Winter Whale Watching

From May to September, our winter is a whale’s summer, and the giants of the deep journey from the Antarctic for their annual babymoon, breeding, birthing and raising their calves in our backyard. Along the Whale Trail through Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland, also known as the ‘whale corridor’, you’ll spot Southern Right, Humpback, Blue and the occasional Orca. Here is all you need to know before you jump in the car for this must-do winter road trip.

Did you see a whale?

Log your whale sighting and keep track of other sightings as they happen across the Great Ocean Road region.

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5 Whale Watching Tips

Here are our top tried and tested tips to spot yourself a whale this winter!

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The Whale Trail Itinerary

Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland - three whale watching destinations. Check out carefully selected experiences along the way that have been woven together by passionate locals into this must-do winter road trip.

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Download The Map

The whale trail at a glance, download your own PDF map to quickly see where the best whale spotting locations are - and how much there is to see and do along the way! Be sure to view the full itinerary for all of the juicy details and insider tips.

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Warrnambool - Port Fairy - Portland

A Winter Whale Trail Weekend

Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland are the main vantage points on the Winter Whale Trail – and the only places is the world where you can watch whales nursing their babies just 100m from the shore.

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Come for the adventure and stay for the 🌅

#visitgreatoceanroad #greatopia #stayclosegofurther #visitmelbourne #visitvictoria
Where will the weekend take you? 🚗 

What about Lorne? Lorne offers the perfect place for romance – oceanfront fine dining, boutique shopping and sidewalk cafes – all alongside the sparkling waters of Louttit Bay…..Oh and if you’re up for a little more adventure you can checkout @livewirepark 
or go on a walk to one of the many Otways waterfalls. Accommodation tip; Try @eluxaccommodation 👌 

#visitvictoria #visitmelbourne #greatoceanroad #visitgreatoceanroad #australia
Many people are familiar with the Great Ocean Road but less know that the region is full of reasons to get out of the car and into a pair of hiking boots 🥾. On offer are some of the most scenic strolls in Australia!

@auswalkingco_ #twelveapostleslodgewalk #visitgreatoceanroad #greatoceanwalk #greatsouthwestwalk #surfcoastwalk @visit12apostles @visit_apollobay @exploresurfcoast
It’s time to hit the road for one of our Autumn events. Here’s a few to check out 👇 

1. @portfairyfolkfestival presenting international and national artists in a four day festival of music, arts and culture. 🎵 
2. @ripcurlprobellsbeach the longest running event in competitive surfing 🏄‍♀️ 
3. @aireysinletmusicfest featuring Ella Hooper headlining a cracking line-up of home grown talent. 🎸 
4. @crayfestportcampbell celebrates the coast, community, volunteers, primary producers, local produce, and sustainability. 🦞 
5. Ever wanted to run along the Great Ocean Road? It’s not too late to sign up for the @greatoceanroadrunfest 🏃‍♀️ 

#visitgreatoceanroad #visitmelbourne #visitvictoria #greatoceanroad #events @safari.global 📸
We’ll let you in on a little secret…. Summer might be over but Autumn is perfect for hiking, surfing, boating, sandcastle building, mountain bike riding, rock pooling and more 🤘 ( Without the crowds 😉)

What are you waiting for? 

@visit_apollobay #visitgreatoceanroad #visitvictoria #visitmelbourne #apollobay #beaches @seeaustralia #australia #bestbeachesaustralia
Discover the hidden gems of Warrnambool and experience the perfect blend of stunning coastal views, rich culture, nightlife and fun! 

@iamwarrnambool #visitvictoria #warrnambool #visitmelbourne #australia #greatopia
If you're looking for a fun outdoor activity, We highly recommend giving kayaking a go. The Anglesea river is the perfect spot for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. 🛶 @angleseapaddleboats 

#visitgreatoceanroad #greatoceanroad #visitvictoria #visitmelbourne @exploresurfcoast @angleseaadventure
Will we see you at the starting line? 🏃‍♀️ 

This is your chance to run the most iconic part of the Great Ocean Road in the @greatoceanroadrunfest May 20 & 21. 

@visit_apollobay #visitgreatoceanroad #visitmelbourne #visitvictoria #greatoceanroad #greatopia

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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.