What types of whales can I see?

You can see Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, and occasionally Dwarf Minke Whales during the migration season.

What should I bring for whale watching?

Bring binoculars, a camera, warm clothes, and a hat. If you're going on a whale watching cruise, seasickness tablets are also recommended if you're prone to motion sickness.

Watch the Winter Migration of Southern Right Whales Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a winter road trip that is a must-do, not just for the rugged coastline and views but also for whale watching in the cooler months. Every winter, the Southern Right Whales make their way from the cold Southern Ocean to the warmer waters along the southern coast of Australia. This whale season attracts visitors who want to get up close and personal with these gentle giants as they play and nurse their young in the sheltered waters near the coast. With humpback whales and, on occasion, blue whales, the Great Ocean Road is the best place to see one of nature’s most amazing sights.

Southern Right Whale Migration

The Southern Right Whale migration is an incredible journey where these marine animals travel thousands of kilometres from the feeding grounds of Antarctica to the temperate waters of the southern coast of Australia. During the winter months, they travel along the whale corridor to the calm, shallow waters where they can give birth and nurse their calves. This southerly migration is crucial for the survival of the species and also gives people a chance to see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. The migration is from June to September, with the peak time for whale sightings in July and August. Knowing the patterns of this migration helps you plan your trip to be in the right place at the right time.
Experience the breathtaking Southern Right Whale migration on a Great Ocean Road day trip! Visit from June to September for the best chance to see these incredible whales in action.

Best Whale Watching Spots along the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road has several great vantage points to see the Southern Right Whales and other species. Whether you take a whale cruise or prefer land based viewing each spot along the coast offers a different perspective on this natural wonder.

Logan’s Beach, Warrnambool

Logan’s Beach, on Logan’s Beach Road, Warrnambool, is often referred to as Victoria’s number one whale-watching destination. The beach is a designated whale nursery where Southern Right Whales come to give birth and raise their calves in the sheltered waters just off the coast. A purpose-built viewing platform offers stunning views of the ocean where you can see these magnificent creatures breach and play close to shore. The calm waters and proximity to the beach make Logan’s Beach a great attraction for families and nature lovers. For a more in-depth experience, join Warrnambool Tours for a guided tour to learn about the local marine giants and their habits.

Port Fairy

Port Fairy, a lovely coastal town with a long cultural history, is another great spot to see whales. At the southern end of the Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy has several viewing areas, especially around East Beach and Griffiths Island, where whales often come in close to shore. The town’s history as a 19th-century port and whaling station adds to your visit as you think about the transformation from a commercial whaling hub to a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures. The inclusion of the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara peoples’ reconciliation and equity of outcomes makes this region’s history and its conservation of these amazing animals even more meaningful.

Portland Bay

Portland Bay is famous for its deep, temperate waters, which attract many whale species, including the blue whale. The bay’s sheltered waters are a haven for these marine giants during their winter migration. The headlands around Portland offer some of the best land-based viewing, and Wildlife Coast Cruises and other operators offer boat tours that get you up close and personal. This area goes deep into the marine park and shows the importance of these waters as a feeding ground for regular whales and toothed whales. If you’re lucky, you might even hear the haunting whale songs echoing through the ocean.

What Whales Can I See?

The Great Ocean Road is a whale playground, and you can see many types of whales.

Humpback Whale

Humpback whales, with their acrobatic breaches and hump-shaped dorsal fin, are common along the Great Ocean Road. They migrate to warmer waters in winter and are often seen along the southern coast, putting on a show with their energetic leaps and playful behaviour.

Southern Right Whale

Southern Right Whales are the stars of the show along this coastline. Recognisable by their lack of a dorsal fin and rough patches of skin on their heads called callosities, these gentle giants are often seen in shallow water close to shore. They are known to be active, breaching, tail slapping and sometimes even swimming close enough to see from land.

Blue Whale (rare)

The elusive blue whale, the largest animal on the planet, occasionally visits the waters of the Great Ocean Road. These marine giants can grow up to 30 metres in length and are often seen further offshore, around Portland Bay. While sightings are rare, seeing one is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How to Go Whale Watching

There are several ways to enjoy whale watching along the Great Ocean Road, each offering a unique perspective on these majestic animals.

Whale Cruises

Whale-watching cruises are an excellent way to get closer to the action. Various operators, such as Wildlife Coast Cruises, offer day tours and whale adventure trips departing from ports like Warrnambool, Port Fairy, and Portland. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights into the different whale species, their behaviours, and the marine environment. Cruises also increase the chances of encountering other marine life, such as winter dolphins and dwarf minkewhales, making for a truly immersive experience.

Land-Based Viewing

If you prefer to stay on land, there are numerous vantage points along the Great Ocean Road where you can observe these marine mammals. Locations like Logan’s Beach, East Beach in Port Fairy, and the headlands of Portland provide stunning views of the Southern Ocean and its inhabitants. Binoculars are a good idea to bring along, and informational signs at these sites help you identify different species and behaviours.

Whale Watching Tips

Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see whales as the water is calm, and you can see their blows more easily.
Bring Binoculars: Whales can come close to shore, but a good pair of binoculars will make your experience even better, especially when you see them from a distance.
Dress for the Weather: Coastal winds can be strong even in winter. Bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves.
Be Patient: Whales are wild animals, and sightings can be unpredictable. Take your time, enjoy the view and be ready for an adventure.
Respect the Whales: Always follow viewing distances and behaviours, whether on a whale cruise or watching from land. Disturbing these amazing creatures is harmful to them and is illegal.