Whale Watching Season | Victor Harbor | May – October

Whale Watching Season Victor Harbor May - October

Whale Watching Season in Victor Harbor, South Australia is from May to October

Only an hour’s drive from the Adelaide CBD is the majestic southern Fleurieu Peninsula and each winter we are fortunate to see the annual return of Southern Right whales to our coastline.

It’s a wonderful experience to see the whales frolicking about only metres from the shore each winter and kids of all ages will get a thrill when they spot one out in the water.

Encounter Bay in Victor Harbor usually see their first whales arrive around the middle of May, although whales have been spotted earlier some years in late April.  Whale watchers record what they see and the SA Whale Centre keep a log entry of sightings – you can view it here.  The best vantage points are up on the cliffs and headlands along the coast, but we have spotted them standing down on the beach before too.  Remember to take some binoculars on your trip for a closer look.


 

Other areas along the coast for whale watching include Port Elliot and Middleton Point.

Stay tuned to the SA Whale Centre official Facebook page or visit their website for updated sighting information.

The SA Whale Centre is a fabulous resource to learn about the whales that visit our region.

In some years, the whales have attracted up to 400,000 people to the area over the winter months.  The annual migration to South Australia is a key part of the whales’ breeding cycle. They come to either find a mate, or to give birth and raise their calves in the protected bays and coves. Encounter Bay has long been recognised as a breeding and nursery area for Southern Right whales, and plays a role in the recovery of this endangered species.

Southern Right Whale photo by Margan Toenee at Bashams Beach 06.08.2013

 

Some useful questions and answers from the SA Whale Centre’s FAQ page:

When is the whale watching season in South Australia?

May to October. The first whales are usually seen in mid – late May and can be found until early October. The most reliable time to see a whale is during July and August.

What kind of whales can you expect to see in Encounter Bay?

Southern Right whales visit Encounter Bay each winter to breed and calve. They are good whales to watch because they come close to shore and can be quite active. If you are lucky, you could see a Humpback whale – small numbers pass by the coast each season. Large numbers of Common and Bottlenose Dolphins live in local waters year round.

SA Whale Centre

If you’re planning a trip to Victor Harbor the SA Whale Centre’s Information Booth has helpful staff to answer any questions you might have. 

SA Whale Centre Location:

2 Railway Terrace, Victor Harbor, South Australia 
Ph: (08) 8551 0750
Open Daily 10am – 4pm (excluding Christmas Day)

Admission to the SA Whale Centre covers 2 floors of fun, interactive exhibits.  Listen to local dreamtime story “Kondoli, The Whale Man,” find out which whales visit where in Australia and see how you measure up to a Southern Right Whale on their main floors full length mural.

Then descend into the cellar of secrets, where adventure awaits. Pilot Sea Shepherds Steve Irwin through dangerous waters and learn about conservation around the world. Catch a short film, dig for fossils at their archaeological dig site and come face to face with a great white shark.

Admission Fees (as at May 2023)

  • Child $4
  • Adult $5
  • Concession $4
  • Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) $15

Conditions of Entry

  • Admission valid for the day of issue only
  • Children under 4 years enter free
  • Supervision essential for children under 16 years

 

things to do in Adelaide for families


For more information and all enquiries please visit the SA Whale Centre website or follow their Facebook page.

What:  Whale Watching Season

When:  May to October each year

Where:  Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor & surrounding areas

Who:  All Ages

At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.

Image Source: Margan Toenee & Play & Go

 

Explore Victor Harbor and surrounding areas:

Whale Watching Season | Victor Harbor | May – October

Whale Watching Season in Victor Harbor, South Australia is from May to October Only an hour's drive from the Adelaide ...

Family-Friendly Weekend Stay in Victor Harbor | Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

Family-Friendly Weekend Stay in Victor Harbor, South Australia Have a whale of a time in the idyllic town of Victor ...
Victor Harbor Library

Victor Harbor Council Library | Review

Victor Harbor Council Library - Review The Victor Harbor Council Library is a wonderful resource for families, whether you live ...
mini golf victor harbor

G’Day Parks Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park – Family Fun for Everyone | Review

Time for a holiday in South Australia? G'day Parks Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park is the place to be ...
GT Fisher Victor Harbor Foreshore Playground

GT Fisher Nature Playground Victor Harbor Foreshore – Train Park

George T Fisher Playground - Foreshore, Flinders Parade, Victor Harbor The George T Fisher Nature Playground (also known as the ...
Port Elliot Bakery donut

Port Elliot Bakery Review | Fleurieu Peninsula

Port Elliot Bakery - the iconic bakery destination that's a South Australian favourite in the Fleurieu Peninsula Port Elliot Bakery ...
Soldiers Memorial Reserve Victor Harbor Playground review by Susannah Marks

Soldiers Memorial Reserve | Victor Harbor Playground Review

Soldiers Memorial Reserve Victor Harbor Playground Review Soldiers Memorial Reserve is a beautifully kept park with everything you could need ...
Victor Harbor Skate Park review by Susannah Marks

Victor Harbor Skate Park | Review

Victor Harbor Skate Park Victor Harbor Skate Park is in a great location just next to the foreshore. This popular ...
GT Fisher Playground aka Victor Harbor Train Park Review by Susannah Marks

GT Fisher Playground (Victor Harbor Train Park) | Playground Review

GT Fisher Playground aka Victor Harbor Train Park *** EDITORS NOTE: This playground is now reopen as of 6 July ...

The Big Duck Boat Tours | Victor Harbor | Review

The Big Duck Boat Tours Victor Harbor An exciting ocean adventure featuring seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales, beautiful islands and ...

The Bluff Summit Walk & Lookout | Victor Harbor | Review

The Bluff Summit Walk & Lookout Victor Harbor The Bluff, also known as Rosetta Head or Kongkengguwarr, is one of ...

Big Rocks, Beach, Cliff Walk, Trees to Climb, Whales, Glorious Views, all from Horseshoe Bay | Port Elliot

Port Elliot on the Fleurieu Peninsula Big rocks, beach, cliff walk, trees to climb, whales, glorious views, all from Horseshoe ...

Granite Island Recreation & Nature Park | Victor Harbor | Review

Granite Island, Victor Harbor The Granite Island Recreation & Nature Park can be seen from Victor Harbor and is best ...

Horse Drawn Tram at Victor Harbor | Step Back In Time | Review

Horse Drawn Tram at Victor Harbor - Step Back In Time Victor Harbor's Historic Horse Drawn Tram is a "South ...

 

SUBSCRIBE

Want to get all the latest events and activities straight to your inbox?

Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter below to keep up to date with our latest posts and find out all the best events & activities for Adelaide families. Newsletters are only sent once a week, and you may sometimes get a special offer exclusively for our subscribers only!

 

You May Also Like:

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No comments yet.

Feel free to leave us a comment

Back to Top
Top