The Gold Coast isn’t just a paradise for sun-seekers and surfers. It’s also one of the best places in the world to witness the annual migration of majestic humpback whales. Yes, we are talking about the whale watching season.
From June to November, these gentle giants make their way along the eastern coast of Australia, captivating locals and tourists alike.
But did you know that this natural spectacle can be the perfect backdrop for a culinary adventure?
For foodies, the whale-watching season on the Gold Coast offers a unique blend of breathtaking marine views and mouth-watering gastronomic experiences.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the best spots to watch whales, responsible whale-watching practices, and the finest dining options to complement your day out.
Where to Watch the Best Spots and Timing
Whether you want to watch the whales during your time on the water or from the land, Gold Coast is a great place of choice. But always go there during the whale watching season. There are some prime viewing locations to consider if you want to catch a glimpse of these beautiful and magnificent creatures.
Best Spots
If you’re eager to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures, the Gold Coast offers several prime viewing locations.
Point Danger: Head to Point Danger. Look out for panoramic views of the coastline, which are perfect for spotting whales in the distance. The sweeping ocean views are the prime location if you want to see the migrating whales from a close distance.
Burleigh Heads National Park: This is another fantastic option, as it provides elevated viewpoints along scenic walking trails. For an even closer look, consider booking a whale-watching tour from the Gold Coast Seaway, where experienced guides take you out into the open ocean.
Greenmount Bay: Located between Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay, Greenmount Bay is another headland on the Gold Coast with many viewing points. Yes, there are many viewing points for whale watching, and the green foliage just compliments the scenic beauty of Greenmount Bay.
Best Timing
Timing is crucial to maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales. The peak season typically runs from late June to early November. Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times for sightings, as the whales are more active during these periods.
To stay updated on whale activity, check local whale-watching reports or download a specialized app like ‘Whale Report,’ which gives real-time updates and sighting locations.
Eco-Friendly Whale-Watching Tips and Practices
While watching whales is fun, you must also keep safety in mind. A safe practice is to watch them from at least 100 meters. There are other practices to follow to keep the entire process eco-friendly.
Respect Marine Life
When engaging in whale watching, it’s essential to follow eco-friendly practices. Maintain a safe distance of at least 100 meters from the whales to avoid disturbing them. Turn off boat engines when nearby to reduce noise pollution and minimize the risk of injury to the animals.
Choose Sustainable Tours
Opt for whale-watching tours that prioritize sustainability. Companies like ‘Whale Watching Gold Coast’ and ‘Spirit of Gold Coast’ are renowned for their responsible practices, including using eco-friendly boats and educating guests on marine conservation.
Leave No Trace
Whether you’re on a boat or watching from the shore, always clean up after yourself. Dispose of any rubbish properly and avoid using single-use plastics. By keeping the environment pristine, you’re helping to ensure that future generations can enjoy whale watching, too.
Ideas for a Post-Whale-Watching Meal
Give your heart all the taste it desires. A wonderful day spent watching whales should be followed by a healthy and tasty meal. If you were wondering about ideas, here’s a list you should remember –
Seaside Dining
After a thrilling day of whale watching, reward yourself with a delectable meal at one of the Gold Coast’s top restaurants. Many restaurants in Burleigh Heads offer a stunning oceanfront setting and a menu brimming with fresh, locally sourced seafood.
Casual Eateries
For a more relaxed vibe, try out a Gold Coast restaurant with a view. You’ll be spoiled for food options, and you’ll have the best views on the coast. Another great spot is a night market – they feature an array of food stalls, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere!
Hidden Gems
Don’t miss out on hidden culinary gems in Mermaid Beach, or for a taste of local produce, visit one of the many bakeries in Miami, where you can enjoy artisanal bread, pastries, and gourmet coffee in a charming setting.
Dishes to Try at Gold Coast During the Season
From freshly caught fish and other marine delicacies to a gourmet experience, it’s best to try everything a little. Here’s a guide if you want directions –
Fresh Catches
The Gold Coast boasts an abundance of fresh seafood, making it a haven for foodies during whale watching season. Sample local favorites like Moreton Bay bugs, a type of slipper lobster, or indulge in freshly shucked oysters from Stradbroke Island. Pippies, a local shellfish, are often served with delectable garlic and chili sauce.
Gourmet Experiences
For a more gourmet experience, try dishes like pan-seared barramundi or grilled snapper, typically accompanied by seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs. Many upscale restaurants on the Gold Coast also offer degustation menus, allowing you to savor a variety of flavors in one meal.
