Image: Head of Bight Whale Watching Centre
Whale watching season will soon be upon us once again!
There’s something awe-inspiring about watching those huge creatures migrating over our beautiful oceans, and we want to help you witness the glorious sight for yourself. During the cooler months, the South Australian coastline becomes nursery grounds for the majestic Southern Right Whales who gather in our pristine waters as they feed their young ready for their long journey back to the Antarctic Waters.
Sightings of these majestic creatures usually begin around June through to September, with thousands of visitors adorning the Fleurieu coastline to spot a Southern Right Whale.
Victor Harbor, Fleurieu Peninsula
Image: Flinders University
Only an hour drive from Adelaide, Victor Harbor is one of the most convenient and lovely places to see the whales. There are many reasons why watching in Victor Harbor is popular, during whale season there are several ways to see the whales passing by or basking in our turquoise waters.
Head on down to The Bluff or Encounter Bay to see the whales, along with seals, sea lions and dolphins! You can also try watching from Port Elliot and Middleton.
To find out more about Victor Harbor whale watching visit, https://visitvictorharbor.com/things-to-do/whale-watching/#
Kangaroo Island
Image: Authentic Kangaroo ISland
One of South Australia’s prettiest holiday spots also happens to be home to some of the best whale watching areas! Visit Penneshaw, the outskirts of Kingscote, or Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to catch a glimpse.
Kangaroo Island forms part of the migratory path for both Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales. Both species feed in Antarctica in the summer and then migrate north to Australia to breed and give birth (especially in southern corners of Australia). In late autumn they begin their annual migratory route to their winter breeding and calving grounds in the warmer tropical waters of the Pacific.
Kangaroo Island is half an hour away from Adelaide by plane or a two-hour drive and ferry trip from Adelaide (maybe you’ll even spot whales on the way there!).
To find out more about KI whale watching visit, https://www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/stories/whale-watching-on-kangaroo-island
Head of Blight, Eyre Peninsula
Image: Head of Bight Whale Watching Centre
The Eyre Peninsula is an hour and a half plane trip from Adelaide or for more of an adventure, it’s an eight-hour drive from Adelaide. If you opt for the drive, you can stop along the way and check out some of the largest, most amazing silo art in South Australia on your way there!
Your first stop should be the Head of Blight viewing platform, where you can watch a variety of whales migrate along the coast. Southern Right Whales at Head of Bight take up ‘residence’ for an entire 5 month period between June and October and generally remain within a 15km long section of coast.
The high cliff line provides fantastic views for the land-based whale watchers, and boardwalks are available at Head of Bight to take visitors to two main viewing areas, one to the east and one to the west of the main pathway.
The boardwalk ramps are sloped for wheel chair access.
For more information visit, https://www.headofbight.com.au/whale-watching
Fowler’s Bay, Eyre Peninsula
Image: @kat_down_under
During winter each year, for the months of July, August and September, South Australia’s Fowlers Bay lights up with the magical presence of the Southern Right Whale.
Join Rod and Simone, from EP Cruises, onboard their 50ft passenger vessel “Asherah” for an up close and personal experience amongst these gentle giants of the deep.
Departing daily from the Fowlers Bay Jetty, each tour lasts approximately two hours and includes possible sightings and up close interactions with Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Bottlenose and Common Dolphins, Australian Sea Lions and Long Nosed Fur Seals, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Albatross, Little Penguins, Cliffs and so much more!
Recognised as a Southern Right Whale Aggregation Area and small nursing area – Fowlers Bay is a truely magnificent sight to see in Winter.
To know more about all things whale watching in SA, visit https://sawhalecentre.com.au/whale-watching-in-south-australia/
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