Any day now we can expect whale sightings in the waters of the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. These majestic creatures use the sheltered and warm (for them) waters to raise their calves during the winter months. Many of the calves are born at the Head of the Bight on South Australia’s far west coast and then stay for months for their calves to feed and grow in these safe waters.

Southern Right whales and Humpback whales can be spotted along the coast, sometimes easily mistaken for an outcrop of rock in the water, but if you are lucky enough you may just witness them breaching, tail or fin slapping, blowing and body rolling.

There are plenty of great viewing spots along the coastline between Victor Harbor and Middleton but my favourite place to see them up close is the stretch between Bashams Beach and Middleton Point. From this higher vantage point the whales make land based whale watching and photography easy. Quite spectacularly too, while surfers are catching waves closer in at Middleton, whales can be spotted breaching out the back.

This stretch of the coast has the Encounter Bikeway running past it and is perfect for riding or walking along to follow the whales as they move through. Reports of sightings as they happen can be found on the SA Whale Centre Website and believe me, these huge creatures must be seen to appreciate their incredible size and once spotted you’ll be absolutely mesmerized.

There is a caravan park at Middleton and also at nearby Port Elliot, where whales have also be seen and the bonus is that the Port Elliot Holiday Park is right on the water and has the encounter bikeway passing behind it. See my South Australia gallery page for photos of these amazing animals.