Whale watching in and around Portland is at its peak over the winter period where the coastline plays host to many of the wonderful creatures.
Portland plays home to a range of Gannets throughout the months of September to March each year. Being the only mainland colony in Australia, Portland has the ability to give you a rare experience to see both the Australasian Gannet alongside the Cape Gannet.
The Gannets are here 24/7 throughout these months with some nesting while others go fishing. You can see these beautiful creatures from a lookout at any time of the day however if you wish to get up close to these stunning birds it is possible by organising a guided visit. The Portland Visitor Information Centre organises the visits and a volunteer will meet you out at the designated time to get within 10 metres of the birds.
Head to Portland Victoria to see these wonderful birds up close and personal. These fishing birds are truly beautiful with wingspans growing up to two metres. Portland is lucky enough to have a land based colony which is the only one in Australia.
Watch from the lookout in Point Danger Coastal Reserve as they dive into the water to catch their pray, or even contact the Visitor Information Centre to organise a guided visit that will get you up close and personal with these wonderful creatures.
To get there head to Point Danger Coastal Reserve by following Madeira Packet Road until you reach Alcoa Side Track. From there, follow the well located signs all the way out to the colony.
An exhilarating three-minute-journey across the sea follows, delivering visitors to the striking seal colony, abundant in playful Australian and New Zealand fur seals.
An action packed 45 minute tour by boat where you can get up close and personal with the largest mainland breed seal colony in Australia. Watch the adult and baby seals surf, slide down the rocks and jump beside the boat. If your lucky you will even see dolphins and whales as well.
See more about Seals by Sea Tours
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
