They are the size of a bus and the most intelligent creatures of the ocean but until recently, their rarity has prevented them from marking a territory of their own.

Sightings of the southern right whale have been avidly reported over the last few weeks as the huge mammals cruise up and down the coast in search of a mate.

Swimming inshore so close you could touch them these rare creatures are reclaiming parts of the ocean which historically belonged to them before commercial whaling almost completely wiped them out.

Despite right whales being the first whale to receive international protection from whaling in 1935, they have been one of the slowest to recover.

Recently, sightings of the critically endangered species have increased around the south coast of Western Victoria, providing hope for the enormous, rare mammal.

Senior Biodiversity Officer with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Mandy Watson, says it's shaping up to be a good year for the southern right whale.

"It's probably the best since 2009 which was our biggest year on record.

"We've had two calves born early in June which gives them plenty of time to grow and mature to the size they need to be before they head south on their migration," she said.

The whales have been spotted in Logans Bay near Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Portland and Victor Harbour where they enjoy east-facing shallow bays.

Cruising up and down the coast searching for one-another, Ms Watson says the recent amount of courtship observed between the species has been encouraging.

"There are so few of them that they are swimming up and down looking for each other and socialising," she said.

Starting to return to areas that would have historically been their habitats before commercial whaling drastically depleted the number of southern right whales, Ms Watson says it's important that boats keep their distance.

"People need to understand these are inshore species that like to spend time very close to shore.

"We don't want to disturb them from taking up areas that they historically used," she said.

Another reason not to disturb them?

Southern right whales weigh up to 80 tonnes and grow to 18 metres in length.

"You wouldn't want to get in the way of whales that were engaged in courtship activity because they are completely oblivious.

"They can be extremely dangerous," Ms Watson said.

If you spot a whale call the Portland Visitor Information Centre on 1800 035 567.

You can also sign up to Whalemail for information on the latest sightings.

This interview was featured on ABC South East Mornings with Stan Thomson