Record Numbers of Whale Sightings Predicted off Phillip Island These School Holidays

The whale migration season has begun and, with sea conditions currently ideal, record numbers of Humpback whales have recently been spotted off Phillip Island, with sightings set to continue throughout the winter school holidays. Daily sightings of at least one pod of Humpback whales have been reported over the past week, with a total of 26 whales spotted at various locations off Phillip Island and nearby Inverloch and Kilcunda. In celebration of this early arrival of the migration season, Wildlife Coast Cruises are offering a special offer these school holidays with a 10% discount on family passes for the Winter Whale Cruise.

Throughout the winter school holidays, families can experience a Winter Whale Cruise for a cost of $295 per family (two adults and two children) which represents a 10% saving. Families can use the promotional code WINTERWHALES2015 when booking to take advantage of the discount.

The Winter Whale Cruise runs on Saturdays and Sundays, departing Cowes at 9.30am and returning at 1.30pm. As well as searching for the great whales, whale watchers will have a very high chance of seeing playful dolphins and will also visit Seal Rocks to enjoy the spectacle of thousands of fur seals frolicking, gaze at beautiful sea birds like the Shy Albatross with its awe inspiring 2.5 metre wingspan and take in the spectacular coastal scenery of Phillip Island including The Nobbies, Pyramid Rock and Cape Woolamai. The cruise includes morning tea and a hearty lunch of soup and sandwiches.  

Nature enthusiasts visiting Phillip Island these school holidays will also enjoy:

Wildlife Encounters

Thrill seeking nature lovers can now sign up for the new Wild Oceans EcoBoat Adventure Tour which weaves its way beyond the island's shores on a high speed tour of the rugged coastline. Adventurers can expect encounters with Australia's largest fur seal colony at Seal Rocks along with spectacular views of the Summerland Peninsula's cliffs and the explosive blowhole at The Nobbies. From June through to September, nature lovers will also have the added possibility of a breathtaking close encounter with migrating humpback whales. The Wild Oceans EcoBoat Adventure Tours run for 60 and 90 minutes and prices start at $85 per adult.   

The Famous Little Penguins

After taking in the coastal views, visitors should not miss a visit to the Little Penguins that have made the Island world famous. The Phillip Island Penguin Parade now offers an Ultimate Penguin Tour which provides a private ranger guide to lead small groups out onto a secluded beach complete with personal headsets for commentary and high tech night vision scopes to spy on the Little Penguins as they waddle home for the night. On this tour, visitors are privy to the magical experience of walking back to the parade through the heart of the penguin colony.