The newborn whale was believed to be less than three days old, according to biodiversity officer Mandy Watson from the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI). 

“This birth is the latest on record for Victoria,” Ms Watson said. 

“The calf’s mother has been monitored by volunteers at Logans Beach every day since she arrived in late August.” Ms Watson said the whale left Logans Beach on Tuesday and returned at the end of the week with the calf. 

She said the mother, known as Fang for the prominent curved white callosities on her lower jaw, was first photographed at the Logans Beach nursery in 1995 as part of a photo-identification research program. 

“She has since been recorded with calves at Logans Beach in 2004 and 2008. 

“A total of three mother-calf pairs have been recorded at Logans Beach this season, with all three identified by DEPI photo-identification research as Logans Beach regulars. 

“Other mothers with calves have also been sighted in the region at Cape Bridgewater, Portland, Narrawong and Killarney. 

“Two of these have been confirmed by DEPI with the assistance of dedicated local whale watchers and photographers.” 

Ms Watson said calves were normally born in June or July before spending the next three or four months resting with their mothers in sheltered waters along the southern coast, ultimately migrating back to feeding grounds in the sub-Antarctic. 

“Boat operators are reminded to keep a close eye out for whales along the coast. 

“Mother-calf pairs are very vulnerable to vessel strike at this time of year, particularly when calves are still very young.” 

Regulations state all boats must keep at least 200 metres from whales and jet skis must keep back 300 metres. 

All boating activity is prohibited at Logans Beach as part of the exclusion zone operating each year between June and November. 

j.pech@fairfaxmedia.com.au