An onlooker videoed the moment two of the giant mammals, also known as killer whales, approached the children.

Scientists are learning the potential for drones extends beyond missile launches or pizza deliveries to more edifying endeavours - such as collecting whale mucus.

• EXCLUSIVE

The federal government fought to have the stomach-churning footage kept secret, arguing that it would harm relations with Japan.

On Sydney's northern beaches, a dedicated group of ocean lovers has helped to halt seismic testing during the peak whale migration season.

The pair were ensnared about 200 metres off Nobby Beach.

Only a lack of thumbs has held whales and dolphins back, evolutionary biologist Susanne Shultz says.

A baby humpback whale buried near a beach on the NSW North Coast will be exhumed so it doesn't attract sharks.

A large excavator has started digging up an 18-tonne humpback whale buried at Port Macquarie's Nobbys Beach.

Beaches on the north coast of NSW have reopened despite an 18-tonne humpback whale carcass decomposing nearby.

The 18-tonne humpback whale was interred at Nobbys Beach in Port Macquarie because it was too big to be moved.

Community debate has raged over the burial of a dead 12 metre, 18 tonne humpback whale on Nobbys Beach.

​Every year, Japanese boats with the word "RESEARCH" stenciled on the side head to the Southern Ocean to hunt for hundreds of whales.

Fraser Coast whale watch pioneers sell 30-year business on to friends.

Australia's famous white whale Migaloo has swum into Queensland waters as he makes his annual migration towards the Great Barrier Reef.

This weekend could be the perfect time to go whale watching.

A juvenile humpback whale that has been beached on the NSW Mid North Coast for more than a day has been euthanised after its condition worsened.

About 50 locals are working to help the mammal stay upright so it can keep breathing.

The findings highlight the importance of keeping humpback "nursery" waters as quiet as possible, scientists say.

Attendance at SeaWorld Entertainment's theme parks has been falling amid negative publicity and criticism from animal rights activists upset by the treatment of captive marine mammals.

Try having no arms and eating a live octopus that's crawling around on your head with its tentacles.

Japan's whaling fleet has returned from its Antarctic hunt in the name of scientific research with 333 minke whales, despite international criticism.

Fabulous places, fascinating friends and buying stuff: having an admin job in a global circus is a blast, says Melbourne woman.

Ugly scenes have unfolded at Queensland's Sea World theme park where animal activists ambushed a dolphin show - and then clashed with angry onlookers.

Hundreds more whales have swam into shore at the site of an earlier stranding at Farewell Spit as the tide came in, sending volunteers scrambling.

• COMMENT

Growing up in Pakistan, my favourite show was Flipper. Living in a city a thousand kilometres from the nearest ocean, it was the most I knew about our beautiful dolphin friends.

SeaWorld San Diego is ending its long-running killer whale show after years of outcry and falling attendance prompted it to renounce theatrical orca displays.

Tilikum, the killer whale featured in the documentary "Blackfish" that made the case against keeping orcas in captivity died on Friday, SeaWorld officials said.

Australia's federal fisheries authority is exploring an ambitious plan to stream live footage from fishing vessels in a bid to improve its ability to respond to controversial reports that nets are killing endangered marine animals.

Migaloo to lose police escort when he enters NSW waters.

Another whale has been caught in a shark net off the Gold Coast, with rescue teams on the way in an attempt to rescue the calf.