Port Stephens Whale Watching Day Tour

Guided day tour from Newcastle, Australia

Port Stephens Whale Watching Day Tour

$260 per person

Witness the annual Humpback Whale Migration in beautiful Port Stephens on a day tour from Newcastle.

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See humpback whales up close on this full day tour from Newcastle to Port Stephens. With hotel pick up and drop off included, your day brings together a 2.5-hour whale watching cruise, a hike up Mount Tomaree and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest sand dunes, all led by a local guide.

 

Hike Up Mount Tomaree

Start your day with a scenic hike up Mount Tomaree (2.2km total), offering stunning panoramic views of Port Stephens and beyond. The hike to the summit is rewarding, with spectacular vistas at the top, where you’ll see the coastline, crystal-clear waters, and rugged terrain. Our guides provide educational commentary throughout the hike, explaining the area’s unique flora, fauna, and geological features. For those who prefer a gentler pace, we also offer a flat coastal walk, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beauty of the region at their own comfort level.

 

Whale Watching Cruise

Head out on a 2.5-hour cruise during the annual humpback migration, when over 35,000 whales travel the NSW coast. Your guides explain how these giants behave and migrate, and you may also spot dolphins, seals and seabirds along the way.

 

Seafood Lunch with Ocean Views

Enjoy a seafood lunch with ocean views at the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club. There’s a range of options including vegetarian and kid-friendly meals. Lunch is at your own cost, for example fish, chips and salad is around $16.50.

 

Southern Hemisphere’s Largest Sand Dunes

End your day with a visit to a one-of-a-kind viewpoint offering panoramic views of the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

 

Why Newy Tour Co?

We keep our groups small so every guest gets personal attention and a relaxed, unhurried day. With only a handful of travellers, you get a friendly local experience rather than a big crowded coach tour.Discover more of our Newcastle and Port Stephens tours. Learn more about Port Stephens.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does the whale watching tour run?
The whale watching season runs roughly May to November during the annual humpback migration, when over 35,000 whales travel along the NSW coast. Cruises don’t operate outside the migration window. For Port Stephens experiences in summer, our Port Stephens Day Tour runs year-round with a dolphin cruise instead.

How long is the tour?
About 8 hours total. Pick-ups start between 8am and 9am from your Newcastle address, and we return around 5:30pm. The whale watching cruise itself is 2.5 hours on the water.

How likely are we to see whales?
Sightings during peak migration months (June to October) are very common, with most cruises spotting multiple whales. The cruise operates with Moonshadow TQC, an experienced local Port Stephens cruise operator. Sightings are never guaranteed but success rates during peak season are excellent.

Is the Mount Tomaree hike difficult?
The hike is 2.2km total and moderately steep with stairs in places. It’s rewarding but optional. There’s a flatter alternative loop for guests who prefer not to climb to the summit.

Are children welcome on this tour?
Yes. Children aged 7 and over are welcome. The whale cruise, sand dunes lookout and seafood lunch are family friendly. For Mount Tomaree, kids can take the flatter alternative.

What should I bring or wear?
Layered clothing for varying conditions. Warmer layers and a windproof jacket for the boat (it can be cold and breezy on the water, even in spring), comfortable shoes for the hike, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Pack motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to sea sickness. The boat has indoor cabin space if you’d prefer to stay sheltered.

What’s included in the price?
All entry fees including the 2.5-hour whale watching cruise with Moonshadow TQC, Newcastle door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, and a local guide for the full day. Lunch is at your own cost. We stop at the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club for a relaxed seafood lunch with ocean views.

How is this different to the Private Whale Watching Tour?
This is our small-group public tour, capped at 11 guests with a set 8am to 9am pickup window. The Private Port Stephens Whale Watching Tour is fully tailored for your group with flexible timing and itinerary, ideal for milestone occasions or families wanting a private experience.

