Local Escapes

Melbourne’s Best Whale Watching Day Trips Worth Leaving the City For (2025 Guide)

Written by: Arshia Anand

Grab your sunnies (and perhaps a seasickness pill) ‘cause whale watching season is upon us.

Melbourne’s coastline is about to become the city’s most gripping scene with humpbacks backflipping, southern rights lounging in the waters and you, screaming ‘Did you just see that?!’ from a boat/cliff.

Everything You Need To Know About Whale Watching

What Is Whale Watching? 

Whale watching is the thrilling act of observing whales and other marine giants (like dolphins or seals) in their natural habitat, typically from boats, coastal cliffs or even scenic flights. 

Along Victoria’s coastline, it’s a seasonal display where migratory whales, like the playful humpbacks, majestic blue whale and even the occasional orca glide close to shore, breaching, tail-slapping and nursing their calves in sheltered bays.

Where’s the Best Spot to See Whales Near Melbourne?

Victoria's spectacular coastline offers some of Australia's most accessible whale watching, with hotspots like Phillip Island, Warrnambool and Portland providing front-row seats to nature's greatest marine show. Between May and October, you can spot humpbacks and southern right whales as they migrate annually from the feeding grounds of Antarctica to give birth and raise their calves in warmer Australian waters.

While whales can be seen along the entire Great Ocean Road and Gippsland coast, the best viewing opportunities cluster around Warrnambool's nursery waters, Phillip Island's dramatic headlands and Portland's deep-sea encounters.

Melburnians, consider this your sign to exchange rooftop bars for whale tails for the winter.

What Whale Watching Tours or Day-Trip Packages Should I Book?

Thanks to Victoria's modern eco-conscious tour operators, you can witness these majestic marine giants responsibly—just hours from Melbourne. 

Ready to dive in? Here are our top picks for unforgettable whale watching experiences:

Wildlife Coast Cruises 

Winter Whale Cruise – Phillip Island

Set sail from Rhyll Jetty on this 4-hour marine adventure, where Phillip Island’s wild coastline becomes your whale-watching arena. With a 75% sighting rate, chances are high for heart-pounding encounters, plus playful dolphins often ride the boat’s wake.

The journey also takes you past Seal Rocks, home to thousands of boisterous fur seals, while seabirds like albatross soar overhead. Onboard, sip a coffee (or something stronger from the licensed bar) as the crew shares fascinating insights about the area’s ecology and history.

Cost: $175pp

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Dolphin & Whale Cruise

Depart from San Remo Jetty for a thrilling 3-hour marine safari along Phillip Island’s southern coastline. As you glide past Cape Woolamai’s towering cliffs and sea caves, scan the horizon for humpback and southern right whales. With a 75% sighting rate, you’ll likely witness these gentle giants tail-slapping or spy-hopping just metres from the boat.

The resident bottlenose dolphins love to steal the show, riding the bow wave with playful energy. Between wildlife encounters, sip a drink from the licensed bar (or warm up with complimentary tea/coffee) as the crew shares captivating insights about the area’s marine ecology.

Cost: $130pp

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Humpback Whale Watching Tours

Wilsons Prom Whale Cruise

whalesImage credit: Humpback Whale Watching Tours | Website

Escape to Victoria’s wild southern frontier on this six-hour whale watching expedition departing from Port Welshpool. As you cruise along Wilsons Promontory’s breathtaking eastern coastline, you’ll enjoy one of Australia’s highest whale sighting success rates (90%!) as humpbacks and southern rights complete their annual migration.

The journey treats you to magnificent scenery—from towering granite cliffs to hidden coves and pristine beaches—while wildlife spotting reaches new heights. Look for frolicking dolphins, sunbathing fur seals, soaring sea eagles and the majestic albatross gliding alongside the boat.

Refuel with a delicious homemade lunch and morning tea (included), then toast your sightings with a drink from the licensed bar.

Cost: $235pp

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RedBalloon 

Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise with Afternoon Tea

Main Image credit: RedBalloon | Website

Trade city life for a breathtaking 3-hour marine safari along Phillip Island’s wild southern coast. Departing San Remo Jetty daily at 1pm, this cruise serves up towering granite cliffs at Cape Woolamai, frolicking dolphins (80% sighting rate), and migrating humpback or southern right whales breaching against cinematic seascapes.

Your captain brings the adventure to life with lively commentary, while included cakes and hot drinks fuel the excitement. Need a real drink? Hit the licensed bar as seals bask on rocky outcrops and seabirds soar overhead. 

Cost: $130pp

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Whale Watching Cruise with Morning Tea and Lunch - 6 Hours

people whale watching Main Image credit: RedBalloon | Website

Embark on a six-hour marine adventure along the untamed beauty of Wilsons Promontory, where towering granite cliffs meet the wild Southern Ocean. Running September through November, this expedition offers a remarkable 90% chance of witnessing humpback whales during their annual migration, alongside regular sightings of frolicking dolphins, basking fur seals and majestic albatross soaring overhead.

You'll cruise past iconic landmarks like Sealers Cove and Refuge Cove while enjoying hearty included meals (lunch, morning tea and snacks) and optional drinks from the licensed bar. With expert wildlife commentary enhancing every sighting and departures available Tuesday, Thursday and weekends from Port Welshpool (just 2.5 hours from Melbourne), this is Victoria's most spectacular whale watching experience.

Cost: $235pp

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You don't need fancy hotels to spot whales. In fact, coastal campgrounds might give you a better chance. Here's our pick of the best in Victoria

Main Image credit: Guille Pozzi

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