Seven 'Great Whales' are found in the coastal waters surrounding Australia. There are six of the largest baleen whales – blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale, sei whale, Bryde's whale and southern right whale. Also found is the largest toothed whale – the sperm whale. This book provides a detailed account of these extraordinary and fascinating creatures for the interested layperson. It includes the history of people's association with these huge mammals, at first through legend and wonder, then whaling, and more recently whale watching.