Street Food
If you prefer street food, don’t miss the chance to try fish tacos or prawn skewers from local food trucks and markets. These quick bites are perfect for enjoying as you stroll along the beachfront or explore local attractions.
Economic Impact of the Whale Watching Season & Local Food Scene
Whale watching seasons welcome people from different places to the Gold Coast. Not only is it a great time for visitors, but it’s also important for the place thanks to the jobs and businesses the seasons create.
Tourist Attraction
Whale watching significantly boosts the local economy, attracting thousands of visitors each year. This influx of tourists, in turn, benefits local restaurants, cafes, and food markets. Many eateries offer special promotions and seasonal menus to cater to the increased demand during whale watching season.
Job Creation
The tourism surge also creates job opportunities in the hospitality and service industries, from chefs and waitstaff to tour guides and hotel employees. This economic boost helps sustain the local community and ensures the continued success of the Gold Coast’s vibrant food scene.
Community Engagement
Finally, whale watching fosters a sense of community engagement and pride. Local businesses often collaborate on events and promotions, creating a cohesive and welcoming atmosphere for visitors. This sense of community enhances the overall experience for tourists and locals alike, making the Gold Coast a top destination for both whale watching and culinary delights.
Encouraging Sustainable Tourism and Appreciation
In conclusion, the Gold Coast’s whale-watching season offers more than just the chance to see magnificent marine mammals. It’s an opportunity to explore the region’s rich culinary landscape, support local businesses, and practice sustainable tourism.
By following eco-friendly whale-watching practices and indulging in the area’s exceptional dining options, you’re contributing to the preservation of this beautiful destination for future generations.
Ready to make the most of your whale-watching adventure? Book a tour, discover new restaurants, and immerse yourself in the Gold Coast’s vibrant food scene. And remember, every bite and every whale sighting is a step towards appreciating and protecting our natural world. Happy whale watching and bon appétit!
Shahnawaz is a passionate and professional Content writer. He loves to read, write, draw and share his knowledge in different niches like Technology, Cryptocurrency, Travel,Social Media, Social Media Marketing, and Healthcare.
If you are an Australian national or you are someone visiting from another country, then it’s likely that you will want to visit one of the most famous cities in the world. The Great City Of Sydney is an incredibly interesting and friendly place to visit, and many people across the world have this very location on their bucket list right at this moment.
It is a city that you will constantly see on the television and talk about online and for many good reasons. There is so much to see in this particular city, so if you have planned any vacation time there, then it’s important that you don’t miss out on some of the top tourist attractions.
Begin With Sight-Seeing
You are quite fortunate in that there are several sight seeing Tours of Sydney that are available to you, but one piece of advice would be to make sure that you book well in advance because these are incredibly popular and they sell out in a very short space of time.
Once you have one of these tours under your belt, you might want to get a little closer to some of the more famous landmarks that we currently have. The following are just some of the top things that you should be doing when visiting the great city of Sydney.
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge –
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you really do need to take advantage of while in this great city and you can even climb the bridge at night. People have done it before and raved about how exciting it was and how they were able to see the whole city from the very top. It is a very safe thing to do, and the people who work on the bridge take health and safety very seriously indeed.
Go see the Opera House –
If you are into architecture, then the Sydney Opera House will blow your mind. It is a very unique building, and there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. You can enjoy it from a distance or get up close, and you would be encouraged to try to take in a concert or some kind of performance while you are there.
Visit the many beautiful beaches –
There are so many to enjoy, and you can even take the ferry out to experience beaches that have been very prominent on the television in popular Australian TV shows. There is beautiful, clean sand as far as the eye can see, and it is the perfect place to spend an afternoon just relaxing and taking in the views.
Conclusion
The one thing that many people say about Sydney is that the people who live there are incredibly friendly and don’t be surprised if they ask you questions about where it is that you’re going to visit and maybe they will even give you some advice on some local tourist attractions that you might not be aware of.
This may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, so it's important to make the most of it while you can. Well, that was all about the Great City Of Sydney and its marvelous destinations. Save this article for the next time you are traveling here!
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Paris is the land of multiple World Heritage Sites, such as the Eiffel Tower and Château de Versailles and many other structures showing the excellence of French architecture. So, there is no wonder that Paris is transforming historical sites into Olympic venues.
