Whale watching season down here runs from May to October. Which means you need to get in and spot these beauties fast before they swim off for another year.
There is a slew of different spots to catch a glimpse of these majestic mammals in all their magnificence, here's the best whale watching Victoria has to offer in 2023:
Here's where to go whale watching in Victoria for 2023:
Phillip Island
Winter Whale-Watching Cruise With Morning Tea
Embark on a marine journey to Seal Rocks, Pyramid Rock and the jagged cliffs of Cape Woolamai with the Wildlife Coast Cruises four-hour coastal whale watching and morning tea cruise for $165.
With Phillip Island touted as one of the best spots to watch majestic great whales, you are in with a good chance to catch your eyes on either Humpback or Southern Right Whales. While whales are the main attraction, you may also be lucky enough to see seals, friendly dolphins and shy albatrosses on your adventure. Book it here.
Dolphin And Whale Watching Cruise With Afternoon Tea
Setting sail from San Remo Jetty, this cruise will take you on a 3-hour whale-watching expedition for $125 on a palatial vessel, venturing along Phillip Island’s southern coastline and past the granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai.
Lay your eyes on some blue beauties including seals, dolphins and the star attraction—whales—as well as a variety of birdlife. Tune into the captain’s intriguing marine commentary while snacking on cake and coffee or some booze from the licensed bar. Book it here.
Wilsons Prom
Whale Watching Cruise With Morning Tea and Lunch
This whopping 6-hour whale-watching cruise will take you on a picturesque journey along Victoria’s favourite leafy enclave—Wilsons Promontory, including the rocky shores of Rabbit Island, Sealers and Refuge Cove. For $215, this cruise includes morning tea, lunch, and afternoon snacks—there’s also a bar on board.
Keep your eyes peeled to witness a variety of wildlife from Australian fur seals, albatrosses and playful dolphins in their natural element. If luck is on your side, you may get a glimpse of a humpback whale breaching through the surface of the water too. Book it here.
Logan’s Beach
Warrnambool, in general, is pretty popular with visiting whales, but if you’re serious about seeing some dorsal fins, then Logan’s Beach is the best place to get a look.
There’s a huge viewing platform that stretches across the beach and it's roomy and long enough that you won’t feel like sardines trapped in a can. Visit this one before the end of September for prime-time viewing, check out some Southern Rights Whales, and possible baby whales too.
Great Ocean Road
A broad suggestion, sure, but travelling town-to-town along the Great Ocean Road is going to give you a high chance of spotting whales (between May – October, anyway).
Lorne and Torquay are known to get their fair share. For high-up lookouts, Anglesea (above the main beach) and on the cliff at Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. They'll give you the best chance of viewing whales from afar. Check this page for recent sightings and tips.
Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay technically fits in with travelling along the Great Ocean Road, but this one’s a biggie so we thought we’d mention it specifically. This beach-side town gets more than its fair share of the big-flippered friendly faces, especially Southern Rights who flock to the warmer waters.
Portland
If you visit Portland Bay, and a whale flag is flying above the visitor information centre, chances are good you're going to see some whales.
Portland Bay, Cape Bridgewater and Cape Nelson are all great places to spot whales during the season—mostly Southern Rights on their voyage to mate and calve. But if you visit during summer, you might also be in with a chance to see the Blue Whale. Kind of the perfect thing to tick off your bucket list.
Check out the FB page Apollo Bay Whale Watch for updates on where and when to spot the big beauties.
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.
Image credit: Guille Pozzi
Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.