Newcastle’s highly anticipated whale watching season is about to begin, with the first humpback whales already spotted passing the coast.
The whales, which have spent the summer in Antarctica, will be making their way north to Queensland to breed and Newcastle, is in a prime position on the Humpback Highway.
CoastXP’s Whale Encounter Tours will kick off on 20 May and continues until November, with the best viewing opportunities during the peak northern migration in June and July, and the southern migration in September and October.
Operators of CoastXP, who run Newcastle adventure boat cruises, say that this year’s whale season is set to be one of the best yet.
In addition to humpbacks, there are also more Southern Right Whales being sighted each year and Minke whales, one of the smallest whales that undertake the huge migration, are also spotted occasionally.
Watchers on CoastXP not only get the chance to see whales but also Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, and Long-nosed Fur Seals.
CoastXP tours depart from Honeysuckle Foreshore and travel out of Newcastle Harbour.
Their fast adventure boat gives passengers access to the best spots to see the magnificent creatures without disturbing them.
The whales often frolic and play, with humpbacks regularly engaging in a variety of surface behaviours. Some curious animals may even approach the boat to check passengers out.
CoastXP’s Whale Encounter Tours start on Saturday, 20 May, and will depart daily (weather and sea conditions permitting). To find out more visit coastxp.com.
