The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in Portland
Each winter and spring, Portland’s wild coastline transforms into a whale-watching paradise. From towering clifftops to quiet coastal nooks, this region offers front-row seats to one of nature’s greatest migrations. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned spotter, these 11 locations will bring you closer to the magic of the ocean—and to the gentle giants who call it home.
Meet the Whales of Portland’s Coast
Southern Right Whales (Main Attraction)
Southern right whales are the stars of Portland’s whale season. These massive, slow-moving whales come close to shore to calve and nurse their young in the sheltered bays from June to October, often lingering near the surface and staying in one area for long periods—making them easy to spot from clifftops and lookouts.
Humpback Whales (Passing Through)
Humpback whales also pass by Portland’s coast as part of their long migration between Antarctica and Queensland. They’re more likely to be seen from May to July (heading north) and again from September to November (heading south). They tend to move quickly and may be seen breaching or slapping their fins and tails.
Whale Spotting Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Look for a rounded back breaking the surface, tail flukes, or pectoral fins slapping the water.
- Southern right whales may appear to just ‘float’ in the water—keep an eye out for the white patches of callosities on their heads.
- Humpbacks are more active, watch for breaches, fin slaps, and fluke dives.
- Talk to Locals or Visitor Centres
- Coastal winds can be cold, even in spring. Bring a warm jacket, hat, and sunscreen.
- Dutton Way – A favourite spot for resting whale mums and calves just a short five minute drive north of Portland.
- Wade Street Lookout – An all access purpose built whale viewing platform which has free binoculars.
- Portland Bay, Nuns Beach and Lee Breakwater – The centre of town provides onshore viewing at its best. All of these locations can be accessed via vehicle or walking.
- Pivot Beach/Madeira Packet Road – A five minute drive south of town. A popular viewing area as whales pass here heading either away or toward the Cape areas.
- Point Danger – Follow the road heading toward the Gannet Colony. There is a public viewing platofrm overlooking the gannets and ocean.
- Cape Grant/Quarry Gates – At the end of Quarry Road to the left of the quarry gates there is a secluded carpark with views across to Lawrence Rocks.
- Cape Nelson – An eight kilometre stretch of clifftop from Yellow Rock to the Cape Nelson Lighthouse.
- Shelly Beach – 15 kilometres west of Portland, this beach is just before Bridgewater Bay. This is a very small carpark and track, please use caution.
- Bridgewater Beach – An 18 kilometre drive west of Portland you will find pristine beach. The sheltered waters are a popular place for whale gatherings and mating displays.
- Seal Colony – Follow the walk uphill from beach to a viewing platform overlooking the breeding seal colony. The cliff trail is spectacular and whales can often be spotted.
- Blow Holes and Petrified Forest – 20 kilometres west from Portland brings you to the Blow Holes carpark and access to the Petrified Forest. This is one of the few spots that in summer, it is possible to sight the elusive blue whale.
Discover Your Next Adventure
Explore more places to disover winter whale watching in the Great Ocean Road Region
