Whale Watching Season in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Port Stephens
Every year from May to November, one of nature’s most spectacular events plays out right off the Newcastle and Hunter coast. An estimated 40,000 to 45,000 humpback whales travel past on their annual migration — heading north from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland to give birth, then returning south with their calves later in the season.
Watching the whale migration from land is completely free, genuinely thrilling and one of the best things you can do with kids in winter. You don’t need a boat, binoculars or any special equipment — just a good vantage point, some patience and a warm jacket.
When to go: From May to July, whales are heading north. August is the crossover period, with some whales still going north and early ones already returning. From September to November, the whales head south — often with newborn calves alongside them, which makes this one of the most magical times to watch.
What to look for: The easiest sign is the blow — the spray of water a whale exhales as it surfaces. It looks like a big puff of water and is visible from a long distance on calm days. You might also see breaching (the whale launching out of the water), pec slapping (a fin slapping the surface) or tail fluking (the tail rising before a dive).
Tips for whale watching with kids: Bring binoculars, warm layers, snacks and something to sit on. Choose a spot with shelter and toilets if you have little ones. Early mornings on calm, clear days offer the best visibility. Be patient — the whales are always out there, it’s just a matter of timing.
Below is our full guide to the best whale watching spots across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens, with notes on accessibility, facilities and what makes each spot good for families.
The whales start swimming north in May and June and female whales give birth to their babies in warmer waters. They then return back with them from August to November and head home to Antarctica.
You can head out on a local whale watching cruise and try to spot humpback whales, southern right whales, and dolphins but if you prefer land, we’ve got the list for you.
We’ve put together a list of the best whale watching spots in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens and flagged our favourites for those whale watching with kids.
Map of whale watching spots
Whale Watching in Newcastle
Newcastle’s coastline runs roughly north-south, which puts it perfectly in the path of the humpback migration. Most headlands and elevated coastal spots give you views both north and south along the whale highway.
Nobbys Headland
One of the best elevated vantage points in Newcastle. From Nobbys Headland, you can see both north toward Stockton and south down the coast — giving you the widest possible view of the migration path.
The Lighthouse Grounds are open from 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays only. It’s a 550-metre walk from the Nobbys Beach carpark to the gate (about 10 minutes), then a further 220-metre uphill walk to the Signal Master’s Cottage. The path is fully paved and suitable for prams and strollers.
Good to know: No toilet facilities at Nobbys Headland — use the facilities at Nobbys SLSC before heading up. Weekend only access.
Family rating: ★★★★★ — elevated views, pram accessible, great for spotting both north and south.
Anzac Memorial Walk, Bar Beach
This 450-metre clifftop walkway at Bar Beach is consistently one of the best spots in Newcastle for whale watching. The elevated position of the Anzac Memorial Walk gives you panoramic views of the ocean looking north and south, and the path follows the coastline closely so you’re scanning the water the entire time.
The walk is pram and wheelchair accessible from the Strzelecki Lookout end, allowing you to travel all the way to the main viewing platform before looping back. You’ll often spot dolphins here year-round too.
Good to know: Accessible parking at Bar Beach carpark. Kiosk and toilets nearby at Bar Beach.
Family rating: ★★★★★ — accessible, scenic, excellent ocean views.
Bar Beach Viewing Platform
If you don’t want to walk the full Anzac Memorial Walk, the viewing platform just above the Bar Beach kiosk is a great spot to base yourself. Order some fish and chips, claim a spot at the shelter near the carpark or above the kiosk and keep your eyes on the water. On a cold day you can even spot whales from your car in the Bar Beach carpark.
Good to know: Kiosk on site for food and coffee. Toilets available. Paid parking.
Family rating: ★★★★★ — easy, comfortable, food available. One of the most family-friendly spots on the list.
Shepherds Hill Lookout, King Edward Park
Perched above King Edward Park, Shepherds Hill Lookout offers expansive views south down the coast toward Port Stephens — one of the longest sightlines of any Newcastle whale watching spot. Climb up onto the old gunning platform for an even better view. We’ve spotted quite a few whales from here.
Good to know: You can walk down to Southie’s for a drink or snack at South Newcastle Beach.
Family rating: ★★★★☆ — great views but some walking involved to reach the best spots.
Merewether Beach
For whale watching at Merewether, head to the parking lot above the Merewether ocean baths or to the grassy lawn on the hill near the headland for the best elevated views. The Surf House kiosk is nearby if you need coffee and snacks, which makes it easy to settle in for a while.
Good to know: Toilets and food at the Surf House. Parking above the ocean baths.
Family rating: ★★★★☆ — good facilities, best views from the elevated carpark area.
Hickson Street Lookout, Merewether
One of Newcastle’s best kept secrets. Tucked away at the end of Hickson Street in Merewether, this lookout offers sensational south-facing views of the coastline — great for spotting whales heading north. It’s quiet, less busy than Bar Beach and perfect for a picnic while you watch.
Good to know: Limited parking on Hickson Street. No facilities on site — come prepared.
Family rating: ★★★★☆ — stunning and peaceful, but BYO everything.
