whale watching tours in warrnambool

The Great Ocean Road Collective

Your Guide to Warrnambool Whale Watching

Victoria’s southern coastline is known for its annual influx of spectacular marine species, including Humpbacks, Orcas, and Southern Right Whales . Each winter, these enormous sea mammals migrate to the shores of Warrnambool, a beautiful city along Australia’s Great Ocean Road. You definitely want to experience seeing these majestic animals up close in the wild. Here’s what you need to know.

Table of Contents

History of Whale Watching in Warrnambool

For hundreds of years, Southern Right Whales have visited the Bay of Warrnambool (also known as Lady Bay). During the summer months, the animals live in the cooler waters of the sub-Antarctic. Each winter, however, they migrate to the sheltered bays of Australia’s southern coast to calve. The shores of Warrnambool attract the females, where they give birth and raise their young. 

From the early 1800s, whaling was practiced commercially in Australia. This nearly caused the Southern Right Whale species to go extinct, losing about 75% of its population. Fortunately, whaling was made illegal in 1935 and the population has been recovering slowly ever since. Today, the total Australian whale population stands at 3,500 individuals. Thankfully, conservation efforts are proving effective. 

Since the mid-1950s, observing wildlife has become a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. These majestic animals can put on an incredible show, whether tail slapping, spy hopping, or fluke waving as they swim about the warm water of the coast. 

Warrnambool’s dramatic location on a plateau behind a steep bluff, overlooking the sheltered Lady Bay, makes it an excellent vantage point. Today, visitors can view wildlife from dedicated platforms, rocky cliffsides, or join a whale watching Warrnambool tour. Either way, this is not an opportunity to miss. 

The Best Time to See Whales in Warrnambool

The best time for whales watching Victoria is between June and September every year. During these months, the female Southern Right Whales head to the protected shores along the Great Ocean Road to give birth to their young. 

The best time of day to see Warrnambool whales is when the sun is shining. During the morning and mid-day, the animals often breach to sun themselves. Even if you visit the Warrnambool port during the offseason, it is still worth the visit for the beautiful coastline alone.

Read Next: Great Ocean Road Weather and The Best Time to Visit

Where to See Whales near Warrnambool

Wildlife can be spotted along the coast of the Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Port Fairy. Known as the ‘whale corridor’, this stretch is one of the only places in the world where whales swim within 100 metres of the shore . The best whale watch Victoria opportunities are found around Warrnambool, Portland, and Port Fairy.

Logan Beach Whale Watching Platform, Warrnambool

Address: Logans Beach Road, off Hopkins Point Road, Warrnambool

Arguably the best place for spotting these beautiful mammals is at Logan Beach Whale Nursery in Warrnambool. The protected shoreline offers the perfect refuge for the females to calve their young. Southern Right Whales give birth in many areas along Logans Beach coastline. However, the consistent number of females that return to the nursery year after year gives visitors the best chances of spotting whales at Warrnambool during the season. 

The platform is specially built in the sand dunes, offering exceptional views of the wildlife as well as the coastline. The long wooden platform is just a short distance from the car park. A ramp easily allows people of all abilities to access the platform. Not only is it free to visit, but access is also open at all times, so you can check it out at different times of the day. Keep in mind that there are no public restrooms at the platform. 

For the best sighting opportunities at Logans Beach, make time for multiple visits. Even if the animals are in the area, they may not always be visible from the beach. We suggest calling the Visitor Information Centre beforehand to confirm if they are active in the area.

For the best experience, plan ahead. Windy and wet conditions are not unheard of, so check the weather and bring your rain gear and a change of clothes just in case. Binoculars or a telescope can also enhance your viewing opportunities. You might even spot the males and young adults playing further at sea!

The Surf Life Saving Club, Port Fairy

Address: 4 Hughes Ave, Port Fairy VIC 3284, Australia

The town of Port Fairy is another great spot along the Ocean . Only a half-hour from Warrnambool, the quaint town with it’s famous lighthouse is home to one of the busiest fishing ports in Victoria. It is well worth a stop.

We recommend checking out the Surf Life Saving Club on East Beach during the winter months for a good viewing location.

Nuns Beach and Wade Street Viewing Platform, Portland

Wade Street Viewing Platform Address: Dutton Blu, 1 Wade St, Portland VIC 3305, Australia

Portland is another good spot for Victoria whale watching. The Southern Right Whale passes through the port on their migration south. Check out the Portland Visitor Centre – if the whale flag is raised and flying high, there’s a good chance you’ll see some in the area.

Some of our favourite spots for viewings are the cliffs above Nuns Beach and the Wade Street Viewing Platform which has free public binoculars.

Warrnambool Whale Watching Tours

One of the best ways to enjoy -the beauty of the Great Ocean Road is by joining a tour. Practice responsible tourism – choose a company that follows local and national laws. 

For whale watching tours Warrnambool, Boat Charters Warrnambool offers great options. You can join a 1-4 hour customized cruise in the bay or even go all the way to Port Fairy! Prices begin at 99$/person (min. 4 people).

If you’re looking for a shorter tour, Mulloka Cruises in Port Fairy is a great affordable option. They offer daily half-hour bay cruises around the Bay for only 15$/adult and 5$/child. Weather and number dependent, so call ahead!

For a multi-activity tour, check out the ‘Warrnambool Wanderer Tour’ from Warrnambool Tours . During the season, this tour includes a stop at the Logans Beach Nursery Platform, plus a visit to the Botanical Gardens, Thunder Point, and more. The tour cost is 75$/person.

Read Next: The Best List of Things to Do in Warrnambool Australia

Whether you’re simply looking for a pit-stop along the whale watching Great Ocean Road corridor, or you’re an avid wildlife lover, the Warrnambool Port is not to be missed. Explore the beach on your own or join a tour, either way, you’re sure to have a good time.

When will you go Warrnambool whale watching?

Enquire about Warrnambool

Almost every year between June and September, female Southern Right whales return to the waters of Warrnambool’s Logans Beach to calve.

The whales often swim within a hundred metres of the shore and can be viewed from a specially constructed platform in the sand dunes or from the beach.

The platform is free to access and is open at all times. A ramp allows easy access to the platform for poeple of all abilities.

Southern Right Whales have been visiting Warrnambool for hundreds of years. Once they were hunted almost to the point of extinction, but since whaling was outlawed in 1935, their numbers have been growing.

In summer, Southern Right whales live in the sub-Antarctic. In winter, they migrate to warmer waters around the southern areas of Australia.

The females migrate to the “nursery” areas close to the shore to bear their calves, while the males, yearlings and young adults remain further out to sea.

For updates on sightings visit  www.visitwarrnambool.com.au  or follow the sightings on  Facebook!

