WHALE watching season has started with an impressive display in western Victoria, with a Southern Right whale exploring the Port of Portland over the weekend.
The giant mammal was spotted on Sunday afternoon in Portland Bay, with whale watchers catching a close glimpse from the popular Lee Breakwater jetty.
Preparing for what is hoped to be a bumper season, Portland Tourism Association president Dennis Carr said Portland was living up to its profile as a whale watching capital.
“Last year Portland and the surrounding region experienced record breaking whale sightings off our coastlines, delighting locals and visitors to our region from May through to October,” he said.
“A total of 115 Southern Right, 30 Humpback and three Orca whale sightings were sighted off coastlines near Portland, Narrawong, Cape Nelson and Cape Bridgewater during the annual whale migration period.
“Following on from this unprecedented success, this confirmed visitor on Sunday is a promising sign that we will experience yet another year of high whale visitation.”
