Wave Hello! Your Guide to Whale Watching in Victoria

Whale watching in Victoria is an experience filled with awe, wonder, and a bit of sea spray!

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious newbie, these spots promise unforgettable marine encounters just a hop, skip, and a splash away from our beloved city.

Get ready for a splash of adventure as we uncover the top 10 spots for catching the annual whale parade just a stone's throw from the city. Don't forget your binoculars!

Wave Hello! Your Guide to Whale Watching in Victoria

The Best Time for Whale Watching in Victoria

Now, let’s talk timing, because even in the vast ocean, timing is everything. In Victoria, the whale-watching season generally kicks off in June and rides the wave until early October. This is when the majestic southern right whales and playful humpbacks make their grand entrance into cooler waters to breed and frolic. If you're gunning for a glimpse of these oceanic giants, mark your calendars for this prime time.

If you're after the elusive blue whales, aim for the months between March and May. Though sightings are rarer, spotting the largest animal on the planet is definitely worth the effort. And let's not forget the minke whales, often spotted between June and August, adding to Victoria’s underwater parade.

The Top 10 Whale Watching Locations in Victoria

1. Logans Beach

Kick off your whale-watching quest at Logans Beach in Warrnambool, the unofficial whale nursery near Melbourne. Here, southern right whales make their cameo from June to August. It's a bit of a drive, but oh, what a show!

Logans Beach has become well-known for its whale viewing platforms, where visitors can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, often just 100 meters from the shore. The sight of mother whales and their calves playing and resting near the beach is a significant reason the area is dubbed the whale nursery. 

Location: Logans Beach Road, Warrnambool

2. Cape Bridgewater 

Next up, Cape Bridgewater offers more than just breathtaking views near Melbourne; it's a hub for humpback and southern right whales from June through September. Ready your cameras, folks!

Location: Bridgewater Road, Cape Bridgewater

3. Apollo Bay

Combine a scenic drive on the Great Ocean Road with prime whale watching in Victoria at Apollo Bay.

Apollo Bay provides a picturesque backdrop for humpbacks from May to October. The town is also a gateway to the lush rainforests of the Otway Ranges, where visitors can explore ancient ferns, towering eucalyptus trees, and cascading waterfalls.

Location: Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay

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4. Torquay’s Point Danger

For a whale of a time, head to Point Danger in Torquay.

Just a scenic drive from Melbourne, this spot is perfect for landlubbers who prefer dry land while spotting the ocean's giants. And while the ocean is freezing during the winter months, Point Danger is particularly famous for its surf break, attracting surfers from around the globe seeking to test their skills against the powerful swells.

Location: Point Danger, Torquay

5. Portland Bay

Another spot not too far from Melbourne, Portland's marina and cliffs offer a prime stage to spot some whales. From June to October, catch the marine action as humpbacks and southern rights make their grand appearances. 

If you're up for a walking adventure, you may as well set off on the Great South West Walk while you're in the area! Spanning approximately 250 kilometres, the Great South West Walk is a looped track that starts in Portland and weaves through a diverse range of landscapes, including pristine beaches, dense forests, majestic cliff tops, and tranquil riverbanks.

Location: Lee Breakwater Road, Portland

6. Phillip Island

Famous for penguins, Phillip Island is also a hotspot for whale watching in Victoria.

Winter months turn this locale into a whale-watching wonderland - it's a double feature of fluffy penguins and majestic whales! As these gentle giants journey along the coast, they can often be seen breaching, tail-slapping, and frolicking with their calves, providing spectacular natural shows. Phillip Island offers several vantage points and guided boat tours that allow for close-up encounters while maintaining respect for the whales' natural habitat. Additionally, the scenic backdrop of Phillip Island, with its rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, enhances this magical experience out in nature.

Location: 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands (location for the Penguin Parade, but also a general area for whale watching.)

7. Mornington Peninsula

Turn a day of relaxation into an exciting day of whale watching in Victoria along the scenic Mornington Peninsula.

Visitors to the Mornington Peninsula have the opportunity to spot humpback whales, southern right whales, and occasionally orcas as they travel through the cooler waters of the Southern Ocean. The Peninsula's unique coastline offers various lookout points and coastal walks, such as those near Cape Schanck and Flinders, where spectators can watch these majestic creatures from the shore. Additionally, several local tour operators provide boat excursions, giving guests a closer view of the whales in their natural habitat.

Location: Point Nepean Road, Portsea

8. Wilsons Promontory

A bit further from Melbourne, Wilsons Promontory awaits the more adventurous whale watchers.

Commonly referred to as "The Prom," Wilsons Promontory is located at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, and is ideal for spotting whales as they journey through the Southern waters.

While you're there, don't miss the opportunity to stop off at one of Australia's best beaches, Squeaky Beach, which is known for its quartz sand that literally 'squeaks' underfoot!

Location: Wilsons Promontory National Park

9. The Twelve Apostles

Whale watching takes a dramatic twist with the Twelve Apostles as your backdrop.

The iconic landmark along the iconic Great Ocean Road, known for its towering limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean, provides a dramatic backdrop for observing the annual whale migration between June and September. The viewing platforms along the clifftops not only offer panoramic views of the Apostles but also provide excellent vantage points for spotting these magnificent mammals as they breach, play, and swim in the ocean below.

Location: Great Ocean Road, Princetown

10. Queenscliff

Last but not least, Queenscliff offers a serene setting for whale watching in Victoria.

The charming coastal town becomes a hub for marine life enthusiasts from May to October. The waters around Queenscliff and the entrance to Port Phillip Bay serve as a passage for various whale species as they travel along the Victorian coastline. Whale watchers can book from a number of tour groups in Queenscliff, plus, the town's historic piers and elevated vantage points, such as the Queenscliff Harbour observation tower, provide excellent opportunities for land-based spotting.

Make sure you save some time to enjoy the town’s rich maritime history, beautiful Victorian architecture, and scenic surroundings while you're there!

Location: Gellibrand Street, Queenscliff

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