Practical whale watching tips

- Call the Visitor Information Centre on 5559 4620 to check whether the whales are in the area. - Sometimes whales may not be visible at Logans Beach, even though they are in the region – make time for multiple visits. - Please keep off the fragile vegetation and sand dunes, and use the facilities provided. - Binoculars or a telescope can enhance viewing. - Be best whale watching time is usually winter, so be prepared for windy or wet conditions. - Nearest toilets – 1km Hopkins River.

PO Box 198, 25 Liebig Street, Warrnambool Victoria 3280 Phone: 1300 003 280 (local call) or (03) 5559 4800 email: [email protected]

All Content Copyright © Warrnambool City Council 2024. Administrator Login

Whale Watching

Victoria’s southern right whale nursery.

Almost every year between June and September, female Southern Right whales return to the waters of Warrnambool’s Logans Beach to calve. The whales often swim within a hundred metres of the shore. They can be viewed from a specially constructed platform in the sand dunes or from the beach.

Location: Logans Beach Road, off Hopkins Point Road, Warrnambool Admission: Free Open: Access all times. Information: Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre (03) 5559 4620

For updates on sightings visit visitwarrnambool.com.au or follow the sightings on Facebook!

Why do the whales come to Warrnambool?

Southern Right Whales have been visiting Warrnambool for hundreds of years. Once they were hunted almost to the point of extinction, but since whaling was outlawed in 1935, their numbers have been growing.

In summer, Southern Right whales live in the sub-Antarctic. In winter, they migrate to warmer waters around the southern areas of Australia.

The females migrate to the “nursery” areas close to the shore to bear their calves, while the males, yearlings and young adults remain further out to sea.

Practical viewing tips

• Call the Visitor Information Centre beforehand to check whether the whales are in the area.
• Sometimes whales may not be visible at Logans Beach, even though they are in the region – make time for multiple visits.
• Please keep off the fragile vegetation and sand dunes, and use the facilities provided.
• Binoculars or a telescope can enhance viewing.
• Be prepared for windy or wet conditions.
• Nearest toilets – 1km Hopkins River.

PO Box 198, 25 Liebig Street, Warrnambool Victoria 3280 Phone: 1300 003 280 (local call) or (03) 5559 4800 email: [email protected]

All Content Copyright © Warrnambool City Council 2024. Administrator Login

THE BEST Dolphin & Whale Watching in Warrnambool, Australia

Dolphin & whale watching in warrnambool.

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1. Warrnambool Whale Watching

2. Stephen Collins

Whale Watching in Warrnambool

11-13 Logans Beach Rd, Warrnambool, VIC 3280

Looking for whales in Warrnambool is a popular activity to do in the city.

Warrnambool is a cosy city along the Great Ocean Road with some of the greatest areas to watch whales. The best place to spot the whales is at Logan’s Beach. You’ll find a viewing platform nearby too! The Australian winter months are the best for spotting these majestic animals. June to September is when the female Southern Right whales go back to Logan’s Beach with their calves. The whales can come close to the shore with their calves, which is a beautiful sight. Any other Southern Right whales stay further out in the sea. Logan’s Beach is considered a whale’s nursery and certainly a visit worth it. Even if it’s not winter.

How can I get to Logan’s Beach?

A great way to get to Warrnambool is going on the 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour . The tour departs from Melbourne and on the first day, you go to Logan’s Beach. Just make sure you book a tour in winter to get the chance to see the whales! During this fun tour, you’ll see many other popular attractions along the Great Ocean Road. You’ll visit Tower Hill, spot much Australian wildlife and have some lunch. You’ll see some of the highlights on the Great Ocean Road like the Twelve Apostles at sunset. Before sunset, you’ll check out the Bay of Islands, the Bay of Martyrs, The Grotto, London Bridge, and the Shipwreck Coast.

Start your second day with breakfast before going down to see Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles again! You’ll climb the Gibson Steps to see the Twelve Apostles from the beach. You’ll then go to Maits Rest and have a guided walk through the famous Otway Rainforest. For lunch, you’ll go to Apollo Bay and then see the Split Point Lighthouse. You might recognise this lighthouse from the TV show, Round the Twist. Before going back to Melbourne, you can watch some incredible surfers out at sea at Bells Beach.

What else can I do in Warrnambool?

Aside from watching the whales at Logan’s Beach during winter, there’s plenty more to do in Warrnambool. These are our favourites:

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village is a living museum taking you back in time to the 19th century. This museum resembles what life was like for the Shipwreck Coast’s first European settlers. There are more than 40 buildings to walk into and check out like a school and fire station.

Stingray Bay is a small beach and perfect to walk along. But it isn’t recommended to swim due to the strong undercurrents.

Tower Hill is about a 15 minute drive from Warrnambool. Tower Hill is now an inactive volcano and is believed to have erupted over 32,000 years ago. The Dhauwurd Wurrung people are the traditional owners of Tower Hill National Park. You can learn more about the Dhauwurd Wurrung history by doing the Indigenous culture and nature tour. There is also a lot of native wildlife in Tower Hill that you will be able to spot during your visit.

Just a small town along the Great Ocean Road, Warrnambool offers a lot to do and see. From whale watching during winter to the Dhauwurd Wurrung history in Tower Hill.

Explore Our Great Ocean Road Tours

Great Ocean Road Private Tour

Great Ocean Road in Reverse Tour $160

1 Day Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour $109

2 Day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Tour $575

Great Ocean Road Small Group Deluxe $150

2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne $299

Large Coach – Great Ocean Road Tour $105

Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour $149

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Southern Right Whales have been visiting Warrnambool for hundreds of years. Once they were hunted almost to the point of extinction, but since whaling was outlawed in 1935, their numbers have been growing.

In summer, Southern Right whales live in the sub-Antarctic. In winter, they migrate to warmer waters around the southern areas of Australia.

The females migrate to the “nursery” areas close to the shore to bear their calves, while the males, yearlings and young adults remain further out to sea.

When Fiona Van Kempen owner of Warrnambool Tours had her first business ‘Smoko Express’ she spent every weekend of the whale season at Logans Beach with her food van ( before the carpark was even sealed). Over those years Fiona made friends with many whale enthusiasts. Let Fiona share with you knowledge from these experts & the many stories of the remarkable actions of the Southern Right Whales she has encountered in that time.

Get on board Warrnambool Tours Whale Express Bus & spend an hour at the Logans Beach Platform whale spotting with the advantage of supplied binoculars keep an eye out Dolphins & Seals who also share the waves. Don’t miss out call Fiona to secure your seat (max 11 seats per trip).

Although Whale sightings are likely we cannot guarantee. Because we are viewing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat there are days when they are not feeling social (especially before bearing their calf) if this happens please take in the natural beauty of this spectacular coastline.

