Whale watching is a popular activity during whale season in Warrnambool Bay. Tourists can witness whales performing natural behaviours such as tail slapping, spy hopping, and fluke waving as they swim in front of onlookers.
Join us on Great Ocean Road tours. You will definitely want to see these majestic animals up close, in the wild.
Whale watching is a popular activity in Warrnambool
Warrnambool is a city along the Great Ocean Road known for whale watching. The best spot to see the whales is at Logan’s Beach, where there is a viewing platform. The best time to watch the whales is in the Australian winter, from June to September. Female Southern Right whales return to Logan’s Beach with their calves, which can be seen close to the shore. Other Southern Right whales remain further out at sea. Logan’s Beach is a whale nursery and a worthwhile visit, even outside of the winter months.
History of whale watching
Southern Right Whales have been visiting the Bay of Warrnambool for many years. In the summer, they live in colder waters, but in winter, they migrate to Australia’s southern coast to have their calves. Warrnambool’s shores are a popular spot for female whales to give birth and raise their young.
Whaling has been a commercial practice in Australia since the early 1800s, almost leading to the extinction of the Southern Right Whale species, with a 75% population loss. In 1935, whaling was banned, leading to a slow population recovery. Currently, there are 3,500 whales in Australia. Conservation efforts have been successful in helping the population to grow.
Observing wildlife has gained popularity since the mid-1950s. While swimming in warm coastal waters, majestic animals can engage in various behaviours, such as tail slapping, spy hopping, and fluke waving.
Warrnambool’s location on a plateau behind a steep bluff overlooking Lady Bay provides excellent vantage points for wildlife viewing and whale-watching tours, making it a must-see for visitors.
The time to spot whales in Warrnambool
Whale watching in Victoria is best done between June and September each year. During this time, female Southern Right Whales migrate to the protected shores along the Great Ocean Road to give birth to their young.
Whales in Warrnambool can often be seen breaching during the morning and mid-day when the sun is shining. Visiting the Warrnambool port, even during the offseason, is worthwhile for the stunning coastline views.
Best places to spot whales near Warrnambool
Wildlife can be observed along the coast of the Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Port Fairy, known as the ‘whale corridor’, where whales swim close to the shore. The best whale-watching opportunities in Victoria are in Warrnambool, Portland, and Port Fairy.
Logan Beach Whale Watching Platform
Logan Beach Whale Nursery in Warrnambool is excellent for seeing beautiful Southern Right Whales. The protected shoreline is where the females come to calve their young. Many females return to the nursery yearly, making it a good place for visitors to spot whales during the season.
The platform is located in the dunes, providing great views of wildlife and the coastline. It is a short distance from the car park and has a ramp for easy access for everyone. The platform is free and open at all times, allowing visitors the flexibility of different viewing times. Please note that there are no public restrooms available on the platform.
To increase your chances of seeing wildlife at Logans Beach, consider visiting multiple times, as sightings are not guaranteed. Contact the Visitor Information Centre for updates on animal activity in the area.
To have the best experience, it’s recommended to plan. Weather conditions can be windy and wet, so it’s wise to check the forecast and bring rain gear and extra clothes. Bringing binoculars or a telescope can also help you see better. Keep an eye out for males and young adults playing in the sea.
The Surf Life Saving Club is located
Port Fairy, located just 30 minutes from Warrnambool, is a charming town known for its famous lighthouse and bustling fishing port. It is highly recommended as a must-visit destination.
The Surf Life Saving Club on East Beach is a good viewing location during the winter months.
Nuns Beach and Wade Street Viewing Platforms in Portland
Portland is a popular location for Victoria whale watching, as the Southern Right Whale migrates through the port on their way south. Visitors can stop by the Portland Visitor Centre and look for the whale flag, which indicates a good chance of spotting whales in the area.
Popular locations for viewing include the cliffs above Nuns Beach and the Wade Street Viewing Platform, which offers free public binoculars.
Warrnambool Whale Watching Tours
One way to experience the beauty of the Great Ocean Road is by taking a guided tour. It is important to practice responsible tourism by selecting a reputable tour provider that follows all local and national regulations.
What activities are available in Warrnambool?
In addition to whale watching at Logan’s Beach in winter, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Warrnambool. These are some of our favourites.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village offers visitors a glimpse into the 19th-century life of the Shipwreck Coast’s early European settlers. The museum features over 40 buildings, including a school and fire station, allowing visitors to experience the past firsthand.
Stingray Bay is a small beach ideal for walking, but swimming is not advised due to the strong undercurrents.
Tower Hill is a 15-minute drive from Warrnambool and is an inactive volcano that erupted over 32,000 years ago. The Dhauwurd Wurrung people own Tower Hill National Park. You can take the Indigenous culture and nature tour to learn more about their history. You can also see various native wildlife during your visit to Tower Hill.
Warrnambool, a small town along the Great Ocean Road, provides many activities and sights for visitors to enjoy.
