WHALE watching season is officially underway in Port Stephens, with locals and visitors already gathering along the coastline in the hope of spotting the first humpback whales of the annual migration.
Each year, an estimated 40,000 humpback whales travel along Australia’s east coast from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warmer breeding grounds of Queensland.
Their journey along the renowned “Humpback Highway” brings them close to the Port Stephens coastline, making the region one of Australia’s premier whale watching destinations.
Early sightings have already signalled a promising start to the season. Local tourism operators report plenty of whale activity, with good numbers already passing the coast as the migration gets underway.
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises General Manager James McArthur said the annual migration remains one of the region’s biggest natural attractions.
“Every season we welcome visitors from across Australia and around the world who come to Port Stephens specifically to see the humpback whale migration,” Mr McArthur said.
“Even though the season has just begun, we are already seeing good numbers of whales passing through. It has been an awesome start to the season with plenty of activity from the migration.”
For those hoping to watch from land, popular viewing locations include Tomaree Head Summit, Boat Harbour, Birubi Point and Barry Park at Fingal Bay. With a little patience, visitors may be treated to the spectacular sight of whales breaching, tail slapping or sending a plume of spray into the air.
The annual migration is not only a spectacular wildlife event but also provides a welcome boost to the local economy, attracting thousands of visitors who support accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants and tourism businesses throughout the cooler months.
The whale watching season runs through until November, giving residents and visitors plenty of opportunities to witness one of nature’s most remarkable journeys along the Port Stephens coastline.
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