How lucky are we that the Southern Right Whales love Warrnambool as much as we do & keep wanting to return…

• Warrnambool Visitor Centre
• Port Fairy Visitor Centre
• Port Campbell Visitor Centre

Other By Arrangement

• Binoculars will be provided.
• Be prepared for windy or wet conditions.

Warrnambool Visitor Centre, 89 Merri St, Warrnambool 

Port Campbell Visitor Centre, 26 Morris Street, Port Campbell

Other Tour Packages

Warrnambool Wanderer Tour

9am &1pm | 3 HOUR $90 Adult Bookings Only Tour Warrnambool Wanderer Tour will take you exploring around Warrnambool & show you why it is Australia’s most livable city.

Port Fairy & Tower Hill Wildlife Tour

9 am, 1pm & 5pm | Half Day $120 Adult Bookings Only Tour Tower Hill is a thriving nature reserve located in the crater of a dormant volcano with a rich indigenous history.

Shipwreck Coast Tour

9am | Half Day $120 Adult Bookings Only Tour Australia’s Shipwreck Coast forms a part of the stunning Great Ocean Road. It extends along the Victorian.

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Whale Watching

Southern right whales.

The Southern Right Whale (also known as the 'smiling whale') is one of the largest, gentlest mammals. Like humans, they are warm blooded, give birth to live, fully developed young, breathe air, and feed their young on their milk. An adult whale averages 15 metres in length and 50 tonnes in weight.

The Southern Right Whale is in the Baleen family of whales (blue whale, fin whale, southern right whale, sei whale, minke whale and humpback whale) which denotes that they are toothless whales. Whales exist only in the ocean.

The Southern Right Whale has a smooth black back, and a v-shaped spout from its blowhole, but no dorsal fin. Each whales' underbelly is marked with white patches and the whale's head has unique callosites (crusty growths) that enables the whale to be readily identified by humans. The Southern Right Whales normally swim between 3 to 9 kilometres per hour.

The fertile waters of the Antarctic make it perfect feeding grounds for the Southern Right Whale as well as for all other whale species, seabirds, seals, squid and fish. Here the whales feed on krill. (The krill is a shrimp-like marine animal that lives in huge swarms in the open sea. They range from 8 to 60 mm From January to April, a swarm of krill could contain as much as 20 kg per cubic metre). The whales keep themselves warm in the cold Antarctic by developing a layer of fat under the skin, called blubber. These whales stay in the Antarctic over the summer months and annually migrate to their breeding grounds. These whales eat little or nothing at all during their travelling and breeding seasons.

The Southern Right Whale inhabits and breeds from May to September in the southern coastal waters of Australia, especially enclosed bays. The waters off the coast of Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland are perfect for breeding grounds.

The Southern Right Whale usually breeds every 3 years. The pregnancy is 11 months. A calf is approximately 5 to 6 metres at birth and can double in weight over the first week. The calf sucks milk from it's mother's milk gland on her underside.

The Southern Right Whales received their name from early whalers. This particular whale swims slowly, in herds, and close to the shore. Once harpooned, they would float on the surface. These whales produced a large amount of oil and whalebone, making it an excellent catch, and the 'right' whale to hunt (see Port Fairy History ). Today, the Southern Right Whale is protected in Australian waters.

Excellent viewing near the Surf Life Saving Club on East Beach, Port Fairy. You may be fortunate enough see different whale behaviours.

Whales Behavioural Patterns

click on images above to enlarge

breaching : leaps out of the water, twists and crashes backwards sailing: positions itself head down, tail flukes out of the water and moves along

tail lobbing : raises tail high out of the water, and then slams it's flukes down on the surface

spy hopping : raises head out of the water, high enough to turn and view around itself

body roll : surfaces, rolls over on back, swims along with pectoral fins showing above the water

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The Whale Trail

Torquay to Warrnambool

Find accommodation, things to do.

Replace the crowds of summer and sticky afternoons for winter’s raging swells and toasty fires on the Great Ocean Road. Follow the cool breeze beyond the 12 Apostles and explore the hidden treasures and 248 kilometres of uninterrupted roads.

It’s cosy. It’s exciting. It’s fierce. And it’s just what the doctor ordered.

From Torquay, the gateway to the Great Ocean Road and Victoria’s surfing capital, head south-west along the winding highway toward Cape Otway. Pass through the quaint coastal towns of Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay, mirroring the Southern Ocean and its attack against the cliffs. Follow the serpentine roads through the vibrant Otway National Park where winter showers bring the rainforests to life, before soaking in the rugged limestone overhangs of the Shipwreck Coast.

You might get lucky and spy an early breach so keep an eye out for our giant flippered friends navigating around the 638-plus stranded ships that now sit atop the ocean floor as you uncover the secrets of the coast. Pass the limestone structures of the 12 Apostles, and London Bridge to some of the lesser selfie-ed spots, like the spectacular cliffs of Loch Ard Gorge and the shipwrecked tales of Wreck Beach.

Sure, it is no summer holiday, but the grey skies of winter and the dramatic coastline uncovers a side to the Great Ocean Road that’ll blow your getaway right out of the blowhole. They don’t call it one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives for nothing.

Journey to the Great Ocean Road’s maritime capital of Warrnambool, where the Whale Trail begins.

Whale-come to Warrnambool – a small city with a huge attitude. Sweeping green pastures contrast the Southern Ocean’s deep blues and orange hues of rocky outcrops, history lives on in ancient lands and famous shipwrecks, culture abounds and wildlife add animation to the already energetic landscape.

There is so much to do here, you’ll need more than two nights to explore. The first stop here is Allansford Cheese World . Learn about the dairy industry of 1888 to 1990s at the site’s heritage museum, before digging into a ploughman’s lunch from the cafe and topping up with some free cheese tastings, and the world’s best milkshakes (in our opinion). But the whales are the real stars of the show, so naturally finding the best vantage point is the first thing on the to-visit list and there is no better destination to spot the giant mammals than Logan’s Beach Whale Nursery . Here, in this protected bay, endangered Southern Right Whales and their calves soak up some vitamin D while splashing about in the shallows, just 100 metres from the shore. It’s one of the only places in the world where you can witness whales this close, as mothers nurse their calves for weeks. Not a bad spot for a few weeks of whale maternity leave if you ask us.

We interrupt this itinerary to bring you a brief history lesson on the very special Southern Right Whales:

The Southern Right Whale, is a unique species of whale to the Winter Whale Trail, who can be picked by the white markings or ‘callosities’ on their head. Southern Rights were brought to the brink of extinction in the first half of the 19 th Century due to commercial whaling. They were an easy target for whalers who coined the term ‘right whale’ as they were slow moving and dwelled close to shore making them the ‘right’ whales to hunt. Their three-year gestational period, means repopulation is a slow process, so they remain an extremely endangered species to this day.  The unique thing about Southern Rights, is that they always return to the same waters to nurse their young, the same waters their mothers nursed them, and their grandmothers before that. Logans Beach Warrnambool is one of those very special Nurseries. Even though they were all but wiped out, at least one fierce Southern Right female has kept this special tradition alive.

