Solo Australia Part 15: Whale Watching off the Gold Coast
7-12 Returned to the hotel from the rainforest in the morning, had a full meal, then walked to the pier to begin the afternoon whale-watching trip. Boarding started at 13:30, and we departed promptly at 14:00 from Surfers Paradise. The weather wasn’t great—light drizzle—but the harbor was calm. Unlike typical coastal cities, the Gold Coast not only has a stunning coastline but also a well-developed inland artificial canal system. Excavation of these canals began in the 1850s and continues to this day. As each section is completed, residential developments spring up along the banks to accommodate the growing population. Taking a tour boat through the Broadwater main channel, we viewed the impressive mansions and high-end lifestyles of the wealthy neighborhood. All we saw were their backyards, each with a private dock for yachts or helicopters, and some even had artificial beaches. Many of these mansion owners are from Europe and America, including numerous Hollywood movie stars. They only stay here for a short time each year, leaving the villas to be managed by butlers. Every house has its own unique style, with no two alike. According to data, the Gold Coast attracted 44 million tourists in 2007. The once little-known canal tours have become a new hot attraction due to the booming local real estate industry, with countless mansions worth millions or even tens of millions lining the route. Mainland Chinese tourists are especially interested in this. After seeing these mansions, the only feeling I had was: it’s great to be rich! If you have the chance, you must come and see it—it will boost your motivation to earn money! You can ride jet boats for speed and excitement, take amphibious vehicles, or try parasailing. As soon as we left the breakwater, the waves became fierce, reaching 3 to 5 meters high—even the tallest Q1 building was blocked from view. Every year from May to November, whales migrate from Antarctica to the warmer waters near the Tropic of Capricorn to breed, and the Gold Coast waters are their必经之路. Approximately 15,000 whales pass through this area during this period, making it the Gold Coast’s longest whale-watching season. Going out to see whales has become a soulful journey for the Gold Coast. Of course, you can’t watch whales from the beach; you need to go out to the open sea. After sailing for over half an hour, the coastline faded away until it was no longer visible. Using GPS, we estimated we were at least 50 kilometers offshore. The weather was bad, with strong winds and big waves. The ride was as thrilling as a roller coaster, with weightlessness—each rise and fall made all the passengers shout “Oh!” in unison, which was quite funny. After nearly two hours, when the boat slowed down to search for whales in the vast ocean, people started feeling less amused. 90% of us, after prolonged intense rocking, got seasick. The vomit bags weren’t enough—even I vomited three times. “I can’t take it anymore! I don’t want to see whales! I want to go back! Oh god!” But when the whales actually appeared in our sight, the seasickness seemed to disappear instantly. Everyone on board cheered and moved around the wildly swaying boat to follow the whales. Whales spouting water and breaching the surface—seeing these tens-of-ton giants up close was truly breathtaking and exciting. We encountered several whales, but because of the rain, visibility was poor and unclear, so the viewing effect wasn’t ideal. Unfortunately. After another hour, we headed back. Almost everyone on board was soaked by rain or seawater, and the sea breeze was freezing cold—we were shivering. Some people were so seasick they were barely alive. It was miserable. Folks, next time you go whale watching, make sure to choose a sunny day and definitely take seasickness medicine. Don’t think you’re strong and won’t get sick. Even on a sunny day, the Pacific Ocean’s waves are beyond your imagination—nature is so powerful! Sigh. As soon as I got back to the hotel, I took a long hot shower from head to toe, cooked some food, then wrapped myself in a blanket on the sofa, eating and watching TV. I didn’t want to move all evening until I got drowsy, then I crawled into bed. Goodnight.
Complete collection of Solo Australia
Solo Australia Part 27: Shopping
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1885842.html
Solo Australia Part 26: Wandering Around
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1885841.html
Solo Australia Part 25: Sydney Taronga Zoo
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1885160.html
Solo Australia Part 24: Paddington Markets
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1885838.html
Solo Australia Part 23: Sydney Bondi Beach
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1884686.html
Solo Australia Part 22: Sydney The Rocks Markets
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1884684.html
Solo Australia Part 21: Wollongong
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1884683.html
Solo Australia Part 20: Sydney Blue Mountains
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1884682.html
Solo Australia Part 19: Gold Coast Sunrise, Koalas, Q1 Building
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/goldcoast456/1884681.html
Solo Australia Part 18: Gold Coast Movie World
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/goldcoast456/1885391.html
Solo Australia Part 17: Gold Coast Sea World
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/goldcoast456/1884680.html
Solo Australia Part 16: Brisbane, Capital of Queensland
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/brisbane323/1884679.html
Solo Australia Part 15: Gold Coast Whale Watching
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/goldcoast456/1884678.html
Solo Australia Part 14: Gold Coast Rainforest 4WD
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/goldcoast456/1884677.html
Solo Australia Part 13: Gold Coast Glowworm Caves
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/goldcoast456/1884676.html
Solo Australia Part 12: Port Stephens Dolphin Watching
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1884675.html
Solo Australia Part 11: Melbourne City
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/melbourne312/1884672.html
Solo Australia Part 10: Melbourne Gold Panning
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/melbourne312/1885390.html
Solo Australia Part 9: Melbourne Great Ocean Road
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/melbourne312/1884671.html
Solo Australia Part 8: Melbourne Phillip Island
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/melbourne312/1884670.html
Solo Australia Part 7: Canberra
http://you.ctrip.com/place/canberra321.html
Solo Australia Part 6: Parks, Markets, Zoo
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1885275.html
Solo Australia Part 5: Sydney City
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1884668.html
Solo Australia Part 4: Integration
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1884667.html
Solo Australia Part 3: Transportation and Communication
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1884875.html
Solo Australia Part 2: Arrival
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1884873.html
Solo Australia Part 1: Preparation
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1884664.html
