Whale watching in the Great Ocean Road

Warrnambool is known as Victoria’s southern right whale nursery. Most years between June and September, 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.

Migration patterns 
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.

Characteristics
The average length of the adult southern right whale is 15 metres, the average weight is 50 tonnes, with a maximum length of 18 metres and a maximum weight of 96 tonnes. The calf is about 5 to 6 metres long at birth but grows quickly and may double its weight in the first week.

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.

Whales are protected in Australian waters by Federal and State laws.

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
You might be able to spot blue whales from Cape Nelson near Portland. This is one of the few places in the world where blue whales can be viewed from land. They migrate to the area to feed on the abundant swarms of krill which are nourished by the Bonney Upwelling. They generally arrive in December and remain off Portland until May.