Whales might be the VIPs of a Warrnambool winter, but that doesn’t take away from the marine life found darting around the Breakwater. Seals and stingrays can be seen feeding on fish in the water, and if you look to Middle Island , a colony of Fairy Penguins waddle around their minders, the famed Maremma dogs, which live at Flagstaff Hill during winter.

Just five kilometres up the road from Logan’s Beach is the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village , a state heritage listed site of cobblestoned streets and 19th century buildings where you can learn about life in the 1800s. Wander through the village and talk to the in-costume characters who will share the stories of shipwrecks, crewmen and artefacts. As night comes, the multi-million-dollar ‘Tales of the Shipwreck Coast’ show will shine a light on the shipwrecks, whaling and Indigenous stories. Visit the on-site Visitor Information Centre  for more information.

Of course, Warrnambool isn’t all fin flapping and steps back in time. Turn left at the roundabout when leaving Flagstaff Hill and head toward Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground. Channel your inner child on the 20-hectares and its many activities for kids and adults alike, including playground, boat rides and scenic walks around the lake.

Warrnambool is also home to many race horses, who like to dip their hoofs in the cool ocean waters of Lady Bay from 8am. Watch the equines and their trainers gait through the sand and take a dip, while you sit in the protected shelter of Pavilion Cafe or Simon’s Waterfront, cradling a hot coffee and hearty breakfast.

When you’ve finished watching their workout, it’s time to get your camera ready, pull on the walking shoes to get your heart rate up (slightly) and suck in some of that fresh ocean air on the on any one of Warrnambool’s walking trails which travel between natural landscapes, lookouts, heritage sites and secret beaches.

Now that you are fully aware that winter is coming (or it is already here), a plunge into Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs  geothermal pools will sort out those frosty limbs. Soak up minerals and salts, and indulge in a number of treatments including open-air bathing, sensory therapy, salt therapy, and cave, reflexology, hydrotherapy, and star gazing pools.

From here, it’s just a 10-minute drive to Hopkins Falls. If we haven’t convinced you travelling in winter sidelines summer, then these 90-metre wide curtain waterfalls in Wangoom will do the trick. The rains of winter make this one impressive cascade. After visiting the falls, you’ve earned a stop at the Wangoom General Store, enjoy a warm drink and old-fashioned service.

From pub grub to providores, international flavours and cellar-doors, Warrnambool puts the progressive in progressive dinners. Recently undergoing a renewal project, the village-feel city boasts as many entrepreneurial restaurants, cafes and bistros as an inner Melbourne suburb. Chow down on burgers, dine on local produce, and sip on fancy cocktails, while a blooming arts and music community goes about business around you and street art colours the town waiting to be explored on a self-guided Street Art Tour. We’d call it hipster, but we’ve jumped beyond that and entered ‘yuccie’ (young urban creative) territory. It’s the next big thing.

We did warn you that there was a lot to do in this coastal-vibe city. So be sure to also stop by the Warrnambool Art Gallery  and view its collection of more than 2000 artworks of Colonial, Indigenous and contemporary works, watch a show at the Lighthouse Theatre, visit local farmers markets, join a guided tour and check out the gig guide to soak up some of the live music culture.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

There’s no time for cliches here because it’s time to ride straight into the inevitable sunset and driving twenty-five minutes west of Warrnambool to the dreamy seaside village of Port Fairy.

Look, we’re not really ones to boast, but Port Fairy was once dubbed the most liveable coastal community in the world. And while we’d happily give ourselves that award every year, it’s a pretty big deal when a bunch of tourists agree. We’d love to tell you we’re letting you in on a big secret by sharing the bluestone town, it’s compelling history and dazzling natural beauty, but the truth is, for those in the know, the proverbial cat (or maybe we should say whale) was let out of the bag quite some time ago.

The drive from Warrnambool may only be 28 kilometres along the Great Ocean Road, but don’t let that short distance fool you. This is the wild south-west, and the road here will wind you alongside the unspoilt and untamed shoreline of the Belfast Coast, past the dazzling greens of the rolling hills and nature reserves and in view of the shadowy basaltic rocky outcrops and cliffs.

It’s so beautiful here that we’re not at all surprised the whales picked it for their babymoon. If we could spend three months a year here, creating water works and flapping our fins about, we probably would, too.

But as they say, travel is not the destination, and if you can’t take the time to stop during the crowd-less winter months, then when the heck can you?

14 kilometres west of Warrnambool, along the Princes Highway (A1) are the volcanic grounds of Tower Hill. This ancient, inactive volcano’s eruptive past has left behind a spectacular landscape of tapered hills, glistening lakes and endemic bushland. Here, it’s all about ecology, geology and culture. The reserve is brimming with Indigenous storylines, bush walks, picnic areas and more wildlife than photo space left on your hard drive. Emus, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, black swans, wedge-tail eagles, magpie geese and reptiles loiter between the gumtrees and sheoak, ready to bomb your next snap.

For those who love a photo opp, take a drive around the crater’s rim. There are plenty of lookout spots from where you can set your shutterbug free.

Then it’s time for a pint.

Thankfully, on the northern edge of the reserve is the village of Koroit, where you’ll find Mickey Bourke’s Historic Koroit Hotel for a trip to 1853 Ireland. Down the black here with Guinness on tap. And if you don’t like Guinness, then opt for a visit to Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co. Noodledoof’s beer’s and spirits utilise local ingredients and are influenced by the changing seasons.

From Koroit, a visit to Basalt Wines is a must.as you travel towards Port Fairy. The cellar door and restaurant sits with the animated sea and rolling paddocks as your backdrop. Organic wines, crafted cocktails, and delicious dishes featuring local produce.

If we share a secret, do you promise not to tell? Killarney Beach sits just a couple of minutes off the Princes Highway (A1) and is one hidden gem that serves up so much more than salty ocean and sandy shores. Fish for whiting, paddle into the surf, search for whales or dive in and check out the premier snorkelling. Spend the night here to watch the sunset colour this magical gem, or drive for ten minutes into Port Fairy.

The city lights and the bulk of the driving are behind you as we go in search of more Whale sightings. But before we swim, we walk.

Port Fairy has a fascinating history, a thriving art scene and charming landscape, and the streets of the town offer some of the best views. Step back in time with a guided or self guided walking tour of the town. Both options explore the fascinating history of the town. While the Art Trail will uncover artisans and galleries, adding a colourful dimension to the already vibrant village.

