As we put this feature together I was struck by a number of things.

The first is the larger-than-usual number of whale sightings this year. I was over at the Navy Wharf on Tuesday and a humpback mother and calf were deep into Twofold Bay, frolicking around the chipmill wharf and delighting the sailors aboard HMAS Stuart which was tied alongside the Navy Wharf. Even the seasoned sailors, veterans of many whale sightings, couldn’t help but point their fingers with delight at the whale and her youngster, an apposite send off from Australia before they deploy overseas for the next six months.

The second thing to strike me was the uniqueness of the whale watching experience to be had on the Far South Coast of NSW. Research by the Pacific Whale Foundation has shown that this area is the only known location, other than the Antarctic, where whales feed on their migratory route. I hope you enjoy reading our feature story on page four of the Whale Festival wrap appropriately titled “Eden: Roadhouse for humpbacks.” It gives a full run down on this ground-breaking research and the great news it offers for local whale watchers.

The third thing to strike me was the joy on the faces of quite a few seasoned locals that the killer whales are back, and have been sighted many times in recent weeks between Eden and Narooma.

I have yet to see a killer whale in the ‘flesh’ and hope that, before too long, I join the ranks of those that have.

In the meantime, have a great Whale Festival weekend and I hope you enjoy reading our Whale Festival feature.

Amanda Stroud

Managing editor