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 dolphin watching day tours from sydney. Find things to do, attractions and tours in whalewatching season as the whale migration passes north coast. Excitement spread throughout the port today as reports of our the first confirmed whale sighting as part of the 2017 whale watching season. Port stephens dolphin watching day tours from sydney port. 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. Our port stephens whale watching day tour departs every wednesday and saturday from sydney during whale season june oct. Atlantis port stephens is a social enterprise located in salamander bay, with a goal to promote conservation through education of our wonderful and unique marine life. Cruise among the whales on the whale watching trip, play on stunning beaches, sand slide down huge dunes and 4wd on the beach. Jul 03, 2016 on sunday, july 3, 2016, more than locals and visitors gathered on port stephens sunblessed shoal bay beach to form the outline of a giant, 100mlong humpback whale. Port stephens whale watching season in full swing abc. Top whalewatching spots in sydney and elsewhere in new. 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. 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.
Jul 20, 2017 the 2017 port stephens human whale was a world record with more than one thousand participants. A group known as the cape solander whale volunteers braved sydneys winter weather for six weeks straight from the end of may, monitoring whale movements off the coast from dawn till dusk every day. 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. 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. Tourists treated to amazing display as port stephens whales. Whale spotting remains a common occurrence in the migrating season along the long coastline. There are lots of coastal walks, fishing and boating opportunities, and even sandboarding. Get the latest sightings, learn whale facts and plan your next coastal adventure.
Departing from mid may to early november from nelson bay, port stephens. The ultimate guide to whale watching in sydneys waters. While whale watching cruises from nearby huskisson are common, hyams beach is. 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. The whale tails were originally built and installed for naturefest 2016, but were such a hit that they remain a key part of the marinas open space to this day. By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to our use of cookies. The launch of the whale watching season is just one part of port stephens naturefest which celebrates all things in nature in our coastal paradise.
Top whale watching spots at port stephens and the midnorth coast 31 august 2018 around 30,000 whales are now migrating along the midnorth coast a great time to visit a coastal national park, according to the nsw national parks and wildlife service npws. Port stephens whalewatching tour nelson bay expedia. Top whale watching spots at port stephens and the mid. A great first step is to download the wild about whales app for apple and android and go mobile with our whale watching guide. Top 8 whale watching spots in nsw australian geographic. Port stephens gears up for whale watching season abc news. Until the next whale season check back soon for more whale news whale watching check out our pick of the best whale watching vantage points, tours and accommodation in nsw.
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 watching cruise or from a headland in tomaree national park. Port stephens is nsw premium destination for dolphin watching enthusiast, with the beautiful port stephens harbour boosting an impressive 99% success rate for spotting dolphins. The 2017 port stephens human whale was a world record with more than one thousand participants. Enjoy a trip to australias north coast, traveling to port stephens and the stockton bight sand dunes, on a fullday guided tour from sydney. Wild about whales is a celebration of whales along the nsw coastline.
From may to november, the pacific coast migration goes from south to north and back again as the whales seek warmer water for the winter months. 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. You will never forget seeing the awesome bulk of a humpback whale, upto 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes. So off to beautiful port stephens a few hours drive north of sydney with some friends to join moonshadow cruises to go whale watching. 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. Set sail on your destinations toprated boat tours and cruises. Lunch bring a packed lunch or grab one at one of the nelson bay cafes. 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. Whale watching season is upon us, and the new south wales coast is one of the best spots in the world to catch these majestic creatures in action. Pack binoculars for whale watching and dolphin spotting and enjoy this. Moonshadowtqc is located in beautiful port stephens, nsw australia, a 2. You wont forget the sight of a 15 metre, 40 tonne humpback whale. Travel from sydney to port stephens with a small group for a personalised tour visit nelson bay, the popular seaside town and relax by the marina where you will break for lunch own.
Join the official launch of the 2018 port stephens whale season with 12 price morning whale watching cruises aboard moonshadowtqc and imagine cruises. What to do with kids in port stephens whales, bikes. Oct, 2016 the humpback southern migration is in full swing down the nsw coast and its definitely time to escape the big city. Stephens passage and a secret stash of humpback whales. Whale port is also the story of america, and the important role whales played in its history and development as people worked together to build communities that not only survived, but prospered and grew into the flourishing cities of a new nation. Majestic whales on show across newcastle and port stephens.
Already more than 50 whales have been spotted and tracked on our app, with over 30,000 estimated to pass by the nsw coastline as they head to warmer waters nsw national parks provide some of the most spectacular vantage points for watching whales during their annual migration. Moonshadowtqc whale and dolphin watching cruises nelson. In the summer months, stephens passage, and frederick sound are home to well over a hundred humpback whales that return year after year to feed on the abundant krill and herring. Dec 27, 2010 humpback whale surfacing near the david b in stephens passage. Next, we arrive at port stephens and take a break for lunch own expense at nelson bay, the main town of port stephens. Port stephens wild about whales nsw national parks. Also included is a cruise of port stephens outer islands, morning or afternoon tea and full commentary.
The waters of port stephens are renowned for dolphin and whale watching. The humpback whale is a protected species and is a very energetic large whale. One dollar from every dolphin watch or marine discovery ticket sold will be donated to the marine parks association, furthering research on the resident bottlenose dolphins. Join all the fun as the mammoth mammal takes shape on the sand of fingal beach. Port stephens was first noted by europeans in may 1770 when captain james cook referred to port stephens in his log as an opening forming a bay. Whale watching in port stephens whale watching in port stephens 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. 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 world record human whale at fingal bay port. There are more whale sightings from port stephens than anywhere else on australias east coast, so jump aboard a cruise with ecowarriors imagine.
Photos, video from the 2019 port stephens whale watching season. Built by atlantis port stephens, three fibreglass whale tails add vibrancy to the nelson bay foreshore at dalbora marina. With over 30000 whales predicted to be currently migrating along the nsw. Hover uav was lucky enough to capture amazing drone footage of a dead humpback whale and great white sharks off the coast of nsw.
The sunshine coast native made quick work of ct veterans like tatian westonwebb, malia manuel, pauline ado throughout the qs season and cemented her standing atop the rankings with a convincing win at the final event of the season, the port stephens pro. Sep 24, 2007 whale port is also the story of america, and the important role whales played in its history and development as people worked together to build communities that not only survived, but prospered and grew into the flourishing cities of a new nation. Imagine cruises 17 port stephens drive anna bay nsw 2316 choose one of our cruises fill out the form with any questions you may have. During the season, numerous local operators run whale watching cruises, so jump aboard and keep your eyes peeled for the gentle giants. Here are a few companies who specialise in dolphin and whale watching cruises. Whale watching imagine cruises, nelson bay traveller.
It is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins and therefore called the dolphin capital of australia. They are light grey in colour, appearing white against the dark skin of the whale. Port stephens is home to around 165 bottlenose dolphins, which live in the port itself. For more information on attractions, events and things to do, see visit. Your best chance of spotting whales in nelson bay is during the humpback whales migration season. There is also a wide range of wildlife with many varieties of plants and birds. Spot humpbacks breaching and southern rights spyhopping between may and november from vantage points along the spectacular coast and on whalewatching cruises. Get your 3day weather forecast for port stephens, new south wales, australia. Callaghan and hennessy both qualified for this years tour after their performances at the qs port stephens toyota pro held at birubi beach in new south wales, australia. Whale watching at cape solander lisa edwards july 3, 2014 when we arrived at the kurnell visitor centre a couple of weeks back, the ranger asked us if we were heading out to see the whales.
Aerial drone video whale and sharks newcastle port stephens coast. The 2018 season is now over and with that a new crop of rookies is officially solidified for next years championship tour. Humpbacks and southern right whales pass port stephens between may and august when they migrate north, and again from august to october when they come back down south. Dock c dalbora marinas nelson bay teramby road nelson bay nsw 2315 postal address. Will taylor location port stephens whale watching on imagine cruises tune kayoh shh nest hq premiere. Whale migration season is in full swing with hundreds of the majestic creatures on show for onlookers right across the newcastle and port stephens. There are also several national parks surrounding port stephens which are well worth exploring, and offer an excellent opportunity to see a wide range fo wildlife. 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. Port stephens whale watching season begins news of the area. At just 22 years old, isabella nichols surfed well beyond her years in 2019. Callosities white lumps form a unique pattern on every southern right whale, making them extremely useful in identifying individual animals.
Seeing whales in port stephens is a must for locals and visitors alike and it is always exciting to see these wonderful creatures grace us with their presence. Special port stephens whalewatching package released for winter includes a fast or slow whale watch cruise plus hot drink and scarf. With the australian whale watching season starting this month, destination nsw recommends these top spots in sydney and elsewhere in new south wales to. There are a few cute little souvenir shops around so feel free to have a browse and take in the local atmosphere. Each year more than 3000 humpbacks pass close to the coast of port stephens migrating to warm tropical waters from late may to july and from september to november the whales can be seen returning to the antarctic with their calves. Download the wild about whales itinerary and plan your next port stephens adventure. The human whale has been taking place in port stephens for many years, moving to fingal bay to accommodate larger attendance numbers in 2017. Welcome to cruise booking agency nelson bay port stephens the number one place to book your whale watching adventure. On sunday, july 3, 2016, more than locals and visitors gathered on port stephens sunblessed shoal bay beach to form the outline of a giant, 100mlong humpback whale. Special port stephens whale watching package luxury holiday. The lookout is easy to access after a short 400m walk. Dolphin watching port stephens cruise port stephens. They offer dolphin and whale watching tours, marine discoverysnorkel tours, bay and beach swim tours, a fingal island and lighthouse tour as well as a sunset dinner cruise.
This site uses cookies to improve your experience, to enhance site security and to show you personalized advertising. Port stephens enjoys an excellent whale season and moonshadow tqc cruises offer two great whale watching cruise options lasting 2. Join us as we set out to spot some awesome 40 tonne humpback whales on their annual migration. Humpback whales migrate north along the east coast of australia between may and august each year to give birth and mate in the waters of the coral sea. Nsw whale watching season wild about whales nsw national. Top whale watching spots on port stephens mirage news. Home whale watching tips and guidelines approach zones top spots byron and tweed coffs harbour port macquarie port stephens sydney and. Tips and guidelines wild about whales nsw national parks. Check out the official visitors website for more ideas.
Top whale watching spots on the port stephens nsw environment. Top whale watching spots on port stephens with over 30,000 whales predicted to be currently migrating along the nsw coastline, nsw national parks and wildlife service npws is encouraging everyone to visit coastal national parks for some of the best vantage points to spot these majestic ocean giants. For general information on port stephens, visit au. Their envision fast cat holds just 18 people, so it feels more like a private adventure than a touristy experience. The port stephens community has once again broken its own record for the largest human whale on saturday 15 july 2017, with more than 1,000 locals and holidaymakers joining in. May 16, 2015 the port stephens whale watching season officially starts today and cruise operators are already reporting sightings of the migrating mammals. Location there are three whale tail sculptures located at dalbora marina in nelson bay, along the foreshore. With over 140 bottlenose dolphins calling port stephens home, its no wonder.
Whales are moving through the ports waters in droves and are not being shy about it. When we arrived at the kurnell visitor centre a couple of weeks back, the ranger asked us if we were heading out to see the whales. Whale season launch cruise 2018 join the official launch of the 2018 port stephens whale season with 12 price morning whale watching cruises aboard moonshadowtqc and imagine cruises. The various bays and coastal areas include anna bay, fingal bay, lemon tree passage, mallabula, nelson bay, salamander bay, salt ash, shoal bay, soldiers point, stockton beach and tanilba bay. Top whale watching spots on port stephens the national. The port stephens whale watching season officially starts today and cruise operators are already reporting sightings of the migrating mammals. Youll find information on the best vantage points, different whale species you might see and tips for spotting them, as well as a map with the latest whale sightings.
An estimated 35,000 whales, mainly humpbacks, are expected to pass along the ports coast during the migration between may and november. Observing these beautiful mammals aboard an experienced whale watching cruise is an experience you will never forget. Aerial drone video whale and sharks newcastle port. Port stephens is the home of some of the states most beautiful sea cultures.
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 watching cruise or from a. Whales sighted at port stephens naturefest news of the area. Port stephens whale watching season in full swing abc news. From may to november the waters off port stephens play host to the magnificent migrating humpback whales. Whalewatchers can download npws free wild about whales. Port stephens is a top spot to see humpbacks and southern right whales passing during their annual migration. 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. Aerial drone video whale and sharks newcastle port stephens nsw. Wild about whales app, so its shaping up to be a great whale watching season.
Specialising in dolphin watching, whale watching and twilight dinner cruises. Check out our list of mustdo water activities in nelson bay. Nsw national parks and wildlife service recommends these top whale watching spots in port stephens and surround. A weekenders guide to port stephens concrete playground. Whether its an entertaining and informative boat tour or a relaxing sunset dinner cruise, these are the best nelson bay cruises around. Jul 04, 2016 will taylor location port stephens whale watching on imagine cruises tune kayoh shh nest hq premiere. Whale watching at port stephens sydney weekendnotes. Port stephens for land based whale watching, set out with your binoculars to locations like tomaree headland, barry park at fingal bay, fishermans bay, birubi point and stockton beach, but one of the favourite spots that offers great whale sightings is the boat harbour headland, off noamunga street. 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. Tourist information nelson bay port stephens north coast nsw. Youll have a whale of a time in port stephens, a beautiful destination for whale watching only 2h 30min drive north of sydney.
586 831 107 935 190 438 866 425 107 1244 674 120 1288 494 229 872 828 631 127 438 170 526 163 208 1618 1019 896 753 884 908 1243 429 924 828 1449