Channel your inner uplifter and artiste at the Winter Weekends Festival. Running every second weekend during June and July, it’s brings together art, food, wine, performance, music, history, environment and all the other elements that make this part of the Great Ocean Road so bloody special.

Battery Hill sits just across from the bridge in the harbour, and meshes history with pretty speccy views. It makes sense given this spot was picked in 1887 to protect the town from foreign warships, and cannons and fortifications are still on display. Even the resident black wallabies think it’s a pretty great place to chill. To keep the history alive, book an appointment (via the Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre) to check out the Historic Life Boat, which was built in 1857 is the oldest surviving self-righting, self-draining lifeboat in the world. Make your way to the iconic Griffiths Island, and explore the red-doored Port Fairy Lighthouse, which is a photoshoot waiting to happen. The island is also home to black tail wallabies and, a large colony of mutton birds but they do a local-swapsies with our whale friends and fly to the Aleutian Islands near Alaska in the winter months. Given a whaling station was established on the island in 1835, don’t be surprised if you hear a ‘pfuussshhhhhh’, the untechnical word for the sound of a whale blowing water through its blowhole.

They breed ‘em tough Down Under, and the crisp waters of the ocean are appealing any time of the year. Well, we like to think so, at least until our toes get a little bit wet. Still, whether we’re dripping in sweat from the sweltering summers, or chattering out teeth and tickled blue from winter’s wrath, we can’t resist a visit to the beach. In Port Fairy, East Beach’s 5.8km shoreline, which runs from Reef Point to the harbour entrance wall, is the place to be. The fine white sands and glistening blue waters may be a hoot in the heat, but that shouldn’t stop you from suiting up and grabbing your boogie board or surfboard this time of the year to hit Oigles, a shallow surf zone that breaks over an old shipwreck, while also keeping an eye out for cetacean friends. Alternatively, take the lazy option and play I-spy from the comfort of your car or use the binoculars available at East Beach. If they don’t pop up for air here, then go a little further to the Passage, where they seem to love to swim as much as surfers love to surf.

And when you’re ready to rest your eyes from strain and have watched out for whales for so long you start thinking rocks are moving, then head to the town’s historic port precinct at The Wharf at Port Fairy Restaurant . Sip on cocktails, or a winter red, and enjoy some delicious food from the menu that features local, fresh and seasonal produce with a contemporary Australian twist.

Port Fairy to Portland

Get your bearings and take the turnoff for the Crags lookout, 10 minutes west of Port Fairy. From this viewpoint, you’ll look out to the calcarenite cliffs that scatter to the eastern entrance to Portland Bay, and the volcanic island of Lady Julia Percy Island (Deen Maar), which sits 19 kilometres offshore and is home to a colony of playful fur seals.

Head north-west along the Princes Highway, and keep your eyes peeled for the Yambuk Giant Slide, a fun pitstop for the whole family, and enjoy the sight of towering turbines as your pass by the Codrington Windfarm.

Just north of Portland Bay, you’ll find the pretty coastal village of Narrawong. Framed by Mount Clay State Forest and the Surry River Mouth, it’s a prime spot for swimming in the summer and fishing all-year round. But most importantly, Narrawong is where you can watch Southern Right Whales make a splash into town. Don’t throw yourself into a tailspin, stop for a coffee and a slice of native realism at the Bay of Whales Gallery before taking a drive to the top of Mount Clay, past Sawpit picnic area on Boyers Road, and then walk five to 10 minutes from the carpark to Whalers Lookout. This spot was used by the local Indigenous people as a vantage point to signal early European whalers on the arrival of whales.

From Narrawong, it’s a 30-minute drive to Portland, pass the Portland Whale Viewing Platform (on Wade Street). Take a pit stop and look out to sea for any of our playful whale friends. Nearby, you’ll also find the World War II Museum and a pair of binoculars for those who find looking for giant mammals of the ocean a little hard to see.

Speaking of whaling, the Maritime Discovery and Information Centre on the Portland foreshore is a good spot to brush up on your history knowledge and learn about region’s whaling, sealing and shipwrecked past. You’re also guaranteed to spot a whale here, albeit a skeletal one. Among whaling artefacts, there’s a Sperm Whale skeleton, so you’ll get an up-close-and-personal understanding of the magnitude of the whales size. It’s also where you’ll find reports of recent whale sightings, and maps directing you the best viewing spots.

Cape Nelson is one of the coast’s premier whale spotting locations, and the home of the Cape Nelson Lighthouse. We know what you’re thinking not another lighthouse! But the view of the wild Southern Ocean from the top of the 1800s-built 32-metre high lighthouse is spectacular. It’ll blow you away, both metaphorically and literally.

The Enchanted Forest Walk starts about three kilometres from the lighthouse along Scenic Road. Haunting Moonah Trees and winding vines create the canopy of the 45-minute return walk. Limestone boulders are blanketed in overgrowth, cliff faces turn a moss green and a squabble of birds add to the soundtrack. It’s a world away from the otherwise rocky landscape of the region, but stop at any of the lookouts, with views of the Southern Ocean, and your whale visit wish may just come true.

The coastline here isn’t like the other towns we’ve stopped. It stands alone. Dark, rough, wild. At times, it’s almost apocalyptic, but in a good, beautiful, brooding way. The once-volcanic-island of Cape Bridgewater is a 20-minute drive north-west of Portland. Limestone caves, blowholes, rocky cliffs, freshwater lakes, untamed surf beaches and a petrified forest add character to the surreal landscape. Swap the leathery skin of the whales for furry coats of seals, here, as Cape Bridgewater is home to the largest fur seal breeding colony on mainland Australia. Leaving from the Cape Bridgewater Cafe carpark, stamp your mark on the Cape Bridgewater Seal Walk. It’s a 2.5 kilometre walk up the edge of the volcanic crater and is the most direct path to the colony, and takes about two hours round-trip. There is a longer, easier six kilometre walk to a viewing platform that will take you past the blowholes and limestone petrified forests. Alternatively, don’t flap about and take a Seals by Sea boat trip to get closer.

With still plenty more to see and do, check out any number of Portland’s other museums, art galleries and sculpture parks, the Botanic Gardens, or spend the last few hours of your getaway sipping on some local wines by a steaming fire as you debrief over the last few days. We told you winter on the Great Ocean Road doesn’t blow after all.

Remember to share your Winter Whale Trail journey by tagging #winterwhaletrail #IAMWARRNAMBOOL #IAMPORTFAIRY #IAMPORTLAND

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Where to go whale watching near Melbourne

Grab your binoculars and hit these coastal locations for a whale of a time

Thar she blows! Whales are some of Earth's biggest creatures but they're also some of our most majestic. There's something magical about spotting a whale from the shoreline, seeing it breach or poke its tail through the briny blue. In Australia we’re lucky to have around 60 per cent of the global whale population living in our waters, meaning your odds of spotting one aren't too shabby.

