Winter Whale Watching Near the Mornington Peninsula

When we think about enjoying the coast, summer usually comes to mind. However, winter brings one of Victoria’s most memorable wildlife experiences—the annual whale migration.

From June through to August, humpback whales travel along the Phillip Island coastline as part of their annual migration. Southern right whales, dolphins, Australian fur seals and seabirds may also be spotted along the way.

For Mornington Peninsula locals, a winter whale-watching cruise makes a wonderful day trip and gives you the chance to see a very different side of our coastline.

Winter Whale Cruises with Wildlife Coast Cruises

Wildlife Coast Cruises operates winter whale-watching experiences from Phillip Island, within easy day-trip distance of the Mornington Peninsula.

Its four-hour Winter Whale Cruise departs from Rhyll Jetty at 8.30am and operates daily from June until early August. There is also an afternoon Dolphin and Whale Cruise departing from San Remo Jetty at 1pm during the same period.

The cruises travel along the coastline in search of migrating whales and other marine wildlife. No two outings are quite the same, which is part of the excitement.

You may see whales breaching, lifting their tails, slapping the water with their fins or simply travelling quietly along the coast. Wildlife Coast Cruises advises that groups of humpback whales can sometimes be seen relatively close to the Phillip Island shoreline during the migration season.

What else might you see?

Although whales are the main attraction, there may be plenty of other wildlife activity along the way.

Depending on the conditions and a little bit of luck, passengers may see:

• Common dolphins
• Australian fur seals
• Albatrosses and other seabirds
• Southern right whales
• Humpback whales

As these are wild animals moving through their natural environment, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, the search itself—surrounded by open water, rugged coastline and knowledgeable guides—is all part of the experience.

Planning your whale-watching day trip

August is your final opportunity to join the regular Phillip Island winter cruises, as the advertised season runs only until early August.

Bookings are recommended, particularly for weekend dates. Cruises are also weather-dependent, so it is sensible to confirm departure details before travelling. Wildlife Coast Cruises recommends arriving approximately 30 minutes before departure.

Warm, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket and enclosed shoes are good choices. Even on a calm day, conditions on the water can feel much colder than they do on land. Anyone prone to motion sickness may also wish to prepare before boarding.

Make a day of it

After the cruise, you could enjoy lunch in San Remo, explore Phillip Island, or stop somewhere along the way home.

It is an easy reminder that some of Victoria’s most remarkable experiences are available without booking a flight or organising a lengthy holiday.

Living on the Mornington Peninsula gives us access to beaches, countryside and wildlife throughout the year. Sometimes, we just need a little encouragement to put on a warm coat and explore it.

For cruise dates, availability and booking information, visit Wildlife Coast Cruises.

If you are looking for more things to do on the Mornington Peninsula, be sure to check out our recent blogs.... Let us know if there are any other topics you would like us to cover.

Ever thought about moving to the Mornington Peninsula?  Reach out to one of our friendly staff members to discuss your options.

For those who have thought about downsizing on the Mornington Peninsula check out our Youtube channel - filled with hints & tips to move you!

PLAYLISTS FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS

Watch our Youtube Renovate or Sell playlist here: https://morningtonpeninsulahomes.com/RenovateOrSell

Watch our Youtube Recognising when its time to Downsize playlist here: https://morningtonpeninsulahomes.com/RecognisingTimeToDownsize

Watch our Youtube Smart Moves for Downsizers playlist here: https://morningtonpeninsulahomes.com/47n2bHo

Watch our Youtube Living on the Mornington Peninsula playlist here: https://morningtonpeninsulahomes.com/3HMW3Of