When winter whispers its secrets, it’s not just about cozy firesides – it’s about sun-kissed beaches and the grand return of our VIW (very important whales). These magnificent creatures journey from the icy Antarctic to our welcoming shores, turning our coastline into a stage for nature’s most epic reunion. Experience the magic of a winter beach getaway unlike any other, where every wave tells a tale of migration and every sunset paints a breathtaking scene.
Each winter, these whales migrate from the Antarctic’s cooler waters, a journey passed down through generations. From June to October, the sheltered waters of Lady Bay transform into a nursery and playground for Southern Right Whales. This protected bay provides an ideal setting for these gentle giants to give birth and nurture their calves.
For the best viewing experience, head to the Logan Beach Whale Watching Platform east of the Hopkins River. Here, you can marvel at these magnificent creatures as they frolic in the water, showcasing impressive behaviors like tail slapping, spy hopping, and fluke waving, all against the backdrop of our warm coastal waters.
For updates on whale sightings contact the Visitor Information Centre daily between 10am – 5pm on 1800 637 725 or follow us on Facebook – Great Ocean Road Whales
Download the map and let’s go! Along the Whale Trail through Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland, also known as the whale corridor, you’ll spot Southern Right, Humpback, Blue and the occasional Orca. Here is all you need to know before you jump in the car for this must-do winter road trip.
Southern Right Whales have graced Warrnambool’s shores for centuries. Once nearly hunted to extinction, their population has rebounded since whaling was banned in 1935. During summer, these majestic creatures reside in the sub-Antarctic, but come winter, they migrate to the warmer waters around southern Australia.
Females seek out sheltered ‘nursery’ areas close to shore to birth and nurture their calves, while males, yearlings, and young adults remain further offshore.
Typically, the whales explore the coast for a few days before settling near Logans Beach. Once the mother whale has scouted the area, she returns to sea to give birth to her calf. They then return to Logans Beach for the winter months, caring for their newborn until September and October, when they journey back to the southern oceans.
Allow the maritime magic of Warrnambool unfold before your eyes at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Stroll down the cobblestone streets of the 1800’s maritime village and step into Flagstaff Hill. Explore ‘Whales Beneath the Surface,’ a new exhibition honouring the magnificent whales of Australia’s coastline. Journey through time, from ancient connections with First Peoples to the era of whaling and today’s conservation efforts. Immerse yourself in an experience blending vibrant storyboards, evocative audio narratives, immersive lighting, and cinematic projections.
Discover artefacts like whale boats and harpoons that invite you to connect deeply with these iconic creatures and their rich histories. Engage with interpretive displays that explore the cultural significance of whales and gain a deeper understanding of their importance to the local community and their enduring presence in Warrnambool’s maritime history.
As the sun sets, experience ‘Tales of the Shipwreck Coast,’ a mesmerising night show that vividly brings to life Australia’s maritime saga. From ancient Aboriginal legends to the daring exploits of whalers, each narrative unfolds against the historical backdrop of Flagstaff Hill’s village. Step into epochs where the Southern Ocean tested the resilience of settlers and where courageous men grappled with the mighty leviathans of the deep, capturing the essence of their perilous encounters and triumphs.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
