Killer Whales at Phillip Island

Killer whales off Pyramid Rock!

On August 3rd, dozens of whale watchers on land and on the Dolphin & Whale Cruise were treated to a spectacular encounter of at least five killer whales including one calf. The whales were travelling along the southside of Phillip Island and came within a few hundred metres off Pyramid Rock, allowing fantastic viewing from land, as the whales surfaced every few minutes. 

From the Brianna Lee, passengers and crew marvelled at the close-up encounter as one of the whales approached the vessel briefly and displayed its magnificent tail.

This pod is not new to Phillip Island, the family group consists of adult killer whales that are known to pass through the area for over 20 years now. The main family members that are recognisable are Bent Fin and Split Fin. While the pod may not cruise the area every year, this particular season they have already been sighted four times in Victoria since late June; sightings were recorded in East Gippsland, Westernport Bay, and twice in Port Phillip Bay. The same pod has also been sighted off New South Wales.

The sightings usually coincide with the humpback whale migration, as killer whales are known to hunt their calves.

Sightings such as these are not only exciting but also important in understanding the killer whale family composition and distribution range.

Photos by Ian Ryan.