A southern right whale has drawn a rock-star reception at The Cut in Dawesville this morning with big crowds gathered to watch as it cruises around, accompanied by a pod of dolphins.

Mark Simpson, co-owner of The Cut Tavern, said the whale turned up early this morning and was showing no signs of wanting to head back out to sea.

Locals suspected it might be a female seeking shelter so she could give birth in safety, wildlife officers, however, are not so sure. It’s understood the last time a whale visited was two years ago, taking off soon after it gave birth.

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Mr Simpson said the bridge over The Cut offered a clear view of the whale as she moved through the water and about 150 people had gathered so far for a look.

Camera Icon Locals suspect the whale is about to calve. Credit: Mark Simpson

However, the crowds are expected to swell as news spreads of the unusual sighting, especially with school holidays in full swing.

“The dolphins keep following it around, whether they are there for protection I don’t know, there are a fair few of them following it around,” he said.

“Last time when a whale came in it stuck around The Cut for protection, had its baby and then went off out to sea.

“(This one) is just sticking around right in the middle of The Cut, not going out, not going in. I’d say she’ll stick around for a few days and then off she’ll go.”

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions wildlife officer Karen Smith said she could not confirm the sex of the whale without a closer look.

“It is very common behaviour for these whales to be heading up our coast especially in shore, they stay as close to shore as possible and then they shelter in our bays,” she said.

“I would say it has been following the coast around and ended up in the inlet but it seems a bit coincidental, that another one calved there two years ago.”

The dolphins were naturally playful and inquisitive, just like humans, and were just having a bit of fun following it around.

“It is a super cool sighting and I would love to see it. I would certainly encourage people to enjoy it but to keep their distance as well.”