The first whales of the winter migration have begun being spotted off Port Stephens and they're not being shy about their presence. Multiple humpback whales have been seen, and photographed, breaching out of the water already this month in spectacular displays for eagle-eyed and keen whale watching enthusiasts.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Humpback Highway is beginning to see traffic.
Whales have begun to be sighted from some of the Port's popular coastal viewing spots while out on the water on Tuesday, Imagine Cruises skipper Frank Future sighted his first humpbacks for the season. In a magical display, a mother and calf performed a series of breaches off Point Stephens.
"They're definitely on the move now," said Mr Future.
Imagine Cruises has begun offering whale discovery tours but will launch its full whale watching program on June 1 - the official start to the season.
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises will begin offering whale watching cruises from May 20 while AquaMarine Adventures is offering its 90-minute express tours now.
Port resident and photographer Mat Spillard snapped photos of two whales breaching off Boat Harbour on Wednesday, May 4.
"It was a beautiful sunny day so my friend and I decided to go to Boat Harbour with our cameras in the hope of seeing an early whale arrival," he said.
"After an hour or so we had all but given up. Just as we stood up my friend noticed a large splash in the distance.
"That was it. For the next 45 minutes we watched a young whale doing multiple breaches from Birubi Beach until it passed us.
"Then, out of nowhere, it was joined by another breaching whale.
"For a lot of people this is the highlight of the year. It doesn't matter what age you are, it's guaranteed to bring a smile to you face."
From 2021:
About 40,000 humpback whales are expected to pass Port Stephens this year as part of the annual migration.
During mid-May and August whales head north to warmer waters and their breeding grounds. From August to mid-November whales make their way back down south to the feeding grounds in Antarctica.
The direct impact the annual whale migration has on the Port's economy is not known. Pre-pandemic, whales watching drew an estimated 30,000 to Port Stephens, contributing to the $270.6m tourism industry.
Mr Future said if the activity in Nelson Bay at Easter was any indication, operators could expect a "bumper" whale season.
"I think we're going to have a bumper season if the weather holds for us," he said. "People are still keen to get out of the cities and explore the regions. Easter was really busy for us. If the weather is as good as it was then, we'll be seeing a lot of visitors."
Mr Future said he was hopeful to see the return of the human whale event during the July school holidays.
Last held in 2019, the popular community event, of which Mr Future is an organiser, drew a record 1600 people to create the outline of a humpback whale on Fingal Beach.
In other news
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.portstephensexaminer.com.au
- Follow us on Instagram @psexaminer
- Follow us on Twitter @PortExaminer
- Follow the Port Stephens Examiner on Facebook
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
