The winter months signal more than just cooler weather for the Fleurieu Peninsula – they herald the arrival of whales migrating along the coastline.

Make the most of whale watching season

The ideal time to witness these gentle giants is between May and October, with peak season from June to September. During these months, both southern right whales and humpback whales grace the south coast as part of their annual migration from the icy waters of the sub-Antarctic.

Marine biologist Dr Ali Bloomfield, of Fleurieu Marine Education, says the Fleurieu Peninsula offers prime land-based whale-watching spots, including The Bluff in Victor Harbor, Nakurami Kondoli (the whale lookout at Encounter Bay), Basham Beach at Middleton, and Frenchman's Lookout in Port Elliot.

Before setting off on a whale-watching adventure, Ali suggests checking the Encounter Whales Facebook page for up-to-date sighting information. Pack warm clothing, sunglasses, binoculars if you have them, and a thermos of your favourite hot drink. Most importantly, she says, be patient – whale watching requires time and perseverance.

Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission.

Encounter Bay: a critical nursery

Encounter Bay is a vital sanctuary for endangered southern right whales, serving as a breeding and nursery ground. Mothers and calves often spend up to four months in these waters, and the bay witnesses an average of three births each year, making it critical for the species' survival.

The Encounter Bay Right Whale Study (EBRWS) spearheads conservation efforts in the area through a citizen science program. It focuses on photo-identification, data collection for national assessments, behavioural studies, and movement tracking. This research is invaluable for refining conservation strategies.

Dr Claire Charlton, a marine biologist with EBRWS, says that each year they eagerly anticipate the return of favourite whales to the Encounter Bay nursery. “Many mothers, including Anu, Shamrock, and Chapeau, could potentially visit this season, based on their 3–5-year birth cycles,” she says. “Teresa, a veteran mother first recorded in 2006, is also a hopeful returnee. And let's not forget our beloved males, like Milky Way, Latte, Augustus, and Captain Hook, who always bring a smile to our faces.”

“Numerous other females have birthed calves here, and with more photos, we could identify even more individuals,” Claire says. EBRWS encourages anyone with good quality photos of whales to share their images and contribute to this important research effort.

Learn, explore, and protect

Whale watching offers a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate these magnificent creatures. However, it also serves as a reminder of the threats they face, Ali says. “We want people to appreciate them, as they were hunted to near extinction and they still face threats from humans: entanglement, boat strikes, disturbance, and climate change.”

Ali warns that if we don’t take action to conserve whales they might not be around forever. “Southern right whales are an endangered species and last year we didn’t have any resident nursing mothers, which was heartbreaking. We all hope we see some mothers return to our waters to birth and nurse their calves this year.”

To deepen your understanding of whales, visit the South Australian Whale Centre in Victor Harbor, offering interactive exhibits, educational programs, and the latest sighting information. Fleurieu Marine Education provides guided tours of the centre and walking tours focused on Victor Harbor's whaling history.

There’s no doubt about it – the Fleurieu really is the place to be this winter for a whale of a time!

Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission.