This season there has been the highest ever number of sightings along the south-west coast.

Warrnambool City Council visitor economy manager David McMahon said the whales brought in “well over $2 million” to the city.

“The whales have a direct economic impact,” Mr McMahon said.

“They are a very important part of our tourism offerings. They are highly regarded and easily accessible at the viewing platform. People then come and enjoy themselves and spend money in Warrnambool.”

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Barwon South West senior biodiversity officer Mandy Watson said it had been a fantastic breeding season.

“We’ve seen more Southern Right Whale calves arrive at Warrnambool’s Logans Beach than ever before, with seven new additions to the critically endangered species,” she said.

“Previously the record number of calves born at Logans Beach was six calves in 1985 and again in 2009. Two calves per whale season is the average.

“It’s exciting to see the new additions to this species, as the Southern Right Whale population around the south-east of Australia is only estimated to be around 250.

“From May until September we had sightings of whales at Logans Beach almost every day, and as many as 25 whales were seen on one day.”