RHYLL ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Winter Whale Cruise: Humpbacks and Southern Rights Encircle Phillip Island from Rhyll
A 4-hour wildlife cruise departing Rhyll Jetty that circumnavigates Phillip Island to search for humpback and southern right whales, plus seals and dolphins.
Winter Whale Cruise: Humpbacks and Southern Rights Encircle Phillip Island from Rhyll.
Cold winter seas and a sharp horizon set the stage for a wildlife-rich circumnavigation of Phillip Island. Departing from Rhyll, this four-hour cruise focuses on locating humpback and southern right whales — watch for blows, breaches, tail and peduncle slaps, and spy-hopping — while also passing colonies of Australian Fur Seals and opportunities to see dolphins playing in the boat’s wake.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Humpbacks and Southern Rights on the Move
The cruise targets both humpback and southern right whales. Keep a sharp eye for blows and surface behaviour — tail slaps, peduncle slaps, spy-hopping, feeding and travelling are all recorded behaviours on these outings.
Seal Rocks: Thousands of Fur Seals
A key stop on the circuit is Seal Rocks, where thousands of Australian Fur Seals can be observed in their natural habitat as the vessel passes by.
Dolphin Play and Onboard Insight
Common or bottlenose dolphins commonly frolic in the boat’s wake, and the captain and crew provide historical context and wildlife interpretation throughout the cruise.
What the day feels like
What the Cruise Feels Like
From Rhyll Jetty the boat heads out for a scenic circuit of Phillip Island. The pace alternates between scanning open water for whale blows and slowing near known haul-outs and seal colonies. Expect momentary surges of adrenaline when a breach or tail-slap happens, balanced by quieter stretches of narration from the crew about local history and animal behaviour.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and what to watch for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise is a four-hour outing; departures are from Rhyll Jetty and the itinerary circumnavigates Phillip Island in search of whales and other marine wildlife.
Follow the operator’s guidance for clothing and personal items. Note the operator prohibits drones and underwater GoPros on poles on public cruises.
Boarding is at Rhyll Jetty; the knowledgeable captain and crew will provide historical insights and interpret wildlife throughout the voyage.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The Winter Whale Cruise is four hours in duration.
Where does the cruise depart from?
The cruise departs from Rhyll Jetty.
Which whales can we expect to see?
The cruise targets humpback and southern right whales and watches for behaviours such as breaching, tail slaps, and spy-hopping.
Are there restrictions on equipment like drones or underwater cameras?
Due to regulations and safety issues, drones and underwater GoPros on poles are not allowed on public cruises.
Is the front deck accessible to all passengers?
For passenger safety, access to the front deck requires being over 1 metre tall.
Will we see other wildlife besides whales?
Yes — the cruise passes Seal Rocks where thousands of Australian Fur Seals can be observed, and common or bottlenose dolphins are often seen frolicking in the boat’s wake.