However, there are multidimensional aspects behind choosing these important sites or places of tourist attractions as Olympic venues. Of course, it’s a brilliant move to boost tourism in the “World’s Most Powerful City Destination.” The Travel and Tourism Sector of Paris was worth a whopping $36BN USD in 2022.
Further, choosing these sites as Olympic venues has a sustainability aspect. It’s an endeavor to reduce the carbon footprint drastically and make the Paris Olympics the “Greenest Olympics” ever.
Are you traveling to Paris and have plans to catch up on the Olympic events? Get your travel plan right by knowing the historical places to visit, why they are significant travel destinations, and how choosing them as Olympic venues is a sustainable move.
Paris Transforming Historical Sites Into Olympic Venues (Make Changes In Your Travel Plans)
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Various historical sites in Paris have become the stage for gala Olympic events. So, know the historical places to visit if you are traveling to Paris now and want to enjoy the games and the history of the iconic city altogether.
Here, you will first see a table mentioning the historical venues and the Olympic events that will take place there. Later, you will find brief descriptions of the historical importance of these places. 1
Historical Site Olympic 2024 Event The Seine River The Olympics Opening Ceremony Men’s Marathon Swimming Competition (Tentatively on 8th and 9th August 2024 After Postponement) Eiffel Tower Stadium Beach Volleyball and Blind Football Pont Alexandre III Triathlon, Para triathlon, Swimming Marathon, and Individual Cycling Time Trials The Grand Palais Taekwondo and Fencing Château de Versailles Equestrian events from July 27th to August 11th and from September 3rd to 7th, 2024 The Stade Yves-du-Manoir in Colombes (92) Field Hockey Games
It All Begins On The Seine River With The Opening Ceremony
Best Time To Visit The Seine River: June-August
The 2024 Olympics has seen the most unusual opening ceremony held on the Seine River. The river is named after Sequana, a Celtic Goddess.
Further, this river has been an important bearer of French culture, identity, and life. l'école de Honfleur, one of the most prominent impressionist movements in France, was inspired by this river.
Also, as you take a boat ride in this river, you can see the most iconic monuments in the city. Looking at the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum is surely going to be a lifetime experience for you. The Sainte Chapelle and Cathedral of Notre Dame are other significant pieces of architecture that can be seen from the river.
The Eiffel Tower Stadium
https://www.instagram.com/olympics/reel/C9SCB2DCNrt/
Best Season To Visit The Eiffel Tower Stadium: June to September
Are you looking for “Paris tourist sites Olympics 2024?” Visit the Eiffel Tower Stadium on the Champ-de-Mars. Beach volleyball games at this venue are already gathering a lot of attention, with tourists finding the place “Instagrammable.”
The Eiffel Tower is the stadium and is often interpreted as the tangible form of the human desire to reach the sky. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, and today it is the most visited “paid monument” in the world.
Pont Alexandre III
Best Season to Visit: September to April
Pont Alexandre III is a bridge named after Russian Tsar Alexandre III, and it celebrates the historic alliance between Russia and France. This year, the bridge will be entering its 125th year as it was built between 1896 and 1900 for the “1900 World Fair.”
With a steel base, the bridge stands out for its gold-plated statues of bronze, cast-iron lamps, and stone pillars.
The Grand Palais
Best Season to Visit: September to June
The Grand Palais is dedicated to the “glory of French Art.” It was built in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition. Exactly 100 years after its foundation, the Grand Palais got its designation as a historic monument in 2000.
This architectural excellence was made with glass, stone, and steel. It portrays an excellent fusion of the Baroque style and classicism.
Further, the polychrome friezes in the ceramics and mosaics, iconic statutes, and embellishments tell fascinating stories about the excellence of French architecture and art.
Château de Versailles
Best Season to Visit: April to October
The Château de Versailles is a World Heritage Site (designated in 1979) with its grounds and gardens. It is the official residence of the French King and also the largest Château in the world. Further, it is the greatest outcome of the 17th century French Art.
Built by King Louis XIV, the palace today has a magnificent presence covering 63,154 m2 area. However, the Château de Versailles is not just a remarkable site for its magnanimousity. It also stands tall for its creative excellence and originality.
Moreover, the Château de Versailles was
“The absolute seat of power of the monarch, Versailles was the best formulated and best adapted crucible for French court life for a century and a half (Louis XIV perfectioned “etiquette”) and artistic creation in the domain of music, theatre and the decorative arts. Numerous scientific discoveries were presented there, encouraged by the kings, founders of royal academies.”
The Stade Yves-du-Manoir in Colombes (92)
Best Season to Visit: Any Season
The Stade Yves-du-Manoir in Colombes (92) makes history as one of the rarest venues to host two Olympic games. It was the main venue for the 1924 Summer Olympics, and this year, it will host the field hockey games.
The stadium gets its name from Yves du Manoir, a noted French rugby player.
Transforming Historical Sites Into Olympic Venues: An Important Aspect Of Sustainable Promises
Paris Olympics 2024 promotes and practices the complete use of renewable energy. The locally sourced renewable energy is a fruit of the Olympics’ goal of maintaining sustainability. If you are traveling to different Olympic venues in Paris, you will notice the following sustainable practices.
No use of diesel generators
Connection to the grid, enabling the use of sustainable energy
Solar panels in the Aquatics Centre and Olympic Village
Geothermal cooling systems in the Olympic Village (No use of traditional airconditioning system)
Use of recyclable material in building the Aquatics Centre, the only new permanent venue
More Insight Into Sustainable Transformation Of The World’s Most Iconic Tourist Sites Into Olympic Venues In 2024
Further, the International Olympic Committee and Paris are abiding by the promise of sustainability by transforming historical sites into Olympic venues. In the Paris Olympics 2024, 95% of the events will take place at existing historical sites or buildings. This is a conscious decision to practice economic and environmental sustainability. 2, 3
Overall, the Paris Olympics 2024, by transforming historical sites into Olympic venues and using renewable energy, is trying to be the “greenest Olympics ever.” The plan is to reduce the carbon emissions to half in comparison to the previous chapters in London, Rio, and Tokyo (2012, 2016, 2020).
The Committee is particular about its commitment to legacy planning. Further, the reuse of infrastructures is going to be a crucial factor in making the events carbon neutral.
In addition, by choosing the historical sites in Paris as Olympic venues, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) takes one step forward in its effort to minimize the environmental impact of the game. This IOC initiative has been going on since 2017.
Paris organizers, however, made their stance clear on converting historical sites into temporary Olympic venues in 2016. In a report to the International Olympic Committee, they wrote,
“Temporary venues in iconic locations, which will see the city’s greatest sites transformed into stunning stages for sport and embedding the Games in the public domain.”
Along with practicing sustainability, this move has been a wonderful way to impress spectators and get more advertisers and sponsors on board.
Olympics On Mind: Space Travel And The Greatest Sports Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycDoaIn6wuk
The frenzy for the Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris reaches the sky. The six living astronauts in the International Space Station showed that they had the Olympics on their minds.
Jeanette Epps, Mike Barratt, Sunita Williams, Tracy Caldwell Dyson, and Butch Wilmore kickstarted their mini Olympics in space by passing the Olympic torch.
In the July 26th video published by NASA, we get to see how the astronauts playfully gear up for their events. Jeanette Epps and Sunita Williams shook up their arms, and Butch Wilmore gulped a water globule roaming around his head. Then, he stretched his upper body.
Sunita Williams further showed some gymnastics moves to up the Olympic spirit in space. However, Butch Wilmore shot-putting a duct tape ball and Mike Barratt launching a discus were the highlights of the fun activities in space.
Matthew Dominick, the NASA scientist currently living off Earth, has said, “Over the past few days on the International Space Station, we've had an absolute blast pretending to be Olympic athletes.” The activities were more fun because of the weightlessness in the space. 4
Who knew that there would be a marriage of space travel and the Olympics like this?
Final Words
With Paris transforming historical sites into Olympic venues, it’s time to plan a trip to the French capital from 26th July to 11th August.
It’s time you enjoy the greatest sports events and encounter the best chapters of French history at once. These picturesque locations are also great for clicking photographs for posterity and garnering attention on your socials.
Also, visiting these places this season can be a small contribution on your behalf to acknowledging the importance of sustainability in travel, tourism, and gala events.
So, are you planning to visit Paris during the Olympics? Bon voyage!
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Every Indian has at least once visited the beautiful snowy hills of Shimla, located in the lap of Himachal Pradesh. If you are thinking of traveling to Shimla for your vacation, you can do that anytime you want. Ideally, there is no best time to visit Shimla, you can visit there anytime you want.
Welcome To Shimla!
Shimla, also known as Simla until the year 1972, is a city in Himachal Pradesh, in North India. Due to its scenic beauty, mountain landscape, and old English architecture, no doubt it is known as the Summer capital of British India.
