Dedicated whale watcher and marine naturalist Jeannie Lawson will hold talks about whales on the hour each hour between 10.30am and 1.30pm at Barry Park, Fingal Bay on Sunday, July 8.

“What I have noticed about whales is that they bring people together,” Ms Lawson said. “People from all age groups and all walks of life are suddenly chatting with each other with smiles on their faces.

“That is why I started the whale headland talks 19 years ago. Whales create community.”

Ms Lawson began educating people about whales in 1983. She has held council-supported community talks about whales for 19 years, eight of those in Port Stephens.

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About 30,000 humpbacks are expected to pass Port Stephens during the 2018 migration, a significant increase from the 300 that is believed to have inhabited Australia’s waters about 20 years ago.

Whale watching season begins in May when humpbacks migrate north to their calving ground in the South Pacific region. 

The southern migration takes place from August to mid-November when mothers and newborn calves make their way back down to the feeding grounds in Antarctica.

“Humpback whales are majestic and beautiful creatures,” Ms Lawson said. “To have seen the comeback of a species from the brink of extinction is awesome.

“It just proves that nature will respond if given the chance by us humans to leave it alone and let the balance be restored. Most importantly now we need to protect their oceans.”

No bookings are required to attend the talk. Just dress warm, perhaps grab some binoculars or a camera and head along.

How to get to the Fingal Bay talk:

A purpose built whale watching platform is located at Barry Park. The park is easily accessed off Marine Drive at Fingal Bay.