Private Port Stephens Whale Watching Tour from Newcastle

Private Port Stephens Day Tour: Whales & hiking

$250 per person

The tour includes a hike, a boat excursion to witness migrating whales, and a seafood feast with ocean views, return via a viewpoint overlooking the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

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See the humpback whale migration up close on this private day tour from Newcastle to Port Stephens, shaped entirely around your group. Your local guide leads you through the region’s landscapes and shares its history, wildlife and ecosystems along the way. Pick up and drop off at your accommodation is included, so all you have to do is enjoy the day.

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:

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.
Let us take care of the details.
As this is a private tour we can customise the day based on your preferences.

Why Newy Tour Co?

As a private tour, the whole day is built around you. Choose your group size, departure time and pace, and enjoy the undivided attention of your guide. It’s ideal for families, friends and corporate groups who want flexibility and a more personal experience.Discover more of our Newcastle and Port Stephens tours. Learn more about Port Stephens.

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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.

7+ Age

Port Stephens

Beaches

Hiking Adventures

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.

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.

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.

Seals resting on rocks at Port Stephens during whale and hiking tour.

Breathtaking aerial view of Newcastle Harbour with boats sailing past a scenic island and vibrant blue waters, showcasing Newy Tour Co.'s top island tours and marine adventures in Newcastle, Australia.

Beach sightseeing with two friends enjoying the scenic coastal views in Newcastle, Australia, aboard Newy Tour Co.'s guided tour.

Mountain Hike

Take a short but exhilarating hike up Mount Tomaree, be prepared to be mesmerised by unparalleled views of the stunning coastline. Feast your eyes on the vistas of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah, and Broughton Islands. As you absorb scenery, marvel at the fact that these nature reserves are the exclusive nesting grounds for the endangered Gould's petrel. Please note this hike can be a little challenging, there is an alternate flatter option available.

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.

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.

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.

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.