Wildlife Diaries

As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s a perfect time to reflect on one of the ocean’s most remarkable bonds, the connection between humpback whale mothers and their calves. After a gestation of around 11 to 12 months, humpback cows travel from Antarctic feeding grounds to warm waters off northern Australia to…

The Winter Migration Thinking about joining our winter whale cruise? Here’s a closer look at what the experience can offer, and what makes each trip out on the water so unique. From June to August, our 3 to 4 hour cruises are scheduled daily from San Remo and Rhyll, right…

In the last few weeks, bottlenose dolphins have been a regular highlight on our Cape Woolamai Cruise, often seen riding the bow and playing in the wake as we pass the rugged coastline. These dolphins are one of two species found in the bay and around Phillip Island. Bottlenose dolphins…

Each year along the Bass Coast, the migration of the humpback whale brings excitement to coastal lookouts from Phillip Island to Cape Paterson. These whales are easy to recognise and often highly active, making them perfect for land-based whale watching. Humpbacks have several standout features. Their pectoral fins are incredibly…

Hope you are all enjoying a wonderful and safe Easter break! With eggs in mind, it is the perfect time to look at the incredible birdlife along the coast of Phillip Island. From the shy Hooded Plover to the powerful White-bellied Sea Eagle, the variety of species we encounter on…

With autumn weather starting to settle in, we are excited to hear of a few early humpback whale sightings along the Victorian coast. While it is not unusual to sight the occasional whales at this time of the year,  the main migration will properly commence from late May. Each year, more…

By around four months of age, the fur seal pups at Seal Rocks are now full of confidence and curiosity, spending more time in the water than on the rocks. What looks like playful behaviour is actually vital training for survival. Pups practice leaping clear of the water, building strength…

Each winter, humpback whales and southern right whales travel along Australia’s coastline during their annual migration from Antarctic feeding grounds to warmer breeding waters. While we sometimes see them feeding on their migration, their most important feeding happens far to the south in the rich waters of the Southern Ocean. Both…

As the long days of summer give way to cooler mornings and crisp sea breezes, autumn brings a noticeable shift along the coast. Late summer quietly marks the end of the breeding season for much of our local marine life, and a new chapter begins for the youngest members of…

Last week on our Wilsons Prom Full Day Cruise, our captain and crew sighted an entangled juvenile humpback whale travelling south just off Refuge Cove. The whale had a thick green rope wrapped around it and was moving very slowly. It was only approximately 5-6m in length, and believed to…