Whale watching in the Great Ocean Road

Southern right whales in Warrnambool 
June–October
Warrnambool is known as Victoria’s southern right whale nursery. Most years between June and October, female southern right whales return to the waters of Logans Beach near Warrnambool to calve. The whales often swim within 100 metres of the shore and can be viewed from a specially constructed platform in the sand dunes or from the beach.

In summer southern right whales live in the sub-Antarctic. In winter they migrate to warmer waters around the southern areas of Australia. The females migrate to the ‘nursery’ areas close to the shore to bear their calves, while the males, yearlings and young adults remain further out to sea. The females generally stay in the nursery for many weeks, allowing the calves to feed and gather strength for their journey back to the sub-Antarctic waters.

The southern right whale can be recognised by its smooth, black back and lack of a dorsal fin. On the head of each southern right whale are a number of crusty outgrowths called callosities, markings that differ from whale to whale. Irregular white patches sometimes found on the whale’s belly distinguish these animals from other species.

Location:  Logans Beach Road, off Hopkins Point Road, Warrnambool
Open:  Access at all times
Admission:  Free
Practical viewing tips:

• Call the Visitor Information Centre beforehand to check whether the whales are around
• Sometimes whales may not be visible at Logans Beach, even though they are in the region – make time for multiple visits
• Please keep off the fragile vegetation and sand dunes, and use the facilities provided
• Bring binoculars or a telescope to enhance viewing
• Be prepared for windy or wet conditions.

Blue whales in Portland 
November–May
Blue whales migrate to the waters off Portland to feed on the abundant swarms of krill which are nourished by the Bonney Upwelling, a marine phenomenon in which cold nutrient-rich water is brought to the surface from deeper in the ocean. They generally arrive in November and remain off Portland until May.

Blue whales rarely approach land very closely but their blows and backs can sometimes be seen at a distance off prominent headlands such as Cape Nelson and Cape Bridgewater. Their distinguishing features are a slender streamlined shape with a small dorsal fin towards the tail and a powerful, tall straight blow (exhalation of breath) that in good conditions can be seen at ten kilometres and heard at four kilometres.