Early whale sightings

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 than 50,000 humpback whales migrate along Australia’s east coast, marking one of the ocean’s great seasonal movements. It’s a remarkable recovery story, with numbers steadily growing after the end of commercial whaling. 

These whales travel north from Antarctic feeding grounds to warmer tropical waters to breed and give birth. The calmer conditions are ideal for newborn calves, offering protection from predators and cold southern seas.

The migration happens in stages. Early in the season, from May into June, adult and sexually mature whales lead the way north. As the weeks pass, more whales follow, with pregnant females travelling last. This is to ensure the pregnant cows have had the longest period possible to gain weight to sustain the journey and birth of their calves.

On the return journey south, from around September, many of these females are seen again with young calves by their side.

Humpbacks usually travel in small pods of two or three, often with a male escort accompanying a female. They generally travel at a steady pace of about 5 knots (approx. 10km/hr), surfacing to breathe every 3 to 15 minutes depending on their size and level of activity.

Interestingly, they often stay close to shore, following the natural contours of the coastline as a guide. This behaviour brings them within easy view of land and makes encounters along places like Phillip Island especially memorable.

Be on the lookout for early whales in the area, and book your whale cruise ahead of time this season!