As the colder weather kicks in around Adelaide, the list of things most people want to do outside dwindles. But the exciting news is that Whale Watching season has begun! From late May right up until October Southern Right whales return to the shores around Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor area.
Only an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the southern Fleurieu Peninsula is a whale watcher’s paradise so get some warm clothes, some binoculars and head down for a day’s whale watching with the family.
The first arrivals in Encounter Bay are usually expected in mid-May, and are eagerly awaited by whale watchers who hope to catch a glimpse of the huge beasts from atop the cliffs, beaches and headlands of the area’s stunning coastline.
Thousands of visitors flock to the seaside resort town of Victor Harbor, keeping staff at the SA Whale Centre’s Information Booth very busy fielding their enquiries. In some years, the whales have attracted up to 400,000 people to the area over the winter months.
The SA Whale Centre has an online Whale Sighting Log giving visitors details of when and where the whales are before they get to the area and the best places to sight them. They also have some great tips for where to spot whales, how to identify them and what the different whale behaviours mean.
For example, did you know that a whale breaches for a number of reasons which can be to communicate, dislodge parasites, get a higher view, drive off predators or just play. Humpback whales can actually clear their entire body out of the water! Amazing to see!
One of our KiA families lives down in Victor Harbor and Matty has shared his favourite spots to spot whales below.
The Bluff Encounter Bay
The Bluff at Encounter Bay gives you one of the best vantage points for whale watching. The walk to the top isn’t too strenous and can be easily done by families. At the top you get a 360 degree view over the whole bay which is perfect to spot the migrating Southern Right Whales. Pack your binoculars and walking shoes and if you are lucky you might get to see a Humpback whale as well. No toilets here, but there are cafes on the esplanade just before you reach The Bluff car park.
Nakurami Kondoli (whale lookout) Encounter Bay
This look out is located at the end of Kings Beach Road in Encounter Bay. It’s a newly built platform and has a walking trail back towards the bluff. To the right of the platform is part of the Heysen trail, which takes you to Kings Head which has some stunning cliff views. This one is a great place to stop for some whale watching on the family walk.
Freeman Lookout Port Elliot
Freemans Lookout is definitely one of our favourite spots for whale watching, not only are there frequent sightings the lookout itself has seats, a telescope and information boards. There are also cafes not too far away in Port Elliot so perfect for that before or after whale watching coffee.
Hayward Court McCracken
One of our favourite spots to whale watch is on Hayward Court in McCracken. This spot is stunning and overlooks the Bay in Victor and Olivers Reef (which is one of our favourite spots for rockpools, click here to read that post). We also love this spot as the whales are known for coming in close here which makes for some amazing photos.
The SteamRanger passes between the grassed area and the beach so not only is it a great spot for the whales, it’s also awesome for watching the trains. You do need to cross the train tracks to get down to the beach though so kids need to be supervised.
Petrel Cove Encounter Bay
Petrel Cove is one of the most popular hot spots for whale watching in the Victor Harbor region. Not only is this spot great for whale watching, it’s also the start of the encounter bikeway and part of the Victor Harbor Heritage Trail which is a family friendly 1.7km walk from Petrel Cove to Kings Beach Road.
Granite Island
Granite Island is also a great spot to whale watch. You’ll find whale information boards and some of the best unobstructed views across the water.
S.A Whale Centre, Victor Harbor
And of course no whale watching adventure is complete without a trip to the S.A Whale Centre. Visitors can experience the natural wonders of the deep, explore the world heritage listed railway building, and gain further knowledge about Victor Harbor and South Australia’s marine treasures. The centre provides whale sighting information, education and research support services through a range of mediums and brings together a unique collection of historic treasures, marine, cultural, and aboriginal heritage to deliver an inspiring and enjoyable experience for every visitor.
The Whale Centre’s Information Booth, website and Whale Information Hotline on 1900 WHALES or 1900 942 537 all offer the latest updates on sightings in Encounter Bay and across the state. Whale watchers can also collect a free Whale Information Booklet from the Centre during the season, which includes a detailed map of Encounter Bay to help locate the whales quickly.
Or if you’re after something up close and personal check out Big Duck Boat Tours who offer a 90-minute Southern Ocean Adventure Tour that departs from the Granite Island Causeway.
You might also be interested in
-
Find it at: Franklin Parade, Victor Harbor What a hidden little gem this is! I'm sure regulars to Victor Harbor will tell us they've been visiting this park for ages but it's a new one for us! Kent Reserve is found on Franklin Parade, on the foreshore half way between Encounter Bay and Victor Harbor town. It's a beautiful big green, shady and fairly quiet spot away from the busier playgrounds in Victor. There is PLENTY of room for picnics with lots of tables and seats and BBQ facilities. The kids can kick a ball and run around and there are lots of beautiful big shady trees (the playground itself isn't shaded, but there are plenty of spots to escape the sun on a hot day) There are toilets too! There is also a small basketball court and a seperate section with adult gym equipment. There's nothing wow factor about the playground equipment but definitely enough there to keep kids busy. There's swings, monkey bars, climbing nets, rockers, a slide and a cool spinning frame that was the favourite BUT BE WARNED it's bark chips!! Gah! Shoes are needed, unless your kids have concrete feet. Here's a tip......pop up the…
-
Toddlers are busy, toddlers are fun, when they throw a tantrum you’ll just want to run! Toddlers can be hard work, but can also be SO MUCH fun. Give them the right space and it’s so entertaining (and also very important) to just let them free and watch them learn, experience, climb, run, fall, work out and try again. Finding that safe space can be tricky though and a fully fenced playground, shallow spot for a splash on a hot day, a cafe with a great play corner or a venue that caters for toddler needs is like finding gold in them thar hills. Here’s our top 10 ways to keep your toddlers happy, entertained and having fun in Adelaide
-
There are so many pick your own activities around Adelaide, however no one can deny once you've tried a delicious freshly picked strawberry nothing else will ever compare! Strawberry picking season usually happens between October and May (weather dependant) but best to check each individual patch as they all vary.
