A humpback whale has freed itself and swum back out to sea after beaching on the East Gippsland coast.

A humpback whale has freed itself and survived after beaching on the East Gippsland coast on Thursday.

The 15 metre whale came ashore and got stuck on the beach at Point Ricardo, between Marlo and Cape Conran, on Thursday afternoon. It was spotted by Harry Ferrier, of the Marlo Coast Guard, who reported it to authorities.

Staff from the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria arrived on scene in time to see the whale free itself and swim back out to sea.

It comes after a dead whale washed ashore at nearby Corringle Beach earlier this week and another dead whale was discovered further east along the coast at Shipwreck Creek, near Mallacoota late last week. Last month a 13 metre humpback whale died on the Gippsland coast at McGaurans Beach. The female whale was alive when it came ashore on the Ninety Mile Beach at McGaurans Beach, but it died shortly after. The bones of that whale will be collected by Museum Victoria and become part of the museum's collection.

DSE Senior Wildlife Manager, Charlie Franken said that at this time of year, Humpback whales are migrating along the east coast of Australia from calving grounds in Queensland to feeding grounds in Antarctica.

"Victoria usually has about four to seven whale or dolphin strandings per year, but we seem to be experiencing an unprecedented number of strandings in East Gippsland and around the country this season.

"The reasons why whales and dolphins become stranded are not fully understood, but there are many different possibilities."

"The animals may be sick or dying when they are washed ashore. In rough seas, whales or dolphins may swim too close to the shore and become stranded. It is thought that the shape of the beach and coastline may sometimes contribute to strandings."

DSE and Parks Victoria staff will monitor the coastline near Point Ricardo this morning to make sure the whale does not beach itself again.

To report any whale or dolphin entanglements, injuries or strandings, call the Whale and Dolphin Emergency Hotline on 1300 136 017.