8
7+ Age
Port Stephens
term-custom-icon Beaches
term-custom-icon Hiking Adventures
Nature
  • Destination
    Port Stephens
  • Departure
    Newcastle
  • Departure Time
    Pick ups start between 8 AM - 9 AM.
  • Return Time
    Approximately 5:30 PM.
  • Included
    Entry Fees
    Personal Guide
    Pick Up & Drop Off
  • Not Included
    Food

Our gallery

Whale breaching in Port Stephens during a day tour, with scenic water and mountain views in the background. Perfect for whale watching and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
Group of tourists enjoying panoramic views of Port Stephens from a lookout, with clear blue skies and ocean in the background, during a private day tour with Newy Tour Co.
Breathtaking coastal view from a scenic lookout featuring a woman enjoying the panoramic landscape of Newy's beaches and lush green hills, perfect for tourists and adventure seekers.
Man enjoying seafood lunch with ocean view at Port Stephens during private tour. Scenic outdoor dining with whales and hiking nearby.
Sunset guided nature tour at Newy Tour Co. with a group of hikers enjoying scenic views, lush greenery, and coastal landscapes in Newcastle, Australia, highlighting adventure and eco-tourism experiences.
Spectacular whale breaching in Port Stephens during a day tour, with scenic coastal cliffs in the background, perfect for whale watching and outdoor adventures.
1
Mountain Hike
Take a short but exhilarating hike up Mount Tomaree, be prepared to be mesmerised by unparalleled views of the stunning coastline. From the summit, feast your eyes on the vistas of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah, and Broughton Islands. Please note this hike can be a little challenging, there is an alternate flatter option available.
2
Fresh seafood lunch
Join us on our tour for a chance to treat your taste buds to a scrumptious lunch at the Newcastle & Port Stephens Game Fish Club (cost not included). With a delightful range of seafood options including calamari, prawns, squid, and a variety of fish, there is something for every palate. Opt for vegetarian or children's menu if you prefer. If you're not a fan of seafood, they offer classic options such as chicken and beef as well. Take pleasure in savoring delectable delicacies amidst the picturesque Bay views.
3
Whale Watching Cruise
Embark on an unforgettable 2.5-hour Whale Watching cruise with Moonshadow TQC and witness the incredible northern Whale migration from May to November. Hop aboard the Hinchinbrook Explorer or the MV Osprey for exceptional viewing opportunities of our magnificent whales. Watch in awe as humpback whales, weighing up to 40 tonnes and measuring 18 meters long, engage in fascinating displays like spy hops, pectoral slaps, body rolls, and breathtaking breaches. Enjoy captivating commentary from your Captain and keep an eye out for Australian Fur Seals, Common & Bottlenose dolphins, and stunning outer islands. With spacious viewing decks, both indoor and outdoor, you'll have the best vantage point to observe these majestic creatures. Quench your thirst with a selection of beverages from the fully licensed bar and grab a delicious snack as you sail along.
4
Photo stop at lookout for largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere
During our tour, we make a stop at a truly unique viewpoint that unveils the awe-inspiring sight of the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. This mesmerizing natural wonder is a sight to behold, as the shifting dunes create a constantly changing landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. You'll be captivated by the sheer size and magnitude of these dunes, and the breathtaking views they offer. It's a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and appreciate the remarkable forces that shape our world.
5
Pick up & drop off to your door.
We pick you up and drop you back to your specified Newcastle address - hotel, airbnb, private residence. Pick up areas accepted are: Newcastle East/ West, Merewether, Cooks Hill, The Hill, Bar Beach, Adamstown, Hamilton, Kotara, Charlestown, Highfields, Lambton, New Lambton, Mayfield, Waratah, Shortland, Fern Bay, Stockton & Fullerton Cove. For other Newcastle locations please contact us prior to booking. Book Now

What Our Guests Say

"The trip was so entertaining and informative for a new Novocastrian and a visitor. We saw so many sights, beautiful scenery, whales breaching and local points of interest, all with a very personable and knowledgeable guide in Keira. She went to no end of trouble to ensure that we enjoyed our afternoon out. This tour is thoroughly recommended."

trishdenton, TripAdvisor, October 2024

"We had an informative and entertaining tour. Our guide Keira was very competent, knowledgeable and delightful company. A highlight of the tour was sightings of numerous pods of humpback whales heading south!"

Sue D, TripAdvisor, October 2024