The Port Stephens Holiday Guide is full of attractions and activities for the whole family during the winter period. It is always a great time to visit the region. Here's a taste of what you'll find it the magazine, which is out now and available online here.
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WHEN a whale breaches - even just producing the top of the head or a fin - it is a mesmerising sight.
Whether it is from a cruise ship, the beach, or a headland, it is a thrill to spot a humpback going about its annual migration.
These giants of the sea meander through the waters of Port Stephens every year between June and November.
From September on, humpbacks and southern right whales pass along the NSW coastline as they return southward to their summer feeding areas of the Antarctic.
Within the Port Stephens area there are plenty of outlooks from which to catch a glimpse of a breaching fin or body.
A hike up the very popular Tomaree Head summit can give you a spectacular view of the ocean. On a calm day, with a keen eye, you may spot them swimming along either individually or in small pods.
There are also plenty of opportunities to catch sight of wild dolphins frolicking through the area.
Whales and dolphins can be spotted from land or by sea.
Cruises specialising in whale and dolphin sightings regularly depart from Port Stephens, offering short tours of the area and the chance to spot some of the oceanic life.
If you prefer to set your own itinerary, boats can be hired from Port Stephens to create your own tour.
The Roads and Maritime Services reminds people who are taking to the water that there are rules in place to protect them and the whales, dolphins and porpoises they are eager to see.
Whales require a significant amount of 'personal space', the RMS states, and harassment can cause them severe distress. If the whales feel threatened, it may result in accidents that could harm whale and human.
Skippers of vessels are urged to approach at an angle, move past slowly and veer away from the whale's path when leaving.
When within 300m of any whale (or 150m of dolphins), vessels should be travelling very slowly.
There should be no sudden movements, and wash and noise need to be minimised.
If a whale has a calf, vessels should not go within 300m and they should not approach closer than 100m under any circumstances. Dolphins with young should be given 150m of space, or 50m for adults.
No more than three boats should be in the vicinity of a whale at any one time.
Following these safety guidelines, everyone should be able to enjoy their glimpse of these amazing creatures without danger - to you or to them.
Humpbacks: Did you know?
- Humpback whales can grow up to 18m long.
- They eat small crustaceans, of which the bulk is krill, but they eat a whole lot of it - up to 1360kg every day.
- They live 45-50 years.
- Their annual migration is up to 10,000km long.
- Humpback dives last an average of 15 minutes but can reach 30. It is believed they can dive to depths of 200m.
Did you know you can access all of Port Stephens Examiner's special publications online? You can find them here.