Warrnambool, a beautiful seaside town situated on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, is one of the places to see when you go on the related Melbourne tours Great Ocean Road. This part of a road is famous not only for beautiful sights, but also for such activities as whale watching, which is clearly among the best in Australia. Almost almost every section of this amazing rout and every part of Warrnambool is blessed with beautiful beaches, rain forests and steep cliffs that the place roles around, growing spells of whale migrations of the south right whale, humpback and even blue whales are annually witnessed. Thanks to its location not far from Logans Beach Whale nursery and many other whale watching vantage points, Warrnambool is a great place for nature lovers and those traveling in cars.
Whether you are undertaking a casual road trip from Melbourne while visiting the lovely towns along the way, or trying to navigate through the spectacular beauty of the Shipwreck Coast including the 12 Apostles attractions or not, Warrnambool is a nice addition into the trip. It’s a perfect stop to relax and rest while enjoying the scenery and trying not to gasp too much as they watch these beautiful sea mammals playing in warmer waters near the shore. Hence, fasten your seatbelts as it is going to be a unique experience while you visit each of these whale-watching sites that are located on Great Ocean Road.
Whale Watching in Warrnambool
Warrnambool is located in the Shipwreck Coast and offers the opportunity of Whale Watching every year as whales migrate. The whale season falls between May and September as they venture into the Logans Beach Whale Nursery situated off Warrnambool. Other mothers bring their babies out to socialize in the gentle warmer waters. On many occasions, the qualified residents as well as tourists are treated only with the best viewing spots of these mammoth swimmers available along the western seaside city.
The Best Period of the Year for Whale Watching
Warrnambool is best known for whale watching during the migration season stretching from the end of May to the beginning of October, with the most activity in the months of July and August. This is the time when southern right whales can be easily spotted on the shores of Logans Beach suitable for children and nature lovers. It is the time when the largest animals on the planet, the whales come to Warrnambool’s shallow waters for reproduction and nurturing making it a common winter activity.
Best Whale Watching Spots in Warrnambool
Logans Beach Whale Nursery
Logans Beach is known to be the best location to look for whales in Warrnambool. The Logans Beach Whale Nursery even has special observation deck facilities providing a sweeping view over the water surface where male whales are not present and where expectant mothers come to give birth. With its close reach to the sea, Logans Beach Warrnambool is well known for tail swishing, spy hopping and sometimes a bluffing while sense detection to the extreme.
Middle Islands and Stingray Bay
The foreign territories, Middle Islands and Stingray Bay are much quieter places particularly for those who wish to watch whales away from the crowds. One can witness different types of whales in these sites, including the humpback whales and the dwarf minke whale which is quite hard to find. These formations offer a safer approach to sighting marine creatures since they are concentrated in a relatively small area.
Cannon Hill Lookout and Thunder Point
Ever had the chance to watch whales from far off the coast of southern land due elevations which these spots provide. The Cannon Hill Lookout gives a view of the whole bay of never mind the thick forest that grows around it while Thunder Point is quite scenic with wild creatures which just makes it a perfect outlet in between instances of whale watching.
Whale Watching Tours and Experiences
Warrnambool Tours and Boat Trips
If you would like an eye ‘in’ into these fantastic beings, it would be wise to book a tour with Warrnambool Tours. These whale watching tours -exclusive on water include a lovely boat outing where you are taken to the waters within the coastlines to view the enormous mammals in their natural setting. Why not, these tours utilize either a Small motorized or Large vessels and are fun and educative for all age groups.
Wildlife Coast Cruises
From Tours of Phillip Island, Wildlife Coast Cruises reaches all the way to Warrnambool and whale watching tours are also offered to see the humpbacks, orcas and even sperm whales on the southern coastline. Edu-tainment is a very important aspect of these cruises as guests are guided by very appropriate interpretations and eco degeneration is highly discouraged.
Whale Watching Tips and Etiquette
- Plan Ahead: Remember to take notice of any of the local reports on whales sightings and the weather. Time of day is also another aspect in terms of spotting the whales with mornings and evenings towards the late hours being most welcomed.
- Stay Safe: This means complimenting the first rule of, always watching the whales from a safe height. This implies that if you are taking a boat it should be steered by a suitable persons with the right documentation regarding the appropriate checklist when and how to appease the whales.
- Be Patient: Do not be frustrated by the severe conditions as whale watching is patient action. Tackle along wear and take with you, a pair of binoculars, a camera with an appropriate lens such as, a zoom in lens, and comfortable sitting equipment.
More Than Just Watching Whales
Cultural Heritage and History
Warrnambool sits on the traditional land of the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people. This region also has an in depth Aboriginal heritage with many sites such as this that reveal the ancients history of the land and stories of the native. People are urged to understand these areas and also help in fostering supportive relationships that enhance sustainable development thus targeting for reconciliation and equity of impact to the region.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
To add a bit of maritime history to your vacation, then a stop at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is in order. This heritage pay-on-entry museum covers the history of shipwrecks at Warrnambool’s shipwreck coast through 19th century billboards and even real munition structures. Dressed in period costumes, actors recreate historical events and give visitors an entertaining educational experience.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
20 min drive Novak west of Warrnambool, amidst Tower hill wildlife reserve in an extinct volcano that is home to a variety of emus, koalas and kangaroos One can learn of the natural and cultural heritage of the area on such nature walks.
Short Excursions and Sites to Visit
Port Fairy and Griffiths Island
Port Fairy is a quaint fishing town located a short distance away from Warrnambool and is notable for its old structures and rich arts culture. Griffiths Island is home to the Port Fairy Lighthouse and is an ideal location for walking amid the black tail wallabies, which thrive on the island.
Cape Bridgewater and Cape Nelson
These sites present breathtaking coastal views and the chance to find non-adept exposed natural wonders. Among the seals, Cape Bridgewater is best known for its coastal structures, and Cape Nelson has scenic walks and lookouts.
Activity and Rest
Adventuring and resting at the same time, there´´ s always something to do from Hopkins River to the thermal baths at Port Fairy. Come and visit the Allansford Cheese World and have their delicious cheese treats, visit their nearby highway Tower Hill, which is a national park, and see the scenic coastline by helicopter.
Conclusion
Warrnambool stands out as the best place to go for whale watching in Australia. It is picturesque, has a rich history and culture and is invigorated with wild animals. This west coast beauty is a Logans Beach Whale Nursery or even the lovely scenic beaches of Port Fairy and Cape Nelson, if you’re planning to visit, be prepared for a wonderful experience that you will remember for a long time. Make the most of your trip by going when the whales are around, tread gently on mother nature and take in the magnificent beauty of these massive creatures without iron bars in between.
FAQs
When is it best to go whale watching in Warrnambool?
In Warrnambool, whales are seen the most during the months of May to September, the heaviest sightings are generally noted in the months of July and August.
What is the best location to see whales in Warrnambool?
Logans Beach Whale Nursery is the prime spot, but you can also see whales from Middle Islands, Stingray Bay, and various look out spots along the coast.
What kinds of whales are visible from Warrnambool?
There are Southern right whales, Humpback whales all the time, the great blue whales and dwarf minke whales are less frequently seen.
Are there any whale watching activities available in Warrnambool?
Sure, there are a few local businesses that offer organized excursions for watching whales. Warrnambool Tours and Wildlife Coast Cruises are well known for this.
Apart from whale watching, what else can one do in Warrnambool?
Tourists may visit the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, in addition to these places, Port Fairy, Cape Nelson, and Cape Bridgewater are located nearby.
