As the days grow cooler and the ocean comes alive, it’s time for one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles—whale watching season. From now until September, witness the majestic migration of whales from the Antarctic feeding grounds to the warmer northern waters for breeding and birthing. The Cape offers a prime vantage point to observe these majestic creatures, particularly from Whalewatchers Lookout.

Whale Watching Tips
From late May to September, discover the beauty of these magnificent animals along the coastline of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast, with the peak season being June and July.

When searching for whales, patience and good eyesight (or a pair of binoculars!) are essential. Spend time scanning the ocean on calm days, as choppy waters can make it difficult to spot any movement. The easiest way to spot a whale is by looking for its spout or vertical spray, silhouetted against the water or sky. Another tell-tale sign is a big splash, indicating a recent breach. Additionally, keep an eye out for flocks of birds or dolphins, which often accompany the whales.

You can find excellent viewing points along the Bass Coast using the Whale Discovery Trail, with popular on-land viewing spots including Cape Woolamai, Pyramid Rock, Surf Beach, The Nobbies, and the Summerland area. If you prefer to stay closer to home, Whalewatchers Lookout at The Cape or locations like First Surf at Cape Paterson and Eagles Nest are also great options.

Whale Species You Might Encounter

Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae): These majestic mammals are among the most recognisable larger whales, measuring 14 – 19 meters long (about the length of a bus) and weighing up to 50 tonnes. Females are larger than males as they carry the calf. Known for their loud singing that echoes throughout the ocean, they communicate with others and potentially attract mates.

They are characterised by their white ventral side, long flippers, small dorsal fin, and rounded blow. Humpbacks frequently lift their tails, revealing white patterns underneath, and are famous for their spectacular leaps and slaps. Their ‘blow’ is a cloud of vapor shooting up 4-5 meters into the air when they surface for breath.

• Color: Dark grey with white on the flank and underside and pleats on their throats.
• Dorsal Fin: Prominent dorsal fin on top of a slight hump.
• Pectoral Fins: Very long, approximately 1/3 of body length.
• Blow Pattern: Rounded blow reaching up to 5 meters.
• Behavior: Frequently lift their tails, slap their long black and white flippers on the water, and leap spectacularly.
• Diet: Without teeth, they feed on tiny shrimp-like krill, plankton, and small fish and can eat up to 1.5 tonnes a day!

Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis): Nearly black in color, lacking a dorsal fin, with rounded flippers and a V-shaped blow. The Southern Right Whale can grow to about 18 meters long but weigh up to 100 tonnes. They get their name from the whaling days as they were the ‘right’ whale to hunt. They are slower, often found in shallow waters, and known for their playful nature and distinctive callosities on their heads. The southern right whale has two blow holes that mostly merge into one, producing a V-shaped cloud of vapor up to 5 meters high when they surface.

• Color: Black with raised patches of yellow/cream around the head.
• Dorsal Fin: Absent.
• Pectoral Fins: Large, square-shaped.
• Blow Pattern: V-shaped blow.
• Behavior: Swim with a low profile, playful, often leap spectacularly, lift their tail above the water, or lie on their side lifting paddle-like flippers.
• Diet: They feed by filtering food through baleen plates from their upper jaw, consuming copepods, krill, mysids, plankton, and other tiny crustaceans.

Killer Whales (Orcinus orca): Predominantly black with a white belly and a striking white patch above the eye. Known for their speed, they can reach over 50 km/h while hunting and are occasionally seen around Phillip Island. Unlike humpback and blue whales, the Orca is a toothed whale with large pointed teeth and are serious meat eaters. They tend to work in packs and prey on squid, seals, penguins, fish, and even other whales.

• Color: Predominantly black with a white belly and a striking white patch above the eye.
• Dorsal Fin: Tall in males (up to 2 meters), smaller and curved in adult females.
• Maximum Length: 7 – 8 meters.
• Blow Pattern: Tall, straight blow.
• Behavior: Fast swimmers, known for their speed and agility while hunting.