WHALE BUDDIES UP TO BOAT ON MAMMOTH JOURNEY NORTH

Some 25,000 whales are making their annual migration up the coast right now – and today watchers near Newcastle were given a real treat.

This inquisitive humpback took a shine to a boat just off Port Stephens this morning.

The juvenile was seen happily swimming under the ‘Envision’, coming in for a closer look several times, much to the delight of whale watchers.

Experts call the practice “getting mugged”, and say it’s not unusual for younger whales to circle vessels, because they often get a bit lonely on the trip north.