Fowlers Bay, located 22km off the Nullarbor Plain, on the Great Australian Bight, is a tiny town, of only 20 residents. Zoned rural outback, powered by solar or diesel generators, water supplied by windmills from soaks in the surrounding sand dunes – it appears that this little village could slowly fade beyond existence. That is, until the winter months, June to October, when Fowlers Bay magically lights up with the incredible presence of up to 60 enormous and spectacular Southern Right Whales.
These marine mammals begin their migration, from the Southern Ocean, early in the year, making their journey North to warmer waters, where they will mate, give birth, and nurse their young. There are several areas along Australia’s Southern coastline where the Southern Right Whales will become “residents” for the winter months. Fowlers Bay just so happens to be one of the main Southern Right Whale nurseries, along side the popular “Head of Bight.”
My husband and I visited Fowlers Bay over 6 years ago, and instantly fell in love with the stunning coastline, relaxing atmosphere, and, of course, the unbelievable view of Whales outside our bedroom window! We spent many, endless hours, out on the water with these magical creatures, and it wasn’t long before the desire to share our passion with others got the better of us. Fowlers Bay Eco Whale Tours was born.
Rod, the dedicated Skipper, strategically positions himself on certain lookouts (sand dunes), in the early hours of the morning, to both conduct his duties as a Registered Whale Spotter with the SA Whale Centre, as well as, marking the positions and numbers of whales in the bay for the upcoming whale tour later that morning. This gives him a clear plan for the tour, which will ensure the passengers get to experience the best interaction possible, in a 2 hour period, with the Southern Right Whales.
With previous season’s being operated from a 20ft charter vessel, with a restricted capacity of only 5 passengers, it appeared time to upgrade. A 40ft, 20 passenger vessel is now in commission, giving passengers more room to move around, a better view, and the ability to make group bookings.
Combined with a quiet, eco friendly, caravan park, just metres from the Fowlers Bay Jetty, self contained travelers are able to experience it all. An enclosed barbecue and campfire area within the park plays host to an all catered “cook-up” each Saturday night, resulting in a lot of laughter, story telling and singing around a brightly burning, open pit campfire.
Years of planning, dedication and hard work, has resulted in an Australian outback experience that travelers will not forget. Whether it be an extreme 2 hour scenic helicopter flight from Ceduna and back, a breath taking, up close and personal Whale Watching Cruise with the majestic 60ft Southern Right Whales, a fun night of sundowners and a warm campfire, or relaxing while indulging in a cappuccino and cake on the kiosks Whale View Sun Deck – Fowlers Bay Eco Park has all the outback has to offer!
