Private Port Stephens Day Tour: Whales & hiking

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Discover the natural wonders of Port Stephens on an unforgettable day trip from Newcastle, designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Our expert tour guides will not only lead you through breathtaking landscapes but also share fascinating insights about the region’s history, wildlife, and ecosystems throughout the day, making this an enriching experience for all ages.
We make it easy for you—our tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, so all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.

Port Stephens is a premier destination for witnessing the awe-inspiring humpback whale migration, a natural spectacle that occurs annually from May to November. During this period, these majestic creatures travel northward from their Antarctic feeding grounds to warmer waters to breed and give birth.

On this day tour you will:

Begin with an Exhilarating 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.

Set Sail on a Whale Watching Adventure
Embark on a thrilling 2.5-hour boat ride as you encounter the majestic migration of over 35,000 whales. During the journey, our knowledgeable guides will explain the behavior and migratory patterns of these incredible creatures, as well as the surrounding marine life. You may even spot playful dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds along the way.

Savor a Delicious Seafood Lunch
Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch while taking in the stunning ocean vistas. Our tour provides a range of options to suit every taste, including a vegetarian menu and a kid-friendly option. While lunch is at your own cost (pricing example: fish, chips, and salad for $16.50), the spectacular views and the chance to sample fresh local produce make it an experience to remember.

Marvel at the Largest Coastal Sand Dunes in the Southern Hemisphere
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.
Let us take care of the details—your adventure awaits!
As this is a private tour we can customise the day based on your preferences.

WHY NEWY TOUR CO?

Newy Tour Co specialises in providing personalised travel experiences with our private tours, catering specifically to boutique group sizes. Whether exploring the stunning coastline of Port Stephens, venturing into the vast sand dunes of Stockton, or embarking on a whale-watching adventure, our private tours ensure exclusivity and flexibility. Guests can customise their itinerary based on personal interests and preferences, enjoying the undivided attention of our knowledgeable guides throughout the journey. This intimate setting allows for deeper engagement with each destination, ensuring every moment is tailored to maximise enjoyment and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a family outing, a group of friends, or a corporate retreat, our private tours offer a seamless blend of comfort, adventure, and discovery in the picturesque landscapes of Newcastle and beyond.Check out our other tours here. Learn more about the Port Stephens here.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes the Private Whale Watching Tour different to the public tour?
The private version is fully tailored to your group. You choose your group size, departure time, lunch venue and pace. The public Port Stephens Whale Watching Tour has a fixed itinerary, set 8am to 9am pickup and a small-group cap of 11 guests. Private tours are ideal for milestone occasions, family groups, photographers wanting longer at each stop, and groups who want full flexibility.

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 Private 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.

What’s the price per person?
Pricing for private tours is on a sliding scale based on group size. Smaller groups see a higher per-person rate, larger groups see better value per head. Get in touch with your dates and group size and we’ll send a quote.

Are children welcome on this tour?
Yes. Children aged 7 and over are welcome. Private tours work especially well for families because we can adapt the Mount Tomaree hike to the group’s fitness, plan extra time at the sand dunes for kids, or skip stops if needed.

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.

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.

Where do you pick up from in Newcastle?
We pick up from your Newcastle address (hotel, Airbnb or private residence) across Newcastle East, Newcastle West, Merewether and nearby suburbs. Tell us your address when booking and we’ll confirm.