It's barely Autumn and Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have already been spotted off the New South Wales coastline as they migrate north to the warmer Whitsunday waters.

Paddle Out for Whales is an annual event held in the whale watching capital of the world as part of IFAW's National Whale Day celebrations. The event is held to help raise awareness of the many issues whales face today.