Port Stephens Whale Watching & Tomaree Summit Day Tour from Newcastle

Nelson Bay•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

8–9 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for people in regular fitness; summit involves sustained uphill sections and stair climbs

Overview

Spend a day off the Newcastle coast climbing Tomaree Head, feasting on Port Stephens seafood, then setting sail for a 2.5–3 hour whale cruise during the May–November migration. Finish with sunset over the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

Port Stephens Whale Watching & Tomaree Summit Day Tour from Newcastle

Other

Bus Tour

Wildlife

Sightseeing Tour

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

On a clear winter morning the minivan peels out of Newcastle and the city’s low-slung warehouses give way to surf and eucalyptus-scented air. By the time the coastline widens into Port Stephens, the ocean has a presence of its own — a flat, silver surface that seems to be holding its breath. The day unfolds like a deliberate sequence: a brisk climb to a 161 m summit, a seafood lunch with bay views, three hours at sea watching migrating humpbacks, and a last stop at the vast, shifting sand dunes to watch the light go soft.

Adventure Photos

Port Stephens Whale Watching & Tomaree Summit Day Tour from Newcastle photo 1

Adventure Tips

Bring layers for the boat

Ocean spray and wind can make temperatures 5–10°C cooler on deck — pack a windproof jacket even on sunny days.

Binoculars and camera with a zoom

Binoculars improve sighting range and a 200–300mm lens helps capture breaches without crowding the rails.

Motion-sickness plan

If you get seasick, take antiemetic medication at least 30 minutes before departure and sit midship where motion is reduced.

Footwear for the summit

Trail or hiking shoes with good grip are recommended for the Tomaree ascent and stair sections; there is an alternative flatter coastal walk.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Humpback whale
Bottlenose dolphin

History

Tomaree Head and the surrounding islands have long coastal and maritime histories; the headland hosted WWII gun emplacements and the islands are important seabird breeding reserves.

Conservation

Port Stephens waters are part of a managed marine area; follow operator guidance to keep distance from whales and avoid disturbing nesting bird colonies to reduce human impact.