For Victorians, the prime whale watching season is roughly from May to October each year. While whales can be seen all along the state’s coast, you can improve your chances of getting a slice of the cetacean spectacular by visiting these locations.

Looking to explore more of beautiful Victoria? Here are some of our state's most gorgeous natural wonders.

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Best places to go whale watching near Melbourne

Phillip Island

After visiting Phillip Island’s famous fairy penguins, stick around and see if you can spot a whale. From Phillip Island it’s possible to see humpback and southern right whales – updates on where whales have recently been spotted can be found by checking out the Phillip Island Whale Watchers group or by following the Two Bays Whale Project Facebook page. Top whale spotting sites on the island include Cape Woolamai, Pyramid Rock, Surf Beach and the Nobbies and Summerlands areas.

Book a tour: Wildlife Coast Cruises runs whale watching tours, during which you’ll also see Phillip Island’s seals, albatrosses and dolphins.

The Great Ocean Road

If you’ve ever driven along the Great Ocean Road you’ll realise why it’s a great spot for whale watching. The entire 243-kilometre stretch of road features lots of vantage points to stop and spot whales, with the most spectacular roadside lookouts found between Lorne and Apollo Bay. Make sure to stop in designated stopping areas as the road is narrow and has many blind corners. It’s also possible to see whales from Apollo Bay beach, where they come as close as 100 metres to the shore. You can stay apprised of recent whale sightings on the Great Ocean Road by visiting the road’s official tourism website .

Warrnambool

Whales can be spotted right along the Great Ocean Road, but drive just a little further and you’ll reach one of Victoria’s best whale watching locations: Warrnambool. The seaside town that gave us Dave Hughes, Paul Jennings and Tom Ballard is also home to a nursery for southern right whales. Head to Logan’s Beach between June and September to catch a glimpse of whale calves and their mothers from the specially constructed platforms on the sand dunes. It’s not uncommon to spot the whales only 100 metres from the shore.

Book a tour: Southern Coast Charters offers whale watching tours from out of nearby Port Fairy.

Keep going west from Warrnambool and you’ll reach Portland – a town of only 10,000 people plus whales. From May to October you’ll be able to see southern right whales as they migrate and calve, but visit in summer for something special: blue whales. During November to May Portland is occasionally visited by the largest animal to ever live: the mighty blue whale. Some of the best whale spotting locations include the lookout on Wade Street, and vantage points at Portland Harbour and Bridgewater Bay.

Wilsons Promontory

This national park is mainland Australia's southernmost point, and its coastline is a perfect spot to try and sight whales as they return from their southerly migration after birthing season. A majority of the sightings in this area are of humpback whales, but occasionally southern right whales are spotted here as well. If you're lucky, you may also catch glimpses of dolphins, fur seals and albatrosses.

Book a tour: Wildlife Coast Cruises runs a six-hour whale cruise that also showcases the spectacular coastal formations and remote bays along the Prom, including Rabbit Island and hidden coves. 

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The best day trips from Melbourne

If you're looking for a break from the inner-city grid, there's no better cure than a day trip from Melbourne. The state of Victoria is full of friendly neighbourhood towns, whether you're in the mood for a winery tour, a road trip or a national park to explore. These one-day escapes are just what the doctor ordered, so get out there and explore Melbourne's beautiful backyard.  

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The Whale Trail

Torquay to Warrnambool

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Replace the crowds of summer and sticky afternoons for winter’s raging swells and toasty fires on the Great Ocean Road. Follow the cool breeze beyond the 12 Apostles and explore the hidden treasures and 248 kilometres of uninterrupted roads.

It’s cosy. It’s exciting. It’s fierce. And it’s just what the doctor ordered.

From Torquay, the gateway to the Great Ocean Road and Victoria’s surfing capital, head south-west along the winding highway toward  Cape Otway . Pass through the quaint coastal towns of Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay, mirroring the Southern Ocean and its attack against the cliffs. Follow the serpentine roads through the vibrant  Otway National Park  where winter showers bring the rainforests to life, before soaking in the rugged limestone overhangs of the Shipwreck Coast.

You might get lucky and spy an early breach so keep an eye out for our giant flippered friends navigating around the 638-plus stranded ships that now sit atop the ocean floor as you uncover the secrets of the coast. Pass the limestone structures of the  12 Apostles  and  London Bridge  to some of the lesser selfie-ed spots, like the spectacular cliffs of  Loch Ard Gorge  and the shipwrecked tales of  Wreck Beach .

Sure, it’s no summer holiday, but the grey skies of winter and the dramatic coastline uncovers a side to the Great Ocean Road that’ll blow your getaway right out of the blowhole. They don’t call it one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives for nothing.

Journey to the Great Ocean Road’s maritime capital of Warrnambool, where the  Whale Trail  begins.

Whale-come to Warrnambool — a small city with a huge attitude. Sweeping green pastures contrast the Southern Ocean’s deep blues and orange hues of rocky outcrops, history lives on in ancient lands and famous shipwrecks, culture abounds and wildlife add animation to the already energetic landscape.

There’s so much to do here, you’ll need more than two nights to explore. The first stop here is  Allansford Cheese World . Learn about the dairy industry of 1888 to 1990s at the site’s heritage museum, before digging into a ploughman’s lunch from the cafe and topping up with some free cheese tastings, and the world’s best milkshakes (in our opinion). But the whales are the real stars of the show, so naturally finding the best vantage point is the first thing on the to-visit list and there’s no better destination to spot the giant mammals than  Logan’s Beach Whale Nursery . Here, in this protected bay, endangered Southern Right Whales and their calves soak up some vitamin D while splashing about in the shallows, just 100 metres from the shore. It’s one of the only places in the world where you can witness whales this close, as mothers nurse their calves for weeks. Not a bad spot for a few weeks of whale maternity leave if you ask us.

We interrupt this itinerary to bring you a brief history lesson on the very special Southern Right Whales:

The Southern Right Whale, is a unique species of whale to the Winter Whale Trail, who can be picked by the white markings or ‘callosities’ on their head. Southern Rights were brought to the brink of extinction in the first half of the 19 th  Century due to commercial whaling. They were an easy target for whalers who coined the term ‘right whale’ as they were slow moving and dwelled close to shore — making them the ‘right’ whales to hunt. Their three-year gestational period, means repopulation is a slow process, so they remain an extremely endangered species to this day.  The unique thing about Southern Rights, is that they always return to the same waters to nurse their young, the same waters their mothers nursed them, and their grandmothers before that. Logans Beach Warrnambool is one of those very special Nurseries. Even though they were all but wiped out, at least one fierce Southern Right female has kept this special tradition alive.

