The human humpback whale formation will return to Fingal Bay this month and organisers are expecting more participants than ever.
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Moving the formation event, which sees people create the outline of a humpback whale on the beach, from Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay did nothing to deter 1006 people from turning out last year.
“The location was perfect,” event organiser Mel Turner from Moonshadow-TQC said. “With space for families to move around the various stalls, play in the grounds, park amenities and utilise the restaurant and cafe nearby, it was well received by those attending the event.”
The ‘human humpback’ has been running in Port Stephens since 2011. It is a highlight of Naturefest which celebrates the region’s natural assets.
The fun formation is a tribute to the Humpback Highway, which passes through Port Stephens. About 30,000 whales are expected to travel this highway during winter as part of the southern migration.
Joining residents and holiday-makers on the beach this year will be whale conservationists and operators from Moonshadow-TQC and Imagine Cruises.
The event will also be supported with educational displays from Ocean and Coastal Care Initiatives, Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters and marine parks. There will be children’s activities such as face painting, arts and crafts.
Moonshadow-TQC and Imagine have taken the lead on organising the event, collaborating with Destination Port Stephens and Fingal Bay businesses to bring it to life for another year.
“We have had wonderful support from Destination Port Stephens and local businesses in Fingal this year,” Ms Turner said. “Salt Water Restaurant, Longboat Café, Bill Knaggs Real Estate and Fingal SLSC along with Imagine Cruises and Moonshadow-TQC Cruises are all sponsoring this event. We are incredibly grateful as organisers for this wonderful support.”
There is no cost to register to be part of the formation.
Registrations open at 10am at Fingal Beach in preparation for the formation at 11.45am.
The complete whale formation, which stretches about 100m, will be captured overhead by a drone at noon.
Human Whale 2018 event details
Where: Fingal Beach, Marine Drive, Fingal Bay
When: Sunday, July 15
Time: 10am registration for noon formation
