From scenic coastal lookouts to guided tours on Port Phillip Bay, dolphin watching near Melbourne offers a range of opportunities to see these remarkable animals in the wild. We mobilised a network of volunteers across the state to build a guide highlighting the top spots and tours for Melbourne dolphin watching while supporting conservation efforts. Each location and tour is selected for its commitment to responsible wildlife viewing, ensuring minimal impact on dolphins and their natural habitats.

The best time of year for dolphin watching in Melbourne generally falls between October and April, when weather conditions are ideal, and waters are calm. Dolphins are visible throughout the year, but these warmer months offer higher chances of sightings.

For the best experience, consider watching during early mornings or late afternoons, when dolphins tend to be more active.

Logans Beach in Warrnambool is a popular dolphin watching spot outside Melbourne, featuring an elevated sand dune platform with excellent visibility. The lookout has frequent sightings of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and migrating humpback whales. Although tours are only offered sporadically, the site provides educational materials on marine life and conservation. With accessible paths, free parking, and basic amenities, Logans Beach is a well-equipped lookout for marine life enthusiasts.

The Portland Whale Viewing Platform, located beside the WWII Memorial Tower, is a prime destination for dolphin watching in Victoria. This unique, whale-shaped platform offers panoramic views over the ocean and coastline, known for its seasonal sightings of Southern Right and Humpback whales, and with bottlenose and common dolphins year round. Dolphins are often seen interacting closer to shore or within the harbour, providing an exciting viewing experience for visitors. This lookout is accessible for those with mobility aids, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably. 

East Beach in Port Fairy, although not an official marine-spotting lookout, has become a favoured dolphin watching hotspot outside Melbourne due to its excellent visibility over Port Fairy Bay. As part of Victoria’s famed “Whale Trail,” the beach offers visitors a good chance to spot bottlenose dolphins, as well as Southern Right and Humpback whales, Blue whales, and Orcas. The expansive foreshore provides plenty of space, and while there is no designated platform, the flat paths, free binoculars, and accessible parking make it a comfortable viewing location. 

The Crags Coastal Reserve near Port Fairy is a breathtaking cliff top location offering an ideal spot for dolphin watching outside Melbourne. The elevated wooden platform provides panoramic, unobstructed views of the coastline, Deen Maar Island, and the surrounding ocean, making it an exceptional vantage point for wild dolphin watching.

This reserve is part of Victoria’s “Whale Trail,” renowned for frequent sightings of Humpback and Southern Right whales during winter and occasional Blue whale sightings in summer. The nearby Deen Maar Island, inhabited by a large fur seal colony, further enhances the appeal of this unique coastal spot. While accessible by car with ample parking, the platform includes a steep staircase, which may pose challenges for visitors requiring mobility aids.

Nestled along the stunning southern coast of Victoria, Cape Bridgewater offers a rugged yet rewarding dolphin watching experience outside of Melbourne. Located near Portland, the clifftop Seal Viewing Platform, accessible via the Great South West Walk, provides panoramic views over the bay, where dolphins are often sighted. This spot is also home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony, with year-round sightings, making it a versatile marine viewing destination.

While the trail to the viewing platform is not wheelchair-accessible, visitors can also enjoy the expansive views from Bridgewater Bay, which has accessibility considerations including designated parking, handrails, and ramps to the foreshore frontage. This location also has picnic areas making it an ideal spot for lunch. With ample shoreline and panoramic clifftop views, Cape Bridgewater offers visitors an immersive experience for spotting dolphins along this dramatic coastal stretch.