Bass Coast Whale Trail

Spot whales from the coast, on the water or from the sky during winter-time. 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.

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.

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.

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.

See the Guide to Identifying Whales

Viewing Opportunities

From 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. Cruises operate during June/July/August departing from Rhyll or San Remo.

From the air
Phillip Island Helicopters provides scenic flights across the Island and are always on the lookout for migrating whales.

From the land
The following points provide good viewing options of the southern coast line and areas where whales migrate.