Fort Scratchley
The grassy headland at Fort Scratchley gives you panoramic views up and down the coast, and it’s a genuinely lovely spot to spend a winter morning with kids. While you’re there, wander around the grounds to see the cannons and above-ground defence structures. General admission is free — guided tunnel tours are available for a small fee.
Good to know: Open six days a week, 10am to 4pm (closed Tuesdays). Free entry. Toilets on site.
Family rating: ★★★★☆ — free entry, interesting for kids, good coastal views.
The Obelisk, The Hill
One of Newcastle’s oldest navigational markers, the white obelisk sits on a hill on Wolfe Street with views out to sea. It’s less well known than other spots, so tends to be quieter — worth knowing about if Bar Beach is busy. Bring binoculars as you’re set back slightly from the water.
Good to know: Accessible via steps from Tyrrell Street at The Hill.
Family rating: ★★★☆☆ — good views but further from the water than other spots.
Newcastle Beach
If the whales are swimming particularly close to shore — which does happen — Newcastle Beach is a great spot to get genuinely close to them. Here’s our photo from the Newcastle Ocean Baths where whales were just metres offshore. Close to food, amenities and parking.
Good to know: Best when whales are close to shore. Keep an eye on local whale spotting Facebook groups for real-time sightings.
Family rating: ★★★★☆ — great when whales are close, less elevated than other spots.
Stockton Beach and Breakwall
For whale watching north of the harbour, head to Stockton Beach or walk out along the Stockton Breakwall. The breakwall walk dubbed the Shipwreck Walk also passes several historic shipwrecks — a bonus for older kids who enjoy a bit of history with their whale watching.
Good to know: Accessible via the Stockton Ferry from Queen’s Wharf. Free to watch from shore.
Family rating: ★★★☆☆ — good for combining with a Stockton day out, less elevated than southern spots.
Whale Watching in Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie’s coastline runs south of Newcastle along a stretch of headlands, bluffs and coastal walks that put you right on the edge of the humpback highway. It’s a quieter alternative to the Newcastle spots and often less crowded, which makes it a good choice for families who want a more relaxed whale watching outing. The bluffs at Redhead and the cliff walks around Caves Beach are the standouts.
Redhead Bluff and Redhead Beach
Climb up to Redhead Bluff for beautiful elevated views looking south down the coast — a great vantage point for spotting whales on the migration. Combine with a play at the nearby Webb Park playground or Redhead Pump Track to keep kids entertained if the whales aren’t cooperating. Picnic tables and toilets are nearby.
Good to know: Webb Park playground is a short walk away — handy for families with young kids.
Family rating: ★★★★★ — elevated views, playground nearby, picnic facilities. One of the best Lake Mac spots.
Swansea Heads
Swansea Heads is where Lake Macquarie meets the Pacific Ocean — and it’s one of the most interesting whale watching spots in Lake Macquarie for families, with a lot more going on than just scanning the horizon. You can watch from the flat at Reid’s Reserve playground, which gives you a comfortable vantage point right at the entrance to Swansea Channel. For better elevation and views across the channel and out to sea, head up to Green Island Road on the headland — a quieter spot with a wider ocean view and far fewer people.
While you’re there — go fossil hunting. Here’s something different to do with the kids at Swansea Headland: search for fossils on the rock shelf at low tide. The rocks here contain remnants of a petrified forest from a volcanic eruption approximately 250 million years ago — one of the most fascinating geological spots in the region and one most people drive straight past.
Good to know: Amenities are at the Reid’s Reserve carpark at the end of Lambton Parade — follow the path to the rock platform. Playground, barbecues, picnic shelters and toilets at Reid’s Reserve.
Safety note: Only go out on the rock platform at low tide. Do not go onto the rock platform in rough sea conditions — it can be extremely dangerous.
Family rating: ★★★★★ — whale watching plus fossil hunting plus rock pools plus playground. One of the most underrated family spots in Lake Macquarie.
Green Island Road, Swansea Heads
If you want some height, head down Green Island Road, opposite Reid’s Reserve playground, to find an excellent vantage point to watch whales as they pass through the channel between the mainland and Green Island. Not many people know about this spot, so there’s a fair chance you’ll be able to park on the headland and gaze east towards the island with nothing but the ocean and whales for company. A genuinely hidden gem worth knowing about.
Good to know: Reid’s Reserve playground is directly opposite — perfect for families who want to combine whale watching with a play.
Family rating: ★★★★★ — quiet, uncrowded, playground right opposite. One of the best hidden spots in Lake Mac.
Awabakal Nature Reserve, Dudley
The walk from Dudley to Redhead in the Awabakal Nature Reserve takes you through coastal heath and thick woodlands, with ocean views from the Awabakal Viewpoint on the headland at the Dudley end of the track. On a clear day you can see all the way to Newcastle, giving you strong chances of spotting whales in the ocean below. If you don’t want to do the full walk, the viewpoint alone is worth the short trip from the carpark.
Good to know: Around 1.5 hours return for the full walk to Redhead. The Awabakal Viewpoint at the Dudley end gives good views without the full walk.
Family rating: ★★★★☆ — beautiful natural setting, good views, suits families with older kids who enjoy a short walk.
