Whale Watching Season Victor Harbor May – 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 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. 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. Other areas along the coast for whale watching include Port Elliot and Middleton Point.
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. They are open daily and located at 2 Railway Terrace, Victor Harbor. Remember to take some binoculars on your trip for a closer look.
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.
Some useful questions and answers from the SA Whale Centre’s FAQ page:
When is the whale watching season in SA?
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 we 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.
Southern Right Whale photo by Margan Toenee at Bashams Beach 06.08.2013
For more information and all enquiries please visit the SA Whale Centre website.
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.