Whales might be the VIPs of a Warrnambool winter, but that doesn’t take away from the marine life found darting around the Breakwater. Seals and stingrays can be seen feeding on fish in the water, and if you look to  Middle Island , a colony of Fairy Penguins waddle around their minders, the famed Maremma dogs, which live at Flagstaff Hill during winter.

Just five kilometres up the road from Logan’s Beach is the  Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village , a state heritage listed site of cobblestoned streets and 19th century buildings where you can learn about life in the 1800s. Wander through the village and talk to the in-costume characters who will share the stories of shipwrecks, crewmen and artefacts. As night comes, the multi-million-dollar ‘Tales of the Shipwreck Coast’ show will shine a light on the shipwrecks, whaling and Indigenous stories. Visit the on-site  Visitor Information Centre  for more information.

Of course, Warrnambool isn’t all fin flapping and steps back in time. Turn left at the roundabout when leaving Flagstaff Hill and head toward Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground. Channel your inner child on the 20-hectares and its many activities for kids and adults alike, including playground, boat rides and scenic walks around the lake.

Warrnambool is also home to many race horses, who like to dip their hoofs in the cool ocean waters of Lady Bay from 8am. Watch the equines and their trainers gait through the sand and take a dip, while you sit in the protected shelter of  Pavilion Cafe  or Simon’s Waterfront, cradling a hot coffee and hearty breakfast.

When you’ve finished watching their workout, it’s time to get your camera ready, pull on the walking shoes to get your heart rate up (slightly) and suck in some of that fresh ocean air on the on any one of Warrnambool’s  walking trails  which travel between natural landscapes, lookouts,  heritage sites  and,  secret beaches .

Now that you’re fully aware that winter is coming (or it’s already here), a plunge into  Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs ’ geothermal pools will sort out those frosty limbs. Soak up minerals and salts, and indulge in a number of treatments including open-air bathing, sensory therapy, salt therapy, and cave, reflexology, hydrotherapy, and star gazing pools.

From here, it’s just a 10-minute drive to  Hopkins Falls . If we haven’t convinced you travelling in winter sidelines summer, then these 90-metre wide curtain waterfalls in Wangoom will do the trick. The rains of winter make this one impressive cascade. After visiting the falls, you’ve earned a stop at the Wangoom General Store, enjoy a warm drink and old-fashioned service.

From pub grub to providores, international flavours and cellar-doors, Warrnambool puts the progressive in progressive dinners. Recently undergoing a renewal project, the village-feel city boasts as many entrepreneurial  restaurants, cafes and bistros  as an inner Melbourne suburb. Chow down on burgers, dine on local produce, and sip on fancy cocktails, while a blooming arts and music community goes about business around you and street art colours the town waiting to be explored on a self-guided  Street Art Tour . We’d call it hipster, but we’ve jumped beyond that and entered ‘yuccie’ (young urban creative) territory. It’s the next big thing.

We did warn you that there was a lot to do in this coastal-vibe city. So be sure to also stop by the  Warrnambool Art Gallery  and view its collection of more than 2000 artworks of Colonial, Indigenous and contemporary works, watch a show at the Lighthouse Theatre, visit local farmers markets, join a guided tour and check out the gig guide to soak up some of the live music culture.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

There’s no time for cliches here because it’s time to ride straight into the inevitable sunset and driving twenty-five minutes west of Warrnambool to the dreamy seaside village of Port Fairy.

Look, we’re not really ones to boast, but Port Fairy was once dubbed the most liveable coastal community in the world. And while we’d happily give ourselves that award every year, it’s a pretty big deal when a bunch of tourists agree. We’d love to tell you we’re letting you in on a big secret by sharing the bluestone town, it’s compelling history and dazzling natural beauty, but the truth is, for those in the know, the proverbial cat (or maybe we should say whale) was let out of the bag quite some time ago.

The drive from Warrnambool may only be 28 kilometres along the Great Ocean Road, but don’t let that short distance fool you. This is the wild south-west, and the road here will wind you alongside the unspoilt and untamed shoreline of the Belfast Coast, past the dazzling greens of the rolling hills and nature reserves and in view of the shadowy basaltic rocky outcrops and cliffs.

It’s so beautiful here that we’re not at all surprised the whales picked it for their babymoon. If we could spend three months a year here, creating water works and flapping our fins about, we probably would, too.

But as they say, travel is not the destination, and if you can’t take the time to stop during the crowd-less winter months, then when the heck can you?

14 kilometres west of Warrnambool, along the Princes Highway (A1) are the volcanic grounds of  Tower Hill . This ancient, inactive volcano’s eruptive past has left behind a spectacular landscape of tapered hills, glistening lakes and endemic bushland. Here, it’s all about ecology, geology and culture. The reserve is brimming with Indigenous storylines, bush walks, picnic areas and more wildlife than photo space left on your hard drive. Emus, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, black swans, wedge-tail eagles, magpie geese and reptiles loiter between the gumtrees and sheoak, ready to bomb your next snap. Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre is the heart of Tower Hill, offering interactive walks, Aboriginal guided tours, arts and crafts.

For those who love a photo opp, take a drive around the crater’s rim. There are plenty of lookout spots from where you can set your shutterbug free.

Then it’s time for a pint.

Thankfully, on the northern edge of the reserve is the village of  Koroit , where you’ll find  Mickey Bourke’s Historic Koroit Hotel   for a trip to 1853 Ireland. Down the black here with Guinness on tap.

And if you don’t like Guinness, then opt for a visit to  Basalt Wines . The recently refurbished cellar door and restaurant sits with the animated sea and rolling paddocks your backdrop. Organic wines, crafted cocktails, and delicious dishes featuring local produce.

If we share a secret, do you promise not to tell?  Killarney Beach  sits just a couple of minutes off the Princes Highway (A1) and is one hidden gem that serves up so much more than salty ocean and sandy shores. Fish for whiting, paddle into the surf or bush camp in this natural lagoon, that has water so calm, even on the coldest of days you’ll want to dive in to check out its premier snorkelling. Spend the night here to watch the sunset colour this magical gem, or drive for ten minutes into Port Fairy.

The city lights and the bulk of the driving are behind you as we go in search of more Whale sightings. But before we swim, we walk.

Port Fairy has a fascinating history, a thriving art scene and charming landscape, and the streets of town offer some of the best views. The self-guided Historic Town Walk and Shipwreck and Maritime Heritage Walk are two options for exploring the surrounds and its 70-odd buildings that hold significant memories of the town. While the Art Trail will uncover artisans and galleries, adding a colourful dimension to the already vibrant village.

Channel your inner uplifter and artiste at the  Winter Weekends Festival . Running every second weekend during June and July, it’s brings together art, food, wine, performance, music, history, environment and all the other elements that make this part of the Great Ocean Road so bloody special.

