Port stephens, an open youthful tidedominated drownedvalley estuary, is a large natural harbour of approximately 4 square kilometres 52 sq mi located in the hunter region of new south wales, australia. The ultimate guide to whale watching in sydneys waters. Aerial drone video whale and sharks newcastle port stephens coast. All you need to know about whales wild about whales. Find things to do, attractions and tours in whale watching season as the whale migration passes north coast nsw. Whales have been spotted this week off the central coast and port stephens meaning coffs coast whale watchers should. Get some porpoise in your life and join our world record attempt to create the biggest human humpback as we celebrate naturefest and the annual whale watching season. We suss out your choice of cruises in nelson bay during whale watching season to catch these mammals of the deep in all their glory. Lunch bring a packed lunch or grab one at one of the nelson bay cafes. Will taylor location port stephens whale watching on imagine cruises tune kayoh shh nest hq premiere. The same is true up and down both coasts, the further north you go along the coast the more concentrated the season is, august to september mostly at the very northern point. Find things to do, attractions and tours in whalewatching season as the whale migration passes north coast. Top whale watching spots at port stephens and the mid. Imagine whale watching cruise port stephens bookings.
Port stephens enjoys an excellent whale season and moonshadow tqc cruises offer two great whale watching cruise options lasting 2. Excitement spread throughout the port today as reports of our the first confirmed whale sighting as part of the 2017 whale watching season. Jul 04, 2016 will taylor location port stephens whale watching on imagine cruises tune kayoh shh nest hq premiere. Top whalewatching spots in sydney and elsewhere in new. Port stephens is regarded as a whale watching hub with around 25,000 humpback whales passing the mouth of the harbour and up the coastline on their annual migration each year they migrate north from may to august and then head back to their summer feeding grounds in the antarctic from september to november. There are a full range of daily cruises, available at port stephens, including whale. Top whale watching spots on port stephens mirage news. Home to more than 100 dolphins, the pristine inlet in. Download the wild about whales itinerary and plan your next port stephens adventure.
May 31, 2014 hundreds of people are expected to converge on a beach at port stephens today to form a human humpback whale, as part of celebrations for the official start of the whale watching season. Port stephens is home to around 165 bottlenose dolphins, which live in the port itself. Departing from mid may to early november from nelson bay, port stephens. The stretch of nsw coastline that runs between port stephens and byron bay is jampacked with migrating humpback whales frolicking close to shore during migration season. Top things to do in port stephens, greater newcastle. Marine rescue port stephens nelson bay, new south wales. Excellent humpback whale sighting rate, bonus dolphin watch, morning or afternoon tea, commentary, ocean going cruise including spectacular tomaree and yacaaba headlands and the outer islands. Alternatively, join a tour which takes you around the port dolphin watching. Take a short walk to tomaree headland, or to the new whale watching path at noamunga headland, boat harbour and youll be rewarded with spectacular views and a great whale viewing spot. The human whale has been a port stephens community tradition.
Top 8 whale watching spots in nsw australian geographic. Check out the official visitors website for more ideas. May 16, 2015 the port stephens whale watching season officially starts today and cruise operators are already reporting sightings of the migrating mammals. Cancelling tours is not easy, but we all need to do our part to slow the spread of this virus. Port stephens is a top spot to see humpbacks and southern right whales passing during their annual migration.
Check out what else is out and about for natureloving pods popping by port stephens. Whether its an entertaining and informative boat tour or a relaxing sunset dinner cruise, these are the best port stephens cruises around. Whale watchers can download the free wild about whales app to get realtime notifications of sightings nearby. For a truly once in a lifetime opportunity you can swim with wild dolphins in the open ocean and from may to november, see the magnificent humpback whales up close and personal during the annual migration season between june and november on a whale. There are lots of coastal walks, fishing and boating opportunities, and even sandboarding. Port stephens whale watching season in full swing abc news. Majestic whales on show across newcastle and port stephens.
Observing these beautiful mammals aboard an experienced whale watching cruise is. Port stephens enjoys an excellent whale season and hinchinbrook explorer is the largest whale watch vessel in the bay, purpose built for ocean cruises. It is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins and therefore called the dolphin capital of australia. Port stephens 4wd tours anna bay 2020 all you need to. Check out our pick of the best whale watching vantage points, tours and accommodation in nsw. Nsw national parks and wildlife service recommends these top whale watching spots in port stephens and surround. All vehicles come with a fully qualified driver, with exceptional knowledge of the stockton beach sand dunes. Download our free app to gain access to special offers. With two viewing decks you can rest assure youre getting the best view of these friendly giants.
Looking forward to having you on our tour so we can show you an amazing time on this day trip to port stephens from sydney. For more information on attractions, events and things to do, see visit. Check out everything thats happening around the port stephens area. The area is very popular for its breathtaking coastal scenery, protected waters at the bay, good fishing, and the opportunity to watch whales during the migration season and the resident dolphins. Join us as we set out to spot some awesome 40 tonne humpback whales on their annual migration. Port stephens whale watching season begins news of the area. An estimated 35,000 whales, mainly humpbacks, are expected to pass along the ports coast during the migration between may and november. Here are a few companies who specialise in dolphin and whale watching cruises. You will never forget seeing the awesome bulk of a humpback whale, upto 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes. Next, we arrive at port stephens and take a break for lunch own expense at nelson bay, the main town of port stephens. May 17, 2017 did you know that we have the largest marine park in new south wales with approximately 98,200 ha, named the port stephens great lakes marine park. Port stephens enjoys a fantastic whale watching season from may to november every year.
Port stephens also makes for a great day trip or weekend break, and given that its low season you can get some great deals on accommodation and tours. Port stephens dolphin watching day tours from sydney port. Whale migration season is in full swing with hundreds of the majestic creatures on show for onlookers right across the newcastle and port stephens coastline, with plenty of great spots to catch a. From sublime natural beauty to freshly caught seafood, port stephens is a wonderful beach escape on a sparkling blue bay. Port stephens, an easy two and a half hour drive north of sydney, is known for its nature and abundance of aquatic and land activities on its uncrowded sandy. Home topics wildlife top 8 whale watching spots in nsw top 8 whale watching spots in nsw from may to november each year, australias east coast transforms into a whale watching hot spot, with vast numbers heading north to breed after a summer spent feeding in antarctic waters. Whale watching imagine cruises, nelson bay traveller. Port stephens wild about whales nsw national parks. Download our free app to find the top whale watching spots in nsw and submit your sighting. Theres lots of reasons to fall in love with port stephens.
A spectacular breach has set the stage for a massive whale season, with more than 18,000 of the aquatic giants due to pass port stephens in the coming months. Whale watching in port step hens whale watching in port step hens humpback and southern right whales migrate along port stephens beautiful coastline between may and november, with pregnant whales heading to warmer waters to give birth to their young, before returning with their new born calves back to antarctica. We stopped the boat and the whales swam up to us and under the boat. On a moonshadow tqc whale watch cruise you may come across one. People are becoming more and more aware of whales, she said. Port stephens lagoon, new south wales, australia britannica. Port stephens on the mid north coast of new south wales is the perfect place in australia to observe whales and dolphins in the wild. More than people turned out to fingal bay beach on saturday, july 15 to help create the outline of a 150m long humpback whale. We are passionate about port stephens and its wildlife and love to share it with our guests each day. What to do with kids in port stephens whales, bikes. Your whale watching cruise will be skippered by experts in whale watching and the conservation of these gentle giants.
