The Sunshine Coast is looking to gain a competitive edge this year by adding an Australian first with the launch of the specially created Ocean’s Journey Whale Ale.
Whale tourism now attracts more than 160,000 visitors a year to Queensland.
The 2023 whale season was officially launched at The Wharf Mooloolaba on the weekend, heralding the arrival of some 40,000 whales expected to traverse the Sunshine Coast over the next five months.
Sunshine Coast’s marine tours operator, Sunreef, which operates from The Wharf, announced a range of new tours and activations, including the creation by Mooloolaba craft brewer, Blackflag, of their special Ocean’s Journey Whale Ale, inspired by the awesome spectacle of whale migration.
The limited-edition craft beer will be available from restaurants and bars throughout The Wharf.
According to Blackflag: “Ocean's Journey Whale Ale is a masterfully crafted Coastal Pale that pays homage to the grandeur of whale migration. With its vibrant citrus notes, tropical fruit flavours, and balanced bitterness, this beer captures the essence of the ocean and the awe-inspiring journey of these majestic creatures.
"Raise a glass, savour the flavours, and join in the celebration of the wonder and beauty that is whale migration.”
Sunreef Mooloolaba’s Philip Hart said this year’s whale watching season was already attracting considerable interest from both interstate and overseas.
“The message is that people want premium nature-based experiences,” said Hart.
“Whale numbers appear to be increasing at an average of about 10% a year, and given the interest, we are extending opportunities for people to view these remarkable mammals in what is one of Australia’s most pristine environments.
“One of the major attractions is that we only offer these tours on the whales’ terms. We have the strictest code of conduct, only operate with small groups, and invariably provide a profound and memorable experience.”
Sunreef’s whale watching season has already begun, while Swim with Whales cruises start from July 1,
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, said that the whale watching and swimming tours support Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a leading nature-based tourism destination.
“We know our whale experiences are top of our visitors’ to-do list across the winter months,” said Stoeckel.
"As Australia’s ‘Craft Beer Capital’ it was brilliant that Blackflag could capture the vibrancy of the whale migration in this new beverage. It is the perfect addition to our craft brew collection.
“The whale season also arrives at the same time as direct flights from Auckland recommence, enabling our Kiwi friends the opportunity to enjoy ‘sunshine by lunchtime’ and view whales in the afternoon.”
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