Caves Beach Cliff Walk and Spoon Rocks Lookout
Head to Caves Beach and follow the cliff top walk south toward Pinnys Beach for excellent elevated coastal views. The 5km return Coastal Walking Track between Caves Beach and the headland south of Pinny Beach is one of the best whale watching walks in Lake Macquarie. Spoon Rocks Lookout partway along the track is a particularly good vantage point — stop here and scan the ocean before continuing. Quarries Head further along also offers lovely sea views. Along the way you’ll also spot Spoon Rocks — a beautiful secluded beach named for the spoon shape of its rocks.
Good to know: Caves Beach has toilets, parking and a small shopping strip with cafes. The full walk is 5km return so factor in time and wear comfortable shoes.
Family rating: ★★★★☆ — scenic walk, multiple vantage points, good facilities at the start.
Whale Watching in Port Stephens
Port Stephens sits further north along the migration route, which means whales are often closer to shore here than in Newcastle. The area has a mix of easy family-friendly spots with good facilities and more challenging headland walks with spectacular views. If you’re making a day trip of it, combine whale watching with lunch at Fingal Bay or a visit to one of the Port Stephens beaches.
Tomaree Headland, Shoal Bay
For an absolutely spectacular whale watching experience, make the climb to the summit of Tomaree Headland. At 161 metres high, the views from the top take in Port Stephens, Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, Fingal Island and Point Stephens Lighthouse — and of course, the humpback highway.
It’s a 2.2km return walk with paved sections and metal steps, taking around 90 minutes to two hours return. Best suited to older kids with the stamina for the climb.
Good to know: No facilities at the summit. Toilets and parking at the base. Not suitable for prams.
Family rating: ★★★★☆ — spectacular views, but challenging walk. Better for families with older kids.
Barry Park, Fingal Bay
A much easier option than Tomaree for families with younger children. Follow the path at Barry Park to the lookout point, where signs explain the whale migration and give you a solid vantage point to spot humpbacks passing by. There’s a playground at nearby Fingal Beach SLSC and a cafe — making this a very easy family outing.
Good to know: Playground at Fingal Beach SLSC nearby. Cafe on site. Toilets available.
Family rating: ★★★★★ — easy walk, great facilities, perfect for young families.
Boat Harbour, Port Stephens
The headland at Boat Harbour is another excellent Port Stephens whale watching spot, with a dedicated whale watching path leading to a headland vantage point. There’s an information post explaining the whale species you might spot. Facilities on site include a playground, toilets and a barbecue area — so bring a picnic and make a morning of it.
Good to know: Playground, BBQ area and toilets all on site. One of the most family-friendly spots on this list.
Family rating: ★★★★★ — excellent facilities, dedicated whale path, great for all ages.
Iris Moore Lookout, Anna Bay
One of the most family-friendly whale watching spots in all of Port Stephens, and according to NSW National Parks, often a better vantage point than Tomaree Head Summit itself. Located between Fishermans Bay and Birubi Point in Tomaree National Park, Iris Moore Lookout has a fully accessible flat path leading right to the ocean lookout platform, making it suitable for prams, wheelchairs and families with young children who can’t manage steep walks.
There’s a large grassy area with covered picnic tables and on-site parking. The sweeping south-facing views take in Birubi Beach and the Worimi Conservation Lands — spectacular in the afternoon when the light hits the beach.
Good to know: Fully accessible. Covered picnic tables and parking on site. No steep walking required.
Family rating: ★★★★★ — accessible for all ages and abilities, excellent views, great picnic spot. One of the standout spots in Port Stephens.
Fishermans Bay
A quieter, locals-favourite spot just south of Boat Harbour. Fishermans Bay is a relaxed stretch of foreshore that works well for families who want to combine whale watching with a picnic and some rockpool exploring. It won’t give you the elevated views of Tomaree or Iris Moore, but it’s peaceful, uncrowded and a genuine hidden gem.
Good to know: Good for family picnics and rockpool walks. Quieter than other Port Stephens spots.
Family rating: ★★★★☆ — relaxed and uncrowded, good for younger kids who want to explore the foreshore.
Birubi Beach, Anna Bay
For a more relaxed whale watching experience, head to Birubi Beach at Anna Bay. The beach itself offers sweeping coastal views and whales regularly come within a few kilometres of shore here. Grab a coffee from the Crest Birubi Beach café, find a spot on the sand or the nearby headland and keep your eyes on the water.
Dolphins are a year-round presence at Birubi Beach, joining the whales during migration season — so there’s a good chance of spotting marine life even if the whales are being shy.
Good to know: Crest Birubi Beach café on site. Easy flat access. Good for combining with a beach walk.
Family rating: ★★★★☆ — relaxed atmosphere, good facilities, great for a longer outing.
Whale Watching Cruises
If you want to get up close rather than watching from shore, there are several excellent whale watching cruises operating from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens.
CoastXP runs whale watching cruises from Honeysuckle in Newcastle (Dock C, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club) as well as a Whale Discovery Tour departing from Swansea on Lake Macquarie. Their custom-built adventure boat keeps groups small for a more personal experience. