Whale season gives winter tourism a lift on the Great Ocean Road

WHALE season has arrived along the Great Ocean Road, providing a welcome boost for tourism operators as the region enters its quieter winter months.

Great Ocean Road Tourism general manager Liz Price said sightings of southern right and humpback whales were a major drawcard for visitors during winter as the animals made their annual migration along the coast. “Most people come here [in winter] to spend time in nature and do the walks, the waterfalls and hoping to see whales,” she said.

Price said winter was increasingly seen as a time for visitors to slow down, rug up and enjoy the coast in a different way.

“They can be a bit unpredictable,” she said of the whale. “But that is part of the magic.”

 

Visitors can track reported whale sightings along the coast through Great Ocean Road Tourism’s online whale trail, which allows people to follow recent sightings and migration activity.

Price said that helped build anticipation and encouraged people to head down and try their luck.

“There’s a bit of surprise value in just being in the area,” she said. “That is a big driver for people over winter.”

While winter is traditionally quieter for coastal tourism operators, Price said there remained strong interest from people looking to travel closer to home and experience the region’s natural attractions.

She said Great Ocean Road Tourism was working with operators across the region to encourage overnight stays and showcase local food, accommodation and experiences.

 

A whale sighting can be the highlight of a winter getaway, but Price said the appeal often

extended beyond the migration season to the beaches, waterfalls, walks and broader natural environment.

“Winter is about slowing down,” she said. “Get out in nature and you will feel so much better for it afterwards.”

She also encouraged locals to explore their own backyard during the quieter season, noting that many residents may still have hidden corners of the region left to discover.