Best time to travel to South Australia

Whale Watching in South Australia 2025

Witness a massive southern right whale migration

Best time: June–September

Each winter thousands of southern right whales make a stop in South Australia's beautiful coastal waters during their annual migration from the feeding grounds in South ocean to warmer northern waters. Many nature enthusiasts start spotting whales in mid-May gathering atop the cliffs and rocks that overlook the ocean. Meanwhile, whale watching tours and cruises usually operate from June through September. Fleurieu Peninsula (Victor Harbor), Kangaroo Island (Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary), and the Eyre Peninsula are the most popular whale-watching locations. There are also whale watching tours departing daily from Fowlers Bay Jetty.

The seaside city of Victor Harbor, a one hour drive from Adelaide, boasts the sighting of 30 different whale species. It also offers much information about marine life at the South Australian Whale Centre and useful tips on whale watching. Many visitors head to The Rosetta Head (The Bluff), Encounter Bay, Port Elliot, and Middleton to see not only the whales, but also seals, dolphins, and sea lions and dolphins.

Whales can be spotted from the shore of the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula during July, August, and September. The Fleurieu Peninsula is recognized as a Southern Right Whale Aggregation Area. Southern right whales dominate there, but people also see humpback whales, bottlenose and common dolphins, sea lions, seals, sea eagles, albatross, little penguins, and others.

Practical info

When is the best time to observe Southern right whales while whale watching in South Australia?

To catch sight of thousands of Southern right whales passing through South Australia, the best time to go whale watching is from June to September. This period marks the annual migration of Southern right whales from the South ocean to warmer northern waters. Whale sightings the most prevalent in July and August, and the season typically starts in June and stretches until the end of September. Check with local operators ahead of time due to weather conditions.

Which locations are optimal to go on a whale watching tour in South Australia?

Whale watching locations across South Australia that stand out include Fleurieu Peninsula (Victor Harbor), Eyre Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. Other places to observe marine life include Encounter Bay, Port Elliot and Middleton. A nearby offshore reef provides opportunities to spot seals and dolphins, while Kangaroo Island offers a chance to view exotic species such as the Australian sea lion or the unique New Zealand fur seal. Whale Centre in the coastal city of Victor Harbor contains information on thirty different whale species.

What marine creatures can visitors expect to see during whale watching tours in South Australia?

In addition to Southern right whales, visitors will most likely encounter Humpback whales, bottlenose and common dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea eagles, albatross, and little penguins while on whale watching tours. Visitors have a chance to see other ocean life, including friendly seals and sea eagles, while in Middleton, and/or they may spot orcas, small penguins and several species of seabirds when exploring the tour. Kangaroo Island is known to possess several rare marine life species, including the Australian sea lion or the New Zealand fur seal.

What is the average duration of a typical whale watching tour and its variations in South Australia?

On average, whale watching tours around South Australia last no longer than two to three hours, though tour duration is dependent on weather conditions and sea sightings. Some companies offer tours that can begin for up to five hours, or they may include stops at other wildlife and scenic destinations. Visitors have the option to choose between various cruises, ranging from the low-key sailing experience to the adrenaline-pumping high-speed tour. Checking the itinerary and availability of tour information provided by local tour operators is crucial before booking.

What kind of assistance does the South Australian Whale Centre provide in helping visitors plan their whale watching tour?

The Southern Australian Whale Centre provides extensive information that Visitors can use when planning a whale watching tour to make informed decisions. At the center, there are several resources available, including interactive displays, multimedia exhibits, and various whale bone collections. The center can educate visitors about whale migration patterns and Southern right whales' history. They can obtain answers to some of the frequently asked questions about whale watching and access essential resources for ensuring they have a comfortable and pleasant whale watching experience. Visitors can also learn about the best whale watching companies to select.