7 best spots to see whales in SA

Ready to have a whale of a time?

By Jeremy Rochow
Published: Friday, May 31, 2019

Pack a flask with coffee or tea, a picnic blanket and your binoculars and head for the South Australian coast – whale watching season is here.

Every winter from mid-May to October, whales flock to SA from their feeding grounds in Antarctica as part of their annual migration.

We’ve found 7 of the best places to catch a glimpse of these majestic giants as they breach, dive and slap their tails in the water.

1. Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is surrounded by marine life, so it shouldn’t come as surprise that the isolated area sees dozens of whales each year.

About a 30-minute flight from Adelaide or 4-hour drive and ferry trip, Kangaroo Island has a number of locations where you can see them. If you’re lucky enough, you might even see some during the 45-minute ferry trip out to the island.

Visit Hog Bay at Penneshaw, Kingscote, or Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for the best chance to see the mammals on display.

If you want to get your sea legs, take a Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari. During this experience you’ll witness dolphins, seals and whales in their natural habitat.

Want to extend your stay on KI? Book a night at Emu Bay Stay. You could even catch a glimpse of a whale from the coastal property.

Rocks, sand and water at Hog Bay on Kangaroo Island.
There are numerous spots on Kangaroo Island, including Hog Bay, where you can catch a glimpse of whales. Image: SATC

2. Hallett Cove boardwalk

The Hallett Cove boardwalk between Marino and Hallett Cove is known for its beautiful coastal views, but on occasion you might also catch a glimpse of a southern right whale or two resting in the shallow bays.

So, next time you’re huffing and puffing as you walk up the stairs along the cliff face or dreaming of the ricotta hotcakes at the Boatshed Café, keep an eye on the ocean.

 

A view of the Hallett Cove Boardwalk with the ocean in the background.
You might just spot a whale from the Hallett Cove Boardwalk if you're lucky.

3. Middleton

It’s common to see dozens of whale watchers standing on the Middleton foreshore to view the whales visiting the area. You can park your car on Miami Blvd and walk just a few metres before seeing the ocean’s giants in the distance.

It’s also worth checking out other whale-watching spots at Surfers Beach and Middleton Point.

Aerial view of a whale and its calf.
You can view whales frolicking off the coast at Middleton. Image: SATC

4. Victor Harbor

Victor Harbor is home to the South Australian Whale Centre and it’s easy to see why. There are numerous whale-watching spots in Victor Harbor worth visiting.

Walk across to fan-favourite Granite Island and you might be able to spot a southern right or humpback whale while they’re on their annual migration.

Animal enthusiasts might also want to go on a Big Duck Boat Tour, exploring islands in the Fleurieu Peninsula that are home to seals and dolphins, as well as migrating whales.

Big Duck Boat Tours, leaving from the Granite Island Causeway, offer 45-minute and 90-minute tours around the region.

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you’re on the Fleurieu Peninsula, check out the Victor Apartments in Victor Harbor.

Tourists on a boat taking photos of dolphins.
On a Big Duck Boat Tour you can see dolphins, seals and Whales. Image: SATC

5. Encounter Bay

Bring your bike when you visit the Fleurieu Peninsula and ride along the Encounter bikeway. It will take you all the way from Goolwa to Encounter Bay.

Whether you want to start or finish at Encounter Bay, there are lots of spots to try and get a glimpse of whales frolicking in the water.

You could see the creatures from the stunning Waitpinga Cliffs, Kings Head or The Bluff if you’re lucky.

View from the air of The Bluff in Encounter Bay.
The Bluff in Encounter Bay sees dozens of whales visit each year. Image: SATC

6. Fowlers Bay

If you’re on the Eyre Peninsula and want to see southern right and humpback whales, who migrate to the area each winter to mate and nurse their calves, visit Fowlers Bay.

Once the site of a whaling station, the waters around Fowlers Bay are now packed with these gentle giants.

The peaceful bay is also a fantastic fishing location, and has sand hills perfect for sandboarding.

If you’re interested in the area’s whaling history, there’s an old whaling station south of the town with old whale bones on display.

A whale in the Great Australian Bight raising its tail.
Between May and October whales visit Fowlers Bay on the Nullabor Plains. Image: SATC

7. Head of Bight

The head of the Great Australian Bight is one of the most significant places for the southern right whales, as they come into the area in early June to give birth in the semi-protected waters.

From the boardwalk atop the cliffs at the Head of Bight Whale Watching Centre you can marvel at the southern right whales that call the area home over winter.

If you listen carefully you might even hear the whales sing as they swim within the bay.

You can stand atop the cliffs at the Head of the Bight to view the whales visiting the area. Image: SATC

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