Naturefest 2017 so far:
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Winter was once a quiet period in Port Stephens.
But a push to bring visitors to the Port during the cooler months – by holding events and festivals in the area between May and July – has changed that.
One of those events is Naturefest, which will return for a third year in 2017.
Led by Destination Port Stephens, the aim of Naturefest is to entice visitors to Port Stephens, but also get residents out exploring their natural surroundings during winter.
The festival celebrates and promotes the Port, home to populations of dolphins, kangaroos, birds and passing whales, as well as large tracts of national and marine park.
It is expected to attract thousands of people of all ages to visit the area during winter.
Naturefest is supported by Port Stephens Council and is run in collaboration with industry operators such as Imagine Cruises, Moonshadow-TQC Cruises, Port Stephens 4WD Tours and d’Albora Marinas Nelson Bay.
Video: Human Whale in Port Stephens 2016
Highlights of the program
Thursday, June 1: Official launch of the whale season at d’Albora Marinas, Nelson Bay.
June 1 to July 16: Shutterfest photography competition
Photographers are invited to snap a shot that reflects the natural environment of Port Stephens and enter the competition, which is free to enter.
This year snappers are being encouraged to enter their very best pictures based on the themes of on the land, on the sand, on the water and below the water.
Saturday, June 3: Paddle for the Planet
Sunday, June 4: Port Stephens Dolphin Census
June 5 to June 9: Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters and World Ocean Day (June 8)
June long weekend – June 9, 10, 11 and 12: Bluewater Country Music Festival
Saturday, June 24
Port Harmony concert at the Uniting Church in Salamander Bay from 2pm.
Sunday, June 25
ORRCA’s annual Humpback Whale Migration Census.
To participate, simply pick your favourite headland and call (02) 9415 3333 or email orrca@orrca.org.au to register your location.
Make sure you print off the marine mammal sighting log sheets from orrca.org.au.
Saturday, July 1
Sunrise photography tour of Stockton sand dunes and Tin City with Port Stephens 4WD Tours. Bookings essential.
Saturday, July 8
Sunrise photography cruise with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises. Bookings essential.
Sunday, July 9
See koalas at Tilligerry Habitat’s community open day.
The habitat located at Tanilba Bay is one of the few locations that visitors to Port Stephens can see koalas in the wild.
Tilligerry Habitat is set on a large reserve of nine hectares situated between the townships of Tanilba Bay and Mallabula.
Saturday, July 15
Human Whale
All are welcome to Fingal Beach on this day to help create the shape of a humpback whale in an attempt to break the world record.
This is a unique and fun experience for the family.
It will be held at the new location of Fingal Beach, Fingal Bay from 10am.
