away with my telephoto lens, then study the photos carefully afterwards.

Another worthwhile tip for spotting them is to just look near the whale-watching boats. Rarely fails! Another tip is to avoid actually riding on whale watching boats if you don't have a strong stomach and sea legs. I once did a big whale watch cruise, during which just about everyone was sick, and when we found a whale nobody was interested in viewing it.

I think the picture here is of a Humpback whale. They're the main migratory species around here. The travel up from Antarctic waters at this time of year, en route to their breeding ground in Hervey Bay, Queensland. Then in a few months time they travel south again, ready for the summer feeding season down there. More simple tips on Sydney whale watching at this site: http://www.wildaboutwhales.com.au/whale-watching/tips-and-guidelines

I went to Watsons Bay for this year's viewing. It's a very pleasant ferry ride across the length of the harbour, and the area is famous for a few things. At the Gap, just up across the park from the ferry terminal, you look out, as I did, across the ocean. The cliffs are very steep here, and unfortunately some people come here to throw themselves over the edge. There are thoughtfully placed signs around, placed by Lifeline.

Fortunately the great majority come here for the views, and for the fish and chip lunches. There's a famous restaurant, Doyles, with its similarly famous takeaway-cafe-bar.

 On the ferry back to Circular Quay, I saw the updated view of the city skyline, corresponding with that view in 1997, the one that inspired 'if cites could talk'. No cloudy speech bubble this time though. All blue skies and sun. Quite a few changes to the skyline too.