The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most popular road trips, known for its stunning coastline, beaches and ocean views. This scenic route is also home to diverse marine life, including Australian fur seals. Whether you’re visiting Apollo Bay, Port Campbell National Park or Cape Bridgewater, you’ll have the chance to see a seal colony in their natural habitat.
If you’re planning a Great Ocean Road trip, make sure to include seal watching in your itinerary. Whether you’re doing a one day Great Ocean Road tour or a longer coastal adventure, there’s plenty of wildlife to see.
See Seals on the Great Ocean Road
The Victorian coast is the perfect environment for fur seals with its rock platforms, underwater rock formations and marine reserves. Here’s where to find them:
1. Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary (Apollo Bay)
Just off Apollo Bay Beach, the Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary is home to an Australian fur seal colony. These playful fur seals can be seen basking on rock platforms or swimming in the beautiful water. If you’re doing a Great Ocean Road day, this stop is a must-see for wildlife lovers.
2. Cape Bridgewater – Biggest Seal Colony in Victoria
One of the best places to see seals on land is Cape Bridgewater, which has Victoria’s biggest fur seal colony. Take a scenic walk to a viewing platform or hop on a seal-watching boat tour to see them up close in the Antarctic waters. Many Melbourne Great Ocean Road tours include this spot, so you can easily see this wildlife wonder.
3. Port Campbell National Park & London Bridge
This area is famous for its natural wonders like beaches, cliffs and the Twelve Apostles. While seals are not as common here, they can sometimes be seen near London Bridge resting on the rocks. If you’re on a Great Ocean Road Melbourne tour, make sure to bring binoculars to spot these little characters.
4. Lady Julia Percy Island – Fur Seal Paradise
Just off the coast near Port Fairy is Lady Julia Percy Island, a breeding ground for Antarctic fur seals. This isolated island is also home to bird life like black cormorants and red-necked stints, making it a bird-watchers’ paradise. Many eco-tour companies offer boat trips to this amazing destination as part of a Great Ocean Road trip.
5. Logans Beach – Whale Watching & Marine Life
While Logans Beach is famous for Humpback Whales and the annual whale migration of Blue Whales, you might also see marine life like fur seals, wild dolphins and Superb fairy-wren in the area. If you’re taking a one day Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne, you might see these creatures along the way.
Best Time to See Seals & Marine Life
- Fur seals are visible all year round; the best time to see them is early morning or late afternoon.
- Humpback Whales and Blue Whales migrate along the Victorian coast from May to September.
- Wild dolphins, including curious bottlenose dolphins, can be seen near Port Phillip Bay and Lorne Pier.
Great Ocean Road’s Marine Reserves & National Parks
For a bunch of marine encounters:
- Arches Marine Sanctuary – A secret spot for marine life and coastal views.
- Otway National Park – Home to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, where you can see Australian wildlife like kangaroos and koalas.
- Melba Gully & Kennett River – Good for native wildlife, including shy creatures like echidnas and the oddest creatures like platypus at Lake Elizabeth.
Accessibility & Responsible Wildlife Viewing
- Respectful distance: Always keep a safe distance from seals and other wildlife.
- Accessible experiences: Many walks and viewing areas have been designed to be wheelchair accessible.
- Photographic evidence: Bring a camera with a zoom lens to capture amazing creatures like the hard-to-find wildlife of the southern hemisphere.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a wildlife encounter along the Great Ocean Road, keep an eye out for Australian fur seals at Marengo Reefs, Cape Bridgewater and Lady Julia Percy Island. With its coastline with stunning ocean views and natural environment, this drive is a must-do for marine life and Australian animal lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see seals on the Great Ocean Road?
Yes! Great Ocean Road has several seal colonies; the best places to see them are Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary (Apollo Bay), Cape Bridgewater, and Lady Julia Percy Island. These areas are home to Australian fur seals, which can often be seen basking on rocks or playing in the water.
What time of year can I see seals on the Great Ocean Road?
You can see fur seals all year, but they are most active in the spring and summer months (September to March). Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see them, when they are most active and visible.
How can I see seals up close on the Great Ocean Road?
For a closer look at seals, join a seal-watching boat tour from Apollo Bay, Port Fairy or Cape Bridgewater. Kayaking near Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary is also a great option if you want to get adventurous.
Can I see other marine wildlife along the Great Ocean Road?
Yes! Besides fur seals, you may also see wild dolphins, humpback whales, blue whales and various bird species like the black cormorant and red-necked stints. Logans Beach is famous for whale spotting, and Port Phillip Bay is the best place to see curious bottlenose dolphins.
Are there tours that include seal-watching on the Great Ocean Road?
Yes! Many Great Ocean Road day tours, Melbourne Great Ocean Road tours and one-day Great Ocean Road tours include wildlife-watching. If you’re looking specifically for seals, look for eco-tours that visit Marengo Reefs, Cape Bridgewater or Lady Julia Percy Island.
