Swimming with Dolphins, Local History, Killer Whales used to help the Whalers

I am lucky to live where I do in a little village on the far south coast of New South Wales Australia. We are nestled in a spot where the Mountains meet the sea and surrounded by National Park. It is a short walk to a beautiful lake and a 3 kilometer drive to the nearest beach. The local population is small and even during tourist season there is rarely more than 20 people sharing several kilometers of beach. They also share it with the 'real' locals...the wildlife. We are very near an old Whaling station and are surrounded with Historic Sites and buildings.

We  have regular visits from a variety of different whales. Amazingly the Whalers used to work in cooperation with Killer Whales who used to heard the whales into the harbors so the Whalers could launch their long row boats and go out and catch the Hump Back Whales. As a reward the Whalers cut out the Whales tongue (the part Killer Whales like the best) and give this to the Killer Whale. The Last of the Killer Whales 'Old Tom' died in 1931 and his skeleton is a feature in our local museum. Of course there is no more Whaling in Australia and its a good thing, but it is an important part of our local History and these tough men are the Grandfathers and Great Grandfathers of many of the people in the local towns.

Today you can still see the Whales and our area is a favorite spot for Whale watching. The Killer whales still visit us and still occasionally swim right into the harbor. Last year we had a Hump Back beach itself on our local beach. Unfortunately it died and had to be removed because it was attracting Great White Sharks who were coming right up to the beach and ripping off huge chunks of whale meat at high tide.

It is common to see Kangaroos and Wallabies on and near the beach, as well as Dingoes, Goannas and an amazing variety of bird life. Most days we visit the beach we see the dolphins out herding up the salmon and surfing the waves to catch them.

During the Summer we go down to the beach and Boogie Board. My children are all in their early twenties or late teens and have the usual visiting friends, boyfriends and girlfriends. On special magical days the Dolphins come and swim amongst us, they zoom in and out inches away from us, sometimes chasing a fish but often just to have a look at us. It is an experience you never get tired of, or ever forget. Dolphins are so graceful and full of fun...it just makes you feel really good inside to be so near them and know that they chose to come close to you.

Occasionally we have a visit from Leopard seals who come up on the beach for a rest and a sit in the sun before heading off back to sea. Living amongst Wildlife changes your whole perspective on life. I can't imagine a world with out these wonderful friends and I really believe that we would not survive without them.

If you ever get the chance to swim with a Dolphin..Do it !!!!...I guarantee it is one experience that will always stay with you and your world will be a better place because of it.