While most would find the sea too cold for swimming during the winter months, the local water temperature can be a relief for the hundreds of whales travelling the waters along the Great Australian Bight.
Whale watching is becoming an extremely popular pastime.
From late May to September, Southern Right Whales migrate north from the Antarctic to breed in local waters then, with calves in tow, head south again to the Antarctic summer. One of the best places to spot whales in Victoria is from a special viewing platform at Logans Beach, near
Warrnambool a 3 ½ hour drive or train ride from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road.
Southern Right Whales are easy to recognise from their lack of a dorsal fin and the presence of callosities (hard growths) on their head, chin and near the blowholes. As they have two blowholes close to each other, they give off a very distinctive V-shaped blow.
As the opportunity to spot them can be unpredictable, it is best to first either call the Warrnambool Visitors Centre on (03) 5559 4620 or visit their
website to check on current sightings and local weather conditions. And if you do set off in search of whales, don’t forget your binoculars!
