Like all 'Great Australian' icons, the Great Australian Bight is no exception when it comes to rugged uniqueness and breathtaking beauty. It is the longest continuous cliff coastline in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring a very large open bay (or Bight) stretching from South Australia to Western Australia and south of the Nullarbor Plain.
The Great Australian Bight Marine Park protects a globally important calving and gathering area for endangered Southern Right Whales. The numbers over the past few years have been outstanding and the 2021 season looms as a big birthing year as the Southern Right Whales return in big numbers, having been almost decimated many years ago. The endangered Australian Sea Lions, also close to extinction, can also be found here with about 80% of their population calling the Bight their home.
The Great Australian Bight Whale Watching tour is fully escorted from Adelaide by an experienced guide with years of touring and travels on Australia’s backroads and ‘hard to come by’ personal knowledge of the region. Travelling through the southern Flinders Ranges and into the town of Port Augusta brings a picturesque start to day one. From here, the journey across the stunning Eyre Peninsula begins with the first stop being Kimba to view and appreciate the incredible silo artwork. Enjoy lunch at an all-time favourite country dining experience before approaching the picturesque town of Streaky Bay, surrounded by the spectacularly colourful wheat and canola fields.
The pristine coastline expedition continues to Coorabie Farm where you are welcomed with open arms and warm country hospitality by hosts Debbie and Poggy Kloock. A working merino sheep and agriculture property (growing wheat, barley & oats), Coorabie Farm, will be your home for the next two nights with an unforgettable outback roast dinner and hearty breakfasts to keep you fuelled. From here, your whale viewing adventure begins as you head off to see the pods of whales from the cliff-top Head of Bight. Day four sees you bid farewell to Coorabie Farm as you travel west to Fowlers Bay - one of the largest Southern Right Whale nurseries in South Australia after Head of Bight. Board the magnificent 50 feet vessel “Asherah” and cruise the waters in this immersive experience into the magical world of the Southern Right Whales. Listen to the extremely passionate crew share their extensive local and marine life knowledge as you look out for southern right whales, humpback whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Australian sea lions, long nose fur seals and pelagic bird life.
After an overnight stay in Ceduna, and as your tour nears its end, you’ll pass through more of the Eyre Peninsula’s most iconic seaside towns of Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay, Smoky Bay and Elliston before arriving back in Adelaide with lasting memories and lifelong friends.
Click here for our Great Australian Bight Whale Watching fully escorted holidays or contact the Holidays of Australia team on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au.
Image credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
