Whale watching in Newcastle

Free and cheap ways to spot these amazing creatures

Each year, nature’s majestic whales make their migration through our coastal waters.

In May, they begin their journey to the warmer waters of their northern breeding grounds, returning south in November.

Don’t miss your chance to witness the whales frolicking off the coast near Newcastle.

Here’s our guide to some of the best places for whale watching in Newcastle

The Newcastle and Port Stephens area is the perfect place to go whale watching.

Hike to the hilltops

• One thing’s for sure when it comes to spotting whales from land. The higher the vantage point, the better!
• Find a clifftop spot with an unobstructed view of the ocean.
• The best vantage points for whale watching in Newcastle include:
  • Nobby’s Headland
  • Strzelecki Lookout in Newcastle
  • Take the Wallarah National Park’s coastal walking track from Caves Beach up to the headland just south of Pinny Beach
  • Tomaree Head Summit in Nelson Bay – the views from this spot are simply breathtaking!

Hit the beach

• Of course, hitting the hills isn’t the only way to go whale watching in Newcastle. There’s lots of opportunities to see whales from the shoreline.
• Some of the best beachside whale watching spots around the Newcastle region include
  • Wreck Beach in Tomaree National Park near Nelson Bay
  • Caves Beach
  • Fisherman’s Bay foreshore in Tomaree National Park
  • The Myall Lakes Hole in the Wall picnic area
  • Tea Tree picnic spot and lookout in the Munmorah State Conservation Area.

Be app-solutely sure of where to spot them!

• The free NSW whale watching app is the perfect way to plan your whale-spotting adventure.
• Get real time updates and notifications on where the whales are, or submit your own sightings and upload your pics to share your coastal adventure.

Be prepared

• Wherever you choose to go whale watching, to make the most of your day follow these handy tips:
  • Wait for clear, clam weather. Rain and cloud makes whales harder to see.
  • Take some binoculars with you. If you don’t own a pair, put the word out and borrow some from a friend.
  • Keep your day cheap by packing snacks and drinks from home.
  • We know it’s not summer – but don’t forget to slip, slop, slap with the sunscreen.
  • Settle in and get comfy! Whales can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes before resurfacing, so you’ll need to be patient.