Dec 27, 2010 the sounds of whales near and far rolled across the surface of stephens passage like distant thunder. Port stephens gears up for whale watching season abc. Specialising in dolphin watching, whale watching and twilight dinner cruises we also feature weddings, private charters, corporate team building and schools educational programs. 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. Port stephens gears up for whale watching season abc news. Special port stephens whalewatching package released for winter includes a fast or slow whale watch cruise plus hot drink and scarf. 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. The humpback whale migration passing sydney takes place between april and december each year. 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.
Download the wild about whales itinerary and plan your next port stephens. It always feels so good to sit in silence and watch whales. Destination port stephens, the official peak tourism industry organisation in port stephens. 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 new south wales, a natural harbour in australia. The ports beaches and foreshores also offer good whalewatching, especially from boat harbour accessed from iluka reserve, anna bay and. Tips and guidelines wild about whales nsw national parks. Whale watching cruises aboard imagine cruises depart port stephens at 10. Whale watching and sand boarding package port stephens. Whalewatching season is underway, with trips out of channel islands harbor and ventura harbor offering the chance for a peek at several species of whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions. 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. Jul 20, 2017 the 2017 port stephens human whale was a world record with more than one thousand participants. Nsw whale watching season wild about whales nsw national. Boston ma best whale watch gloucester whale watch in. People form a humpback whale at shoal bay, port stephens to. Port stephens is the home of some of the states most beautiful sea cultures.
Stephens passage and a secret stash of humpback whales. The launch of the whale watching season is just one part of port stephens naturefest which celebrates all. The sounds of whales near and far rolled across the surface of stephens passage like distant thunder. 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. Moonshadow tqc cruises and imagine cruises offer both whale and dolphin cruises, as well as sunset dinner cruises and snorkelling tours in the calm blue waters. Its an honor for us to get to be alone on the david b and observe these great creatures, i thought as the slow parade of humpbacks went past. With over 30000 whales predicted to be currently migrating along the nsw. Port jet owner, jodi heeney, hoped to spot worldrenowned white whale migaloo this season. View from the popular look out point on gan gan hill.
The waters of port stephens are renowned for dolphin and whale watching. This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title port stephens. Cruise among the whales on the whale watching trip, play on stunning beaches, sand slide down huge dunes and 4wd on the beach. Whale watching is an experience that you will remember forever. 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. Leaving dalbora marina, nelson bay september and october are by far my favourite whale watching months of the year. Be amazed as you get close to the biggest creatures on earth. 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 expense cruise out of the headlands in search for humpback whales and join the cruise as you look out for other sealife including dolphins and seals from the viewing decks take a big 4wd vehicle over the huge. Whalewatchers can download npws free wild about whales. 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.
The migrating population is named the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population or the australian east coast humpbacks. May 31, 2017 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. With over 140 bottlenose dolphins calling port stephens home, its no wonder. Located just 2 12 hours north of sydney, try a whale watching tour in port stephens nsw australia. Whalewatching cruises aboard imagine cruises depart port stephens at 10.
Electoral district of port stephens, new south wales, australia. Whale watching tour gloucesters most popular whale watch. Tea gardens is also ideal for cycling being so flat and you can take your bike across on the ferry. 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. Departing from mid may to early november from nelson bay, port stephens. Nelson bay is one of the best places to spot humpback whales along australias east coast as they migrate north to meet their mates. Moonshadowtqc is located in beautiful port stephens, nsw australia, a 2. Cape ann whale watch in gloucester, massachusetts provides guaranteed whale sightings for every whale watching tour out to stellwagen bank, a national marine preserve about 12 miles off the coast of gloucester deemed one of the top 5 whale watching destinations in the world by the world wildlife fund due to the wide. Also included is a cruise of port stephens outer islands, morning or afternoon tea and full commentary. Before boarding on the dolphin watch port stephens cruise, you have an hours time to have lunch with the spectacular view of nelson bay. Special port stephens whale watching package luxury. Wild about whales is a celebration of whales along the nsw coastline.
The port stephens whale watching season officially starts today and cruise operators are already reporting sightings of the migrating mammals. Several whale and dolphin cruises depart from the nelson bay marina. You wont forget the sight of a 15 metre, 40 tonne humpback whale. If you love nature and adventure, then this is the trip for you. Imagine best dolphin watch cruise in port stephens. Port stephens whale watching season in full swing abc news. Tackleworld portstephens 100 magnus st, nelson bay, new south wales 2315 rated 4. Cancelling tours is not easy, but we all need to do our part to slow the spread of this virus. Moonshadowtqc whale and dolphin watching cruises nelson. There are lots of coastal walks, fishing and boating opportunities, and even sandboarding.
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. You will also have a great opportunity for dolphin spotting on these port stephens tours. May 16, 2015 the port stephens whale watching season officially starts today and cruise operators are already reporting sightings of the migrating mammals. 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. Port stephens enjoys an excellent whale season and moonshadow tqc cruises offer two great whale watching cruise options lasting 2. Jul 04, 2016 will taylor location port stephens whale watching on imagine cruises tune kayoh shh nest hq premiere. Commercial whaling began in australia in the 1820s and by 1845 75% of the southern right population had been wiped out. Over 12,000 humpback whales swim past port stephens on their annual migration north along the australian east coast to the warmer waters of the south pacific ocean, between may and november each 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. Tourist information nelson bay port stephens north coast.