The beautiful oak trees, colonial old English-style architecture, and an ancient feel are what attract visitors to Shimla. But if you are still wondering when to visit Shimla, then you need to keep on scrolling down the article.
Best Time To Visit Shimla
Even though you are traveling solo to Shimla or looking for the best time to visit Shimla for honeymoon, then keep on scrolling to know the best time to visit Shimla.
Oct - Feb ❄️Jul - Sept 🌧️Mar - Jun ☀️-7 to 10c10 - 20cc15 - 30c
1. March To June
The summer and spring months start from the month of March and continue till the month of June. After long and extreme winter months, the summer months are quite pleasant for tourists looking for the best time to visit Shimla.
The temperature around this time rotates around 16c to 30c. The days are quite warmer and rather enjoyable, with a wide range of greenery, colors of blooming flowers, and melting snow.
The roads here are clear and without any blockage and interruptions along the way. This way, you can enjoy every nook and cranny of the beautiful city of Shimla.
Even though you should carry warm clothes with you, it would be wiser to carry light clothes as well if your tolerance for colder weather is high.
2. July To September
Just like any other hill station here in India, the monsoon months are regarded as the offseason for tourists and visitors. With heavy rainfall, landslides, and roadblocks, the monsoon months may not be the best time to visit Shimla.
The average amount of rainfall that Shimla receives is more than 1400mm, and the temperature is around 14c to 20c. But the best deal for adventurers during the monsoon months is that since it is the offseason for tourism, huge discounts are given by hotels and lodgings.
But if you are willing to take the risk of visiting there during the monsoon months, then you should consider all the dangers ahead of time.
3. October To February
One of the best time to visit Shimla for snowfall is during the winter months. The winter months are what attract most of the tourism here in Shimla. The temperature during the winter months ranges from -6c to the highest at 8c.
The snow-covered mountain tops are a sight to see for the sore eyes, and if you are lucky enough,, you can also witness snowfall here. Winter months are just magical for the countryside as it is in the citylights here in Shimla.
You are definitely going to enjoy every cozy night with your friends, family, or partner, or adventure sports out in the snow.
Different Climates In Shimla
When you want to visit any hill station, it is very important that you have thorough knowledge about all the potential risks and dangers of the place.
1. Summer In Shimla
Summer months is the most enjoyable for tourists who are not too comfortable with the snow and cold climate. Other than going for adventure sports in the snow, there are many adventure sports available during the summer months as well.
Adventure sports such as paragliding, trekking, rafting, and camping. Even if you are not into all these activities, then during summer, the summer festival is the best entertainment experience that you want to experience.
Activities like folk dancing, musical performances, and flower shops go on for about five days. This festival first started in the early 60s, with thousands of visitors visiting each year.
2. Monsoon In Shimla
Since the monsoon is usually considered an offseason, there are not a lot of activities to do around this time of the year. But the Rhyali festival, or the monsoon festival, is one of the most attractive attractions during this time of the year.
The festival is celebrated in honor of the rain god to appease him in order to have a prosperous agricultural year. But during the monsoon, the water-washed hill station gives a fresh perspective to the landscape.
3. Winter In Shimla
The white fluffy snow-covered mountaintop of Shimla looks like a magical place indeed. With lots of adventure sports such as ice skating and skiing. One of the best places to travel to in Shimla is Mashobra, Kufri, and Narkanda.
If you are traveling to Shimla during the month of December, then you should definitely stay till Christmas and New Year in here. The hill station is beautifully decked up during this time, and it is possible that you will celebrate a white Christmas here in Shimla.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have any more queries about the best time to visit Shimla, then here are a few questions you might find helpful.
1. In Which Month Snow Falls In Shimla? The months from October to February, this is the time of the year in Shimla when you are able to witness actual snowfall and a snow-covered hill station. 2. Is 2 Days Enough For Shimla? Traveling to Shimla during an optimal season would take about 3 days and 2 nights to witness the majesty of the whole hill station. Hiring a car or a bike to travel would help you a lot to travel the whole hilly region. 3. Is It A Good Time To Visit Shimla Now? If you want to experience summertime in Shimla, then the best time to visit Shimla is for the months of March to June. But if you want to witness the winter months, then you would want to visit here during the months of November to February.
Visit Now!
Shimla is one of the most naturally aesthetically pleasing hill stations in India. It is a must-visit place in India, but you need to know the best time to visit Shimla. So when you are backpacking to Shimla on your next vacation, then don’t forget to pack all the warm clothes.
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