Whale season has officially arrived on the Fleurieu Peninsula, with Victor Harbor welcoming its first confirmed Southern Right Whale of 2026.
The exciting sighting, confirmed by the dedicated team at the Encounter Bay Right Whale Study, kicks off the beginning of what is expected to be another remarkable season for whale watchers along South Australia’s coastline.
Each year, Southern Right Whales undertake a huge migration from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warmer, sheltered bays of southern Australia. Victor Harbor is one of the country’s most important nursery areas for the species, providing a safe environment where whales can rest, socialise and, in many cases, give birth to their calves.
The arrival of the first whale is always exciting for the region, signalling the start of the months-long migration period that draws thousands of visitors to the Fleurieu Peninsula each winter.
The timing couldn’t be better, with the first confirmed sighting coinciding with Victor Harbor’s Winter Whale Fest celebrations this June. Winter Whale Fest takes over Victor Harbour, spotlighting the region’s marine wildlife, coastal experiences and whale-watching opportunities.
The return of the endangered giants also highlights the important role South Australia’s coastline plays in supporting the recovery and protection of Southern Right Whales. Once hunted to near extinction during the whaling era, the species continues to recover slowly, making every sighting a welcome reminder of ongoing conservation efforts.
Visitors heading to Victor Harbor over the coming weeks are encouraged to keep an eye on the water, with sightings expected to become more often as the season progresses. Some of the best viewing locations include the Victor Harbor coastline, Encounter Bay and The Bluff.
The South Australian Whale Centre is also asking the community to help track whale movements throughout the season. Anyone who spots a whale is encouraged to report the sighting, ideally with photos or video, along with details such as location, time, direction of travel and distance from shore.
Reports can be submitted through the South Australian Whale Centre’s online whale sighting log, by phone, or via its social media channels.
As for now, this first sighting marks a warm welcome back to one of South Australia’s most beloved winter visitors, and the official start of what promises to be another unforgettable whale season on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
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