Phillip Island whale-watching cruises: When is whale season?

Whale season on Phillip Island is May to October. Wildlife Coast Cruises runs Phillip Island cruises from June to August, however. Expect to see dolphins, seals and sea birds as well as the Phillip Island whales.

Most of the best things to do on Phillip Island involve wildlife. This tourist-friendly island, a short day trip from Melbourne, is most famous for its penguin parade. But there are also koalas on Phillip Island, and Seal Rocks is a notorious hang out for fur seals.

Visit outside the main summer tourist season, when the Phillip Island weather is better, and there’s something much bigger to see. Whale season on Phillip Island is between May and October. That’s when southern right whales are on their annual migration. And, if you want to see the Phillip Island whales, there are Phillip Island whale-watching cruises you can book onto.

A whale seen from a Phillip Island whale-watching cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises. Photo courtesy of Visit Victoria.

Phillip Island whale-watching cruises in winter

Wildlife Coast Cruises in Cowes runs Phillip Island cruises year round, but come the winter months, the focus in on whales and dolphins. There are two separate tours – a four hour winter whale cruise, and a three-and-a-quarter hour dolphin and whale cruise.

The shorter dolphin and whale cruise is more of an all-rounder. It departs from the San Remo jetty at 12.45pm, arriving back at 4pm. On the way, it tackles Phillip Island’s southern coastline, going past the steep granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai. Whale and dolphins are not guaranteed, but they’re seen 80% of the time. There are also regular seal and sea bird sightings.

5 Phillip Island experiences to book before arriving

The legendary Penguin Parade – watch dozens of little penguins waddle home from the sea.
Seal-watching cruise – visit Australia’s largest fur seal colony.
Phillip Island helicopter tour – fly above the beaches and dramatic sea cliffs.
Whale-watching cruise – with dolphins, seals and rare sea birds on the way.
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory tour – with more than a touch of Willy Wonka.

The longer Phillip Island whale-watching cruise lasts for four hours, which obviously gives a better chance of sightings. This morning cruise departs from Rhyll Jetty, and these Phillip Island boat tours include a full circumnavigation of the island if weather conditions allow.

Whale-watching, Phillip Island: Seals & dolphins

This means you get to see the seals at Seal Rocks. Dolphins and the Wandering Albatross are also often seen, but the focus is on the migrating Southern Right Whales. Humpbacks sometimes pass by Phillip Island too, but the Southern Rights are the most reliable visitors.

Which Phillip Island tour from Melbourne should I choose?

For wildlife: Small group tour including Penguin Parade 🐧, Moonlit Sanctuary and Brighton Beach bathing boxes.
For koalas: Phillip Island Penguin Parade 🐧 trip including Koala Conservation Reserve 🐨.
For value: Full day tour including Penguin Parade and seals at the Nobbies Centre.

Wildlife Coast Cruises only runs the Phillip Island whale-watching cruises from June to early August. The longer cruise costs $125, and the shorter boat tour costs $110. The latter, of course, doesn’t require quite as early a start from Melbourne. This is the nearest place to Melbourne for whale-watching.

You can also explore Phillip Island’s indulgent side at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, Purple Hen Winery and Rusty Water Brewery.