Whale Trail
Spend your winter-time visit spotting whales from the coast, on the water or from the sky!
Description
May to October is the time when our coastal waters play host to Humpback Whale and Southern Right Whales, some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. Along Bass Coast and Phillip Island you have the opportunity to take advantage of land, sea and air based opportunities to view these majestic creatures on their journey.
Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail
DID YOU SPOT A WHALE?
Remember to look after the coastal environment by watching out for wildlife on the roads, and by keeping to the tracks. If you’re lucky to see whales, please share your sighting by reporting it to 'PodWatch' or call Wildlife Coast Cruises on 1300 763 739.
Would you know how to tell the difference between the whales?
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have the characteristic white ventral (under) side, long flippers, a small dorsal (back) fin and a rounded blow. Southern right whales, on the other hand, are generally black in colour, lack a dorsal fin, have rounded flippers, and have a V-shaped blow. Did you know that the blow was originally called ‘spout’ as people thought they blew out water? The blow appears like water because the warm air is released from the whales’ lungs at high pressure and condenses in the cold air.
Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) are smaller but heavier than the humpback whales. They are nearly black in color and move slower. They can sometimes be seen in quite shallow waters within 100 metres from the coast.
Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) occasionally visit the waters around Phillip Island as seals make up an important part of their diet. These whales are the fastest swimmer of all the cetaceans and can reach speeds of more than 50km/h while hunting.
VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES
Take to the Water
Join the Wildlife Coast Cruises on their Winter Whale and Dolphin & Whale Cruises for a chance to see and learn more about these majestic creatures.
The 4-hour Winter Whale Cruises operates daily, departing from Rhyll. The 3 hour Dolphin & Whale Cruise operates Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, departing from San Remo. Cruises operate during June/July/August. Check website for latest timetable.
Bring a pair of binoculars and a warm jacket, and see if you can spot a whale or two. As well as searching for the great whales, whale watchers will have a very high chance of seeing playful dolphins, fur seals, sea birds like the shy albatross with its awe inspiring 2.5 metre wingspan and take in the spectacular coastal scenery of Phillip Island. The Whale Cruise includes morning tea and freshly made lunch. Dolphin & Whale Cruise includes afternoon tea.
Take to the air
Phillip Island Helicopters provides scenic flights across the Island and are always on the lookout for migrating whales.
From land
The following points provide good viewing options of the southern coast line and areas where whales migrate.
- Kilcunda
- Eagles Nest
- Cape Patterson
- Cape Woolamai
- Pyramid Rock
- Surf Beach
- The Nobbies and Summerlands area