Whale of a time set for sharp eyes on coast

Jane Emerick
Whales are on the horizon for the region’s coastal waters after turning up at Cape Otway this week, according to an expert on the giant mammals.
Department of Sustainability whale researcher Mandy Watson said the southern right whales could soon turn up off the Surf Coast or Bellarine Peninsula.
However, a clear day, binoculars and patience might be necessary to make a sighting because they could be far offshore.
“We normally see them off the western coast of Victoria every winter but you’re much more likely to see them at Warrnambool,” Ms Watson said.
“But down here there have already been a lot of humpback whale sightings.”
Ms Watson said the black and white southern right whales were the most likely species to appear in the Geelong region’s waters as they travelled from subArctic waters to the south of Australia.
She asked residents who saw whales in the region to phone her on 0408 302 421.