Battery Hill sits just across from the bridge in the harbour, and meshes history with pretty speccy views. It makes sense given this spot was picked in 1887 to protect the town from foreign warships, and cannons and fortifications are still on display. Even the resident black wallabies think it’s a pretty great place to chill. To keep the history alive, book an appointment (via the  Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre ) to check out the Historic Life Boat, which was built in 1857 is the oldest surviving self-righting, self-draining lifeboat in the world. It still heads onto the water a few times a year.

If we’re taking clues from the black tail wallabies, then they’re leading us straight to the iconic Griffiths Island. Reach the island via a causeway, and explore the red-doored  Port Fairy Lighthouse , which is a photoshoot waiting to happen. The island is also home to black tail wallabies and, a large colony of mutton birds but they do a local-swapsies with our whale friends and fly to the Aleutian Islands near Alaska in the winter months. Given a whaling station was established on the island in 1835, don’t be surprised if you hear a ‘pfuussshhhhhh’, the untechnical word for the sound of a whale blowing water through its blowhole.

They breed ‘em tough Down Under, and the crisp waters of the ocean are appealing any time of the year. Well, we like to think so, at least until our toes get a little bit wet. Still, whether we’re dripping in sweat from the sweltering summers, or chattering out teeth and tickled blue from winter’s wrath, we can’t resist a visit to the beach. In Port Fairy, East Beach’s 5.8km shoreline, which runs from Reef Point to the harbour entrance wall, is the place to be. The fine white sands and glistening blue waters may be a hoot in the heat, but that shouldn’t stop you from suiting up and grabbing your boogie board or surfboard this time of the year to hit Oigles, a shallow surf zone that breaks over an old shipwreck, while also keeping an eye out for cetacean friends. Alternatively, take the lazy option and play I-spy from the comfort of your car or use the binoculars available at  East Beach . If they don’t pop up for air here, then go a little further to the Passage, where they seem to love to swim as much as surfers love to surf.

And when you’re ready to rest your eyes from strain and have watched out for whales for so long you start thinking rocks are moving, then head to the town’s historic port precinct at  The Wharf at Port Fairy Restaurant and Fish and Chips . Sip on cocktails, or a winter red, and enjoy some delicious food from the menu that features local, fresh and seasonal produce with a contemporary Australian twist.

Port Fairy to Portland

It’s time to continue west along the Princes Highway (A1) toward Portland and the end of the Great Ocean Road. Again, we’re not tooting our own horns here, but there really is so much to love about Portland. Insane natural beauty, walking trails that reveal its treasures, a rich and fascinating cultural heritage that dates back to Victoria’s beginnings, and of course, whales. Plus, there’s a pretty cute colony of fur seals, which keep things interesting.

Get your bearings and take the turnoff for  the Crags  lookout, 10 minutes west of Port Fairy. From this viewpoint, you’ll look out to the calcarenite cliffs that scatter to the eastern entrance to Portland Bay, and the volcanic island of  Lady Julia Percy Island (Deen Maar) , which sits 19 kilometres offshore and is home to a colony of playful fur seals.

Head north-west along the Princes Highway, and keep your eyes peeled for the Yambuk Giant Slide, a fun pitstop for the whole family, and enjoy the sight of towering turbines as your pass by the Codrington Windfarm.

Just north of Portland Bay, you’ll find the pretty coastal village of Narrawong. Framed by Mount Clay State Forest and the Surry River Mouth, it’s a prime spot for swimming in the summer and fishing all-year round. But most importantly, Narrawong is where you can watch Southern Right Whales make a splash into town. Don’t throw yourself into a tailspin, stop for a coffee and a slice of native realism at the Bay of Whales Gallery before taking a drive to the top of Mount Clay, past Sawpit picnic area on Boyers Road, and then walk five to 10 minutes from the carpark to Whalers Lookout. This spot was used by the local Indigenous people as a vantage point to signal early European whalers on the arrival of whales.

From Narrawong, it’s a 30-minute drive to Portland, pass the  Portland Whale Viewing Platform  (on Wade Street). Take a pit stop and look out to sea for any of our playful whale friends. Nearby, you’ll also find the World War II Museum and a pair of binoculars for those who find looking for giant mammals of the ocean a little hard to see.

Speaking of whaling, the  Maritime Discovery and Information Centre  on the Portland foreshore is a good spot to brush up on your history knowledge and learn about region’s whaling, sealing and shipwrecked past. You’re also guaranteed to spot a whale here, albeit a skeletal one. Among whaling artefacts, there’s a Sperm Whale skeleton, so you’ll get an up-close-and-personal understanding of the magnitude of the whales’ size. It’s also where you’ll find reports of recent whale sightings, and maps directing you the best viewing spots.

Cape Nelson  is one of the coast’s premier whale spotting locations, and the home of the Cape Nelson Lighthouse. We know what you’re thinking… not another lighthouse! But the view of the wild Southern Ocean from the top of the 1800s-built 32-metre high lighthouse is spectacular. It’ll blow you away, both metaphorically and literally.

The Enchanted Forest Walk starts about three kilometres from the lighthouse along Scenic Road. Haunting Moonah Trees and winding vines create the canopy of the 45-minute return walk. Limestone boulders are blanketed in overgrowth, cliff faces turn a moss green and a squabble of birds add to the soundtrack. It’s a world away from the otherwise rocky landscape of the region, but stop at any of the lookouts, with views of the Southern Ocean, and your whale visit wish may just come true.

The coastline here isn’t like the other towns we’ve stopped. It stands alone. Dark, rough, wild. At times, it’s almost apocalyptic, but in a good, beautiful, brooding way. The once-volcanic-island of  Cape Bridgewater  is a 20-minute drive north-west of Portland. Limestone caves, blowholes, rocky cliffs, freshwater lakes, untamed surf beaches and a petrified forest add character to the surreal landscape. Swap the leathery skin of the whales for furry coats of seals, here, as Cape Bridgewater is home to the largest fur seal breeding colony on mainland Australia. Leaving from the Cape Bridgewater Cafe carpark, stamp your mark on the Cape Bridgewater Seal Walk. It’s a 2.5 kilometre walk up the edge of the volcanic crater and is the most direct path to the colony, and takes about two hours round-trip. There’s a longer, easier six kilometre walk to a viewing platform that will take you past the blowholes and limestone petrified forests. Alternatively, don’t flap about and take a Seals by Sea boat trip to get closer.

With still plenty more to see and do, check out any number of Portland’s other museums, art galleries and sculpture parks, the Botanic Gardens, or spend the last few hours of your getaway sipping on some local wines by a steaming fire as you debrief over the last few days. We told you winter on the Great Ocean Road doesn’t blow after all.

Remember to share your Winter Whale Trail journey by tagging #winterwhaletrail #IAMWARRNAMBOOL #IAMPORTFAIRY #IAMPORTLAND

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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.