The Whales are back and today we are officially launching the 2021 Swim with Wales Season on the Sunshine Coast.
Celebrating the launch of Swim with Whales season – Sunreef’s Dan Hart, with Cr Jason OPray and VSC CEO Matt Stoeckel.jpg
While we have just had a COVID lockdown, 35,000 humpback whales don’t have travel restrictions and are expected to migrate through Sunshine Coast waters.
Sunreef Mooloolaba owner Dan Hart said pre-covid, whale seasons could expect to attract about 15,000 locals and tourists alike to take a closer look and participate in a whale watching or swim with whales experience.
“Everyone was affected by COVID last year, but we still had strong support from locals and the drive tourist market and hosted about 10,000 guests.
“With Whale Watching season starting at the beginning of June and Swim with Whales season coming out of another lockdown, we are hoping to increase that this year.
“Already bookings are strong, and we hope that within COVID restrictions we have another great season.”Sunshine Coast Councillor Jason O’Pray said whale season was an important part of winter tourism for the whole Sunshine Coast.
Sunreef Mooloolaba’s Dan Hart (left) and Philip Hart (right) with Cr Jason OPray celebrating the launch of Swim with Whales season
“Whale Watching season is an economic driver for the tourism sector, during what is traditionally a quieter period.
“It brings in visitors, who spend not just on whale watching but also on accommodation, hospitality and other attractions, which in turn creates employment and I just love it!” Cr O’Pray said.
In another exciting development for the season, you will see a huge new vessel around Mooloolaba.
The 24-metre T6 has been brought down from Cairns for use during the whale watching season.
“T6 is an incredible vessel for up to 100 guests with great whale watching viewing on the top deck, both inside and outside and great viewing on the bow, stern and inside on the bottom level as well.”
Dan said bringing T6 in for whale watching was part of Sunreef’s continuing commitment to growth.
“Last year, again during a lockdown, we added Tsunami for Swim with Whales and scuba & snorkelling trips, and now we are trialling T6 to see how she could potentially extend our whale watching, scuba diving and snorkelling offerings throughout the year.”
To celebrate the beginning of the season, Councillor Jason O’Pray and Sunreef’s Dan Hart will ring in the Swim with Whales season with the Wharf Mooloolaba ceremonial bell.
Dan Hart said the whale watching season would run through until Sunday 31st October, with the Swim with Whales season to run until Sunday 17th October.
To find out more or book your Whale Watching or Swim with Whales experience, visit www.sunreef.com.au or call 07 5444 5656.
Sunreef Mooloolaba are trialling T6 from Cairns for whale watching
