Whale Discovery Trail

Whale Trail Phillip Island & Bass Coast

Wondering where to spot whales on Phillip Island and surrounds?

From mid-May to September (with the peak season being June and July), you can discover these beautiful majestic creatures along the coastline of Phillip Island and Bass Coast on the Whale Discovery Trail. Take a walk, ride or drive along the discovery trail to spot whales and learn about the natural environment, from Eagles Nest in the East to Cowes on Phillip Island.

The trail will lead you to a range of coastal viewing points where interpretive signage provides insights into the majestic life of whales, their behaviours and what to look out for when whale watching.

📍Cowes - Humpbacks have been spotted near the jetty several times when they enter the bay. Keep an eye out, especially if the weather is wild on the surf side.

📍Grossard Point (Ventnor) - This point, in Ventnor, became the site of the lonely grave of Captain Grossard in 1868 after a tragic accident. Watch for whales entering the bay close to shore.

📍Summerland - Home to the Little Penguins, the

📍The Nobbies - Wander along the boardwalks as you look for signs of whales. A popular spot for spotting whale passing by.

📍Pyramid Rock - Another great vantage point to spot whale migrating by. Head out to the lookout point or take a walk along the Pyramid Rock to Berries Beach walk and keep a look out for signs of whales.

📍Cape Woolamai - Home to Phillip Island's largest colony of short-tailedshearwaters that fly here from waters around Alaska each year to breed. Look for albatross and sea eagles soaring above. The long stretch of beach, along with the Cape Woolamai trail, provide

📍Kilcunda - Watch the waves for whales, dolphins and seabirds. To the east lies the environmentally and culturally significant Powlett River estuary, a sanctuary for birdlife including the threatened orange-bellied parrot.

📍Punchbowl - Follow the George Bass Coastal Walk for spectacular coastal views. Watch for whales from the high cliff overlooking the wild waters and pounding surf of Bass Strait.

📍Cape Patterson - Bunurong Marine Park protects broad rock platforms and underwater reefs that are home to over 300 species of animals and plants. This is a great spot for watching for whales. It's also perfect for putting on your snorkel and exploring the vast array of marine life below the surface.

📍Eagles Nest - Home to Australia's first dinosaur bone,this vantage point at Inverloch offers a great view point.

For whale-watching cruises visit Wildlife Coast Cruises.

Whale watching Phillip Island and surrounds

Looking forward to seeing whales around Phillip Island but you’re not sure where to look for them? Have you seen a whale but you’re not sure how to share your sighting?

Here are some tips to help you spot whales:

From May to October, humpback whales and southern right whales can be seen along the Victorian coastline.

Whale sightings in the area usually posted on the Wildlife Whales App, which can be downloaded below. Get live whale notifications from Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory. A whale watchers guide to these areas with information on the best lookouts, whale behaviour, what to look for, whale cruises and more.

Most updates are near to real-time and often include tips on where the whales could be seen from. For your best chance of seeing whales, keep an eye out on these Facebook pages and be ready to grab your binoculars and head out to the lookouts to spot the whales yourselves.

Remember to look after the coastal environment by watching out for wildlife on the roads, and by keeping to the tracks. If you’re lucky to see whales, please share your sighting by reporting your sighting on ‘PodWatch’ or call Wildlife Coast Cruises on 1300 763 739.

For the latest sightings, you can check the Whale Sightings for the Phillip Island region or check with the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre at Newhaven.

Whale discovery trail brochure

More Viewing Opportunities

Take To The Water - Whale Watching Tours

Join Wildlife Coast Cruises on their Winter Whale Cruises for a chance to see and learn more about these majestic creatures.

Bring a pair of binoculars and a warm jacket, and see if you can spot a whale or two. As well as searching for the great whales, whale watchers will have a very high chance of seeing playful dolphins and will also visit Seal Rocks to enjoy the spectacle of thousands of fur seals frolicking, gaze at beautiful sea birds like the shy albatross with its awe-inspiring 2.5 metre wingspan and take in the spectacular coastal scenery of Phillip Island including The Nobbies, Pyramid Rock and Cape Woolamai. The cruise includes morning tea and a hearty lunch of soup and sandwiches.

Embark on a winter whale-watching adventure with Wildlife Coast Cruises, Winter Whale Cruise discovering Phillip Island’s picturesque coastline. Search for Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route regularly joined by playful dolphins pods, curious seals and a variety of birdlife including the Wandering Albatross.

Take to the air

Phillip Island Helicopters provides scenic flights across the Island and are always on the lookout for migrating whales.

From land

The following points provide good viewing options of the southern coastline and areas where whales migrate.

Cape Woolamai - Pyramid Rock - Surf Beach - The Nobbies and Summerland area.