A world-first drone video has captured the extraordinary moment a humpback whale gave birth off the New South Wales coast.

The footage shows the newborn calf emerging and quickly swimming alongside its mother in the ocean.

The rare sighting has amazed marine experts and wildlife lovers, as whale births in the wild are extremely difficult to witness.

The video was recorded near Kingscliff, NSW, during the humpback whale migration season.

Conservation groups say these encounters highlight the importance of protecting Australia’s marine environment and ensuring safe habitats for growing whale populations.