Whale Watching in Victoria 2025

From May to early October, whales migrate from Antarctica along the Victorian coastline to the north, to warmer waters near Queensland. Whales choose to give birth and raise their calves just off the Victoria coast. In this season, all major cruise companies begin to offer boat trips to see the migration of whales along the coast, hundreds of which swim in the coastal waters.

Whale Season in Victoria

The whales set off from their feeding grounds in Antarctica and embark on a long journey to the coast of Australia, specifically Victoria. These magnificent creatures travel here for calving purposes, wanting to raise their offspring in warmer waters of the Australian coast. Humpback whales, blue whales, southern right whales, and orcas can be spotted here from May through September and early October October, with the peak in June and July. It's estimated that approximately 60% of the entire world's whale population can be found in Australia during this time.

Types of Whales in Victoria

Among the most prevalent species of these giant mammals you can spot humpback whales, southern right whales, orcas, and blue whales. Humpback whales are one of the most common species, while blue whales and orcas can be spotted less frequently but there's still a chance of a sighting.

Other Marine Life

The waters of the Australian coast are also abundant with playful dolphins and Australian sea lions, with some places, like Seal Rocks, offering the chance to meet with thousands of fur seals frolicking in the sun, as well as beautiful sea birds. The most common seals you can witness in Victoria are Australian fur seals and New Zealand Fur Seals. On a whale-watching tour, you can also see sea turtles, sharks, and rays.

Best Places to See Whales

Whales can be spotted at sea all along Victoria's coast, including the Great Ocean Road, around Phillip Island, and down to Gippsland's south coast. The best whale-watching areas are located in Portland, Warrnambool, and Phillip Island—a popular day trip from Melbourne. Great Ocean Road, a 149-mile (240 km) picturesque drive, lies along the Whale Trail, another popular spot for whale watching. Look for viewing platforms, clifftops, and rocky outcrops along the coast for a better view, or join a wildlife cruise to get a closer look at these majestic mammals.

Whale Sightings in Warrnambool

In the Warrnambool, which is known for being an ideal whale-watching spot, whales arrive to raise offspring in sheltered bays along the coast. They are easy to see at this time because the female whales tend to stay closer to the shore during the calving period, while male species swim out further in the ocean. There is a free observation deck near Logans Beach Road, where you can enjoy the view of the ocean and potentially spot a whale.

Whale Watching Tours

To witness whales up close, consider joining one of many whale-watching expeditions in the area. The tours generally last four-six hours, with a high chance of successful whale sighting. Wildlife Coast Cruises offers several whale-watching options during the migration season, starting in June. The cost generally varies around AU$130-235 for adults. Tickets for children start at AU$90 and can go as high as AU$165.