Whale watching is an experience that you will remember for ever. Our dedication to the protection of dolphins and whales enables us to tailor a unique style of cruise. Subscribe to receive the latest port stephens deals, news and events direct to your inbox. Top whale watching spots on port stephens the national. Whale watching watch as port stephens waters come alive. Cruise among the whales on the whale watching trip, play on stunning beaches, sand slide down huge dunes and 4wd on the beach. So off to beautiful port stephens a few hours drive north of sydney with some friends to join moonshadow cruises to go whale watching. With over 140 bottlenose dolphins calling port stephens home, its no wonder.
The waters of port stephens are renowned for dolphin and whale watching. Join the official launch of the 2018 port stephens whale season with 12 price morning whale watching cruises aboard moonshadowtqc and imagine cruises. Set sail on your destinations toprated boat tours and cruises. Get the latest sightings, learn whale facts and plan your next coastal adventure. Check out over 12 recent port stephens fishing reports posted by pro anglers. Wild about whales is an annual campaign run by the nsw national parks and wildlife service during the nsw whale watching season each year. Get your 3day weather forecast for port stephens, new south wales, australia. Whale watching and sand boarding package port stephens. Whale watching at port stephens sydney weekendnotes. Top whale watching spots at port stephens and the midnorth coast. Port stephens day tours welcome on board to amazing port stephens day tours labelled blue water paradise, port stephens is renowned also for its beauty and marine surroundings with over 19 miles of clean, white and sandy beaches.
Relax on beautiful sandy beaches, meet the resident bottlenose dolphins, enjoy fun water sports, explore giant sand dunes and savour delicious waterfront places to eat. Whales are moving through the ports waters in droves and are not being shy about it. Whales are appearing off the port stephens coast as the whale watching season gets underway. Marina resort is a great place to stay in the heart of port stephens. Subscribe to naturescapes for the latest news from nsw national. Weve got information on community, cultural and council events. Most weekends all year round check your preferred date by following directions at the bottom of the page duration. Stopping the required distance of a hundred metres away from a whale, the boat will cut its engines if the whale approaches. Extending 15 miles 24 km inland and averaging 2 miles 3 km in width, it has an area of 23 square miles 60 square km. Also included is a cruise of port stephens outer islands, morning or afternoon tea and full commentary.
The area is just north of newcastle and is adjacent to the pacific highway which runs through raymond terrace, the largest town and council seat. If you are lucky you can view them from the shore or hire a boat. Within easy access of the beautiful beaches, cafes and restaurants of this seaside haven. Imagine cruises lisa skelton caught the breach off port stephens less than a week before the region hosts naturefest, its inaugural festival celebrating the areas pristine environment. Nsw whale watching season wild about whales nsw national. Located on the hill crest overlooking nelson bay marina. Moonshadowtqc whale and dolphin watching cruises nelson. Mel turner, business development manager for moonshadowtqc, said the company was expecting a bumper whale season. The two cruise companies are expected to host between 40,000 and 50,000 people on cruises during the season. There are few more spectacular sights at sea than a monster female humpback whale nurturing her newborn calf on the migration back south.
Port stephens, lagoon and inlet of the tasman sea, indenting eastcentral new south wales, australia, 20 miles 32 km northeast of newcastle. Moonshadowtqc is located in beautiful port stephens, nsw australia, a 2. This means we have between 20,000 to 30,000 whales pass by port stephens every year. With the australian whale watching season starting this month, destination nsw recommends these top spots in sydney and elsewhere in new south wales to see these magnificent giants of the sea. The 10 best things to do in port stephens 2020 with photos. Home whale watching tips and guidelines approach zones top spots byron and tweed coffs harbour port macquarie port stephens sydney and. Whales and dolphins put on a show at port stephens and. When it comes to majestic ocean mammals, whales are not the only creatures to feature on port stephens list. Swim with dolphins imagine cruises swim with dolphins a. Port stephens is an area surrounding the port stephens bay, just north of newcastle in new south wales.
Port stephens gears up for whale watching season abc news. Enjoy a trip to australias north coast, traveling to port stephens and the stockton bight sand dunes, on a fullday guided tour from sydney. Our port stephens whale watching day tour departs every wednesday and saturday from sydney during whale season june oct. Whale watch season is upon us coffs coast advocate. From may to november the waters off port stephens play host to the magnificent migrating humpback whales. Moonshadow tqc whale watching cruise cruise booking agency. Aerial drone video whale and sharks newcastle port stephens nsw. The whale is the totem of the darkinjung people of the central coast of nsw. Whale watching sailing cruise nelson bay, port stephens. The whales bedazzled a lucky few who were on a tour at port stephens, while in newcastle a 30strong pod of dolphins swam close to the shore at nobbys beach. With over 140 bottlenose dolphins calling port stephens home, its no wonder these friendly locals are sighted so often. Port stephens whalewatching tour nelson bay expedia. We were so lucky to have a beautiful day and saw quite a few whales, some were mothers and their calves. Whale watching season will be launched at nelson bay on friday, so it was no surprise to see humpbacks and dolphins putting on a show at the weekend.
Port stephens is an area surrounding the port stephens bay, just north of newcastle in new south wales understand. Marine rescue port stephens lighthouse road, nelson bay, new south wales 2315 rated 4. Learn more about the different whale species you may see on your new coastal adventure this whale watching season by downloading the wild about whales smartphone app, where you can also share your sightings and use it as guide while youre on your next coastal adventure. Port stephens accommodation whale watching in port. For more information on any of these events or to have your community event included in this calendar, please submit your event listing online. Port stephens lies within the port stephens great lakes marine park and is situated about 160 kilometres 99 mi northeast of sydney. Port stephens new south wales travel guide at wikivoyage.
Check out our list of mustdo water activities in port stephens. Photos, video from the 2019 port stephens whale watching season. Pack binoculars for whale watching and dolphin spotting and enjoy this. Port stephens tour sandboarding, dolphin watching sydney, australia october 4. Wild about whales is a celebration of whales along the nsw coastline. Whale watching and dolphin swims are a key focus at port stephens, with a great chance to get out and see the whales during their migratory season just a short boat trip out from the harbour. There are a few cute little souvenir shops around so feel free to have a browse and take in the local atmosphere. Join mayor ryan palmer, council representatives and nelson bay golf. Look no further than port stephens 4wd tours offering you stunning scenery, sandboarding thrills and adventure for the whole family and an experience you wont forget.
This is a truly amazing experience and one that you wont forget in a hurr y. Charter boats take groups of people out into the blue waters of port stephens for a closer encounter. Imagine whale watching cruise prices may 20th november 15th. Check out the wildlife at the australian reptile park, take a dolphinwatching cruise from nelson bay, experience 4wheeling and sandboarding at the sand dunes, and soak up gorgeous scenery all along the route. Join all the fun as the mammoth mammal takes shape on the sand of fingal beach. You will also have a great opportunity for dolphin spotting on these port stephens tours. Private guided premium tour to port stephens, dolphinwhales. Welcome to cruise booking agency nelson bay port stephens the number one place to book your whale watching adventure. Tamboi queen skipper terry aldrich and his crew spotted playful humpbacks off one mile beach this week, the beginning of a lucrative tourism season for the hunters cruise operators.
The humpback highway off the hunters coast is now bumpertobumper. Oct, 2016 the humpback southern migration is in full swing down the nsw coast and its definitely time to escape the big city. Whale watching is an experience that you will remember forever. Hover uav was lucky enough to capture amazing drone footage of a dead humpback whale and great white sharks off the coast of nsw. It might be a hot spot on the australian whale trail, but there is more to this coastal haven than its largescale annual visitors. Tomaree head summit, tomaree national park take this short walk to the summit of tomaree head to enjoy panoramic views of port stephens and its coastline. You wont forget the sight of a 15 metre, 40 tonne humpback whale.