Weve handpicked the top whale watching tours in nelson 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. Hoist a sail with blue water sailing and glide with the whales and dolphins without the motor running. Our dedication to the protection of dolphins and whales enables us to tailor a unique style of cruise. Combine a sandboarding adventure with a dolphin watch or whale watch tour and save. Whale watching sailing cruise nelson bay, port stephens. From may to november the waters off port stephens play host to the magnificent migrating humpback whales. Cape ann whale watch in gloucester, massachusetts provides guaranteed whale sightings for every whale watching tour out to stellwagen bank, a national marine preserve about 12 miles off the coast of gloucester deemed one of the top 5 whale watching destinations in the world by the world wildlife fund due to the wide variety. The 3 hour cruises give people the opportunity to see whales of 3 different types the minke whale, pilot whales and humpback whales. The season is split into two distinct sections depending on the direction of travel of the majority of whales at that time. Find things to do, attractions and tours in whalewatching season as the whale migration passes north coast. 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. Port stephens accommodation, martys at little beach, is inviting stressed australians on the workaholic freeway to take a winter break and head to the humpback.
Lunch bring a packed lunch or grab one at one of the nelson bay cafes. Dolphin swim australia, nelson bay if seeing the dolphins is not enough, dolphin swim australia offers a cruise where you can actually swim in the water with the dolphins. Join the official launch of the 2018 port stephens whale season with 12 price morning whale watching cruises aboard moonshadowtqc and imagine cruises. Tourist information nelson bay port stephens north coast nsw. Check out the official visitors website for more ideas. Port stephens human whale 2015 destination port stephens. Will taylor location port stephens whale watching on imagine cruises tune kayoh shh nest hq premiere. Port stephens dolphin watching day tours from sydney port. The 2017 port stephens human whale was a world record with more than one thousand participants. For general information on port stephens, visit au sourcecredit.
Hover uav was lucky enough to capture amazing drone footage of a dead humpback whale and great white sharks off the coast of nsw. Just two hours north of sydney, port stephens and the newcastle region is a. Dolphin watch is the most noteworthy highlight of port stephens. Dolphin watching port stephens cruise port stephens. Join us as we set out to spot some awesome 40 tonne humpback whales on their annual migration. Aerial drone video whale and sharks newcastle port stephens nsw. Port stephens gears up for whale watching season posted may 31, 2014 07. The human whale has been taking place in port stephens for many years, moving to fingal bay to accommodate larger attendance numbers in 2017. The council area of port stephens stretches from seaham, west of the pacific highway to fingal bay at the tip of the tomaree peninsula and has about 65,000 inhabitants. Port stephens whale watching season in full swing abc. Atlantis port stephens is a social enterprise located in salamander bay, with a goal to promote conservation through education of. 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. Major centres are raymond terrace with the town hall and nelson bay a town popular for holiday makers.
Keep uptodate with the latest news and marketing opportunities available to you as a tourism member. Here are a few companies who specialise in dolphin and whale watching cruises. Port stephens wild about whales nsw national parks. People form a humpback whale at shoal bay, port stephens to celebrate the start of the whale watching season. 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. Its an honor for us to get to be alone on the david b and observe these great creatures, i. The humpback whale is a protected species and is a very energetic large whale. Wild about whales app, so its shaping up to be a great whale watching season. 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. Dolphin watch cruise is the best part of port stephens day tour in this part of port stephens tours, you will hop on board for spotting dolphins. The right whale to catch the right whales got their name from whales as they were the best or right whales to catch because they are slow swimmers, float when dead and provided large quantities of oil. Top whale watching spots on the port stephens nsw environment.
There are various whale watching cruises running from within port stephens, that venture out side the port stephens harbour and into the outer port stephens seas. Aerial drone video whale and sharks newcastle port stephens coast. Enjoy a trip to australias north coast, traveling to port stephens and the stockton bight sand dunes, on a fullday guided tour from sydney. Whales sighted at port stephens naturefest news of the area. Approximately 22,000 humpbacks pass port stephens on their 12,000km migration every year. Whale watching sailing cruise nelson bay, port stephens over 12,000 humpback whales swim past port stephens on their annual migration north along the australian east coast to the warmer waters of the south pacific ocean, between may and nov each year. Port stephens dolphin watching day tours from sydney. May 31, 2014 port stephens gears up for whale watching season posted may 31, 2014 07. Photos from the 2018 whale watching season in port stephens port. Aerial drone video whale and sharks newcastle port.
It is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins and therefore called the dolphin capital of australia. Port stephens world record human whale at fingal bay port. 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. Migaloo is an albino white whale who is tracked and spotted each year travelling the coast line. The whale watching season is from the end of may to mid november when over 20,000 humpback whales swim past port stephens on their annual migration north along the australian east coast to the warmer waters of the south pacific ocean. 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. Home whale watching tips and guidelines approach zones top spots byron and tweed coffs harbour port macquarie port stephens sydney and.
Our port stephens whale watching day tour departs every wednesday and saturday from sydney during whale season june oct. 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 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. Port stephens is an area surrounding the port stephens bay, just north of newcastle in new south wales. Get the latest sightings, learn whale facts and plan your next coastal adventure. 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. Your whale watching cruise will be skippered by experts in whale watching and the conservation of these gentle giants. A great first step is to download the wild about whales app for apple and android and go mobile with our whale watching guide. The southern right whale does not migrate in the same pattern as the humpback whales, but during the winter months the southern rights will move along the coastline seeking places to mate and shelter with their newborn calves they will enter and remain in bays and harbors for days at a time and then move slowly north or south.
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. 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. We are passionate about port stephens and its wildlife and love to share it with our guests each day. 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. Top whale watching spots on the port stephens 22 july 2019 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.
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