3Hr Wilsons Promontory Whale Watching Cruise

From $175

Start Time 11:00

Duration 3hr

  • 2.5-hour whale watching cruise along Wilsons Prom
  • Cruise aboard a purpose-built amphibious vessel
  • Sightings of whales, orcas, dolphins, seals, seabirds etc.
  • Visit Norman Beach, Sea Eagle Bay, South Point, Kanowna Island & more
  • Knowledgeable commentary by local guide
  • Complimentary ginger tablets for motion sickness
  • Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed and the cruise route and stops may vary depending on weather, sea conditions and whale activity

About This Experience

The Wilsons Promontory Whale Watching Cruise is a 2.5-hour wildlife and coastal cruise departing (Jun–Nov) from Tidal River into the waters around Wilsons Promontory in search of migrating Humpback and Southern Right Whales and other marine life. The experience combines whale watching in Wilsons Prom with views of the coastline, Kanowna Island, South Point, Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse etc., accompanied by commentary from an experienced local crew. 

Wilsons Prom Whale Watching Experience

Located around 220 kilometres from Melbourne, the Wilsons Prom National Park is a vast coastal wilderness area where forests, granite mountains, beaches and rugged headlands meet the Bass Strait. This whale watching cruise in Wilsons Prom begins at Tidal River, the main visitor hub within Wilsons Promontory National Park. From here, board the purpose-built amphibious vessel and head out towards Norman Beach. The area is known for its granite formations, rich marine environment and snorkelling ops. 

As the cruise continues, keep watch for Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales, which migrate through these waters during the cooler months. Southern Right Whales are recognisable by their distinctive V-shaped blow, while Humpback Whales are known for their long pectoral fins, various playful movements and melodic songs. 

The wildlife search extends beyond whales. Short-beaked Common Dolphins and Bottlenose Dolphins may appear alongside the vessel, while Orcas can occasionally be spotted in small pods. The cruise also passes Sea Eagle Bay, where White-Bellied Sea Eagles can be seen soaring above the water.

Further along the route, reach South Point, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, where rugged cliffs meet the open sea. The journey then continues towards Kanowna Island, a marine wildlife hotspot known for its Australian Fur Seal colony and seabird breeding sites.

During this cruise, the crew provides commentary about the wildlife, coastline and marine environment. The exact route and sightings vary with weather, sea conditions and animal activity, but nonetheless, you see the wildies and The Prom in one experience. Book now! 

Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For

This cruise is ideal for wildlife lovers, nature enthusiasts, families and groups looking to experience Wilsons Prom from the water. It combines whale watching with views of the rugged coastline and diverse marine wildlife.

Cruise Details

Location Near Tidal River Open Air Cinema 1 Melbourne Road, Tidal River

Departure Boards Departs Returns Duration
1 10:30 11:00 13:30 3hr
 

  • 2.5-hour whale watching cruise along Wilsons Prom
  • Cruise aboard a purpose-built amphibious vessel
  • Sightings of whales, orcas, dolphins, seals, seabirds etc.
  • Visit Norman Beach, Sea Eagle Bay, South Point, Kanowna Island & more
  • Knowledgeable commentary by local guide
  • Complimentary ginger tablets for motion sickness
  • Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed and the cruise route and stops may vary depending on weather, sea conditions and whale activity

  • Whale watching and wildlife encounters alongside spectacular Wilsons Promontory National Park scenery
  • Explore bays, islands and rugged coastline inaccessible by land aboard a purpose-built amphibious vessel
  • See coastal landmarks – South Point, Kanowna Island and Wilsons Prom Lighthouse from the water
  • Get the National Park experience in under three hours, combining marine wildlife & coastal sightseeing

  • Adult Price

    from $175

  • Child (4–15 years)

    from $110

  • Family (2 adults + 2 children)

    from $515

  • Wilsons Promontory Cruises Booking Centre, next to Tidal River Cinema, 1 Melbourne Road, Tidal River
  • Enter ‘Tidal River Cinema, Wilsons Promontory’ into google maps or GPS for exact location 
  • There is no public transport available to reach Tidal River. You can only reach there by car. It takes approx. 3 hours to drive from Melbourne.

 

  • 10:30am | Boarding: Arrive at Tidal River and board the vessel ahead of departure.
  • 11:00am | Cruise departs: Set off from Tidal River and begin exploring the waters around Wilsons Promontory.
  • Norman Beach: Begin exploring the Wilsons Promontory coastline, passing Norman Beach and its distinctive granite formations.
  • Whale watching: Head onto the waters to search for migrating Southern Right and Humpback Whales.
  • Marine wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for dolphins and Orcas, along with seabirds and other marine life.
  • Sea Eagle Bay: Cruise past the tranquil waters of Sea Eagle Bay, where White-bellied Sea Eagles may be seen overhead.
  • South Point: Continue towards South Point, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, for views of the rugged coastline and open Bass Strait.
  • Kanowna Island: Visit the waters around Kanowna Island, a marine wildlife hotspot known for its Australian Fur Seal colony and seabirds.
  • 1:30pm | Return: Arrive back at Tidal River and conclude the cruise.

  • Hotel transfers to and from Tidal River
  • Food and drinks

  • Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
  • Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
  • No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
  • A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.
  • An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
  • Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee
  • Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date. 
  • Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee

  • This vessel is not wheel chair accessible
  • This vessel is not suitable for people with mobility impairments

How to get to Tidal River?
Tidal River is approximately 220 km from Melbourne. Take the Monash Freeway (M1) and continue onto the South Gippsland Highway (M420). Near Meeniyan, turn onto Meeniyan-Promontory Road (C444) and follow the road through Fish Creek and Yanakie towards Wilsons Promontory National Park. Once inside the national park, allow around another 30 minutes to reach the Tidal River.

Where to park? 
Tidal River Visitor Centre Car Park is available for visitors. Parking at Tidal River can become limited during weekends, holidays and other busy periods. If you are visiting for the day, arrive early and allow extra time to find a parking spot before boarding. 

Can I reach Tidal River by public transport?
There is no direct public transport service to the Tidal River. Driving is the most practical way to reach the departure point.

Is whale watching guaranteed?
No. The cruise takes you into areas where whales are known to migrate, but whales are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed. The route may also change according to weather, sea conditions and wildlife activity.

What other wildlife can I see?
Apart from whales, you may see orcas, Bottlenose Dolphins, Short-Beaked Common Dolphin, Australian Fur Seals, seabirds White-bellied Sea Eagles etc.

 

Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.

Important to Know
  • This experience requires good weather. In the event of cancellation due to bad weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • Service animals are permitted on board.
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Check-in time is 30 minutes before the tour's departure time. This allows for check-in, a safety briefing, and getting to the vessel.
What to bring?
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Binoculars

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link;

https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

From $175

Start Time 11:00

Duration 3hr

  • 2.5-hour whale watching cruise along Wilsons Prom
  • Cruise aboard a purpose-built amphibious vessel
  • Sightings of whales, orcas, dolphins, seals, seabirds etc.
  • Visit Norman Beach, Sea Eagle Bay, South Point, Kanowna Island & more
  • Knowledgeable commentary by local guide
  • Complimentary ginger tablets for motion sickness
  • Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed and the cruise route and stops may vary depending on weather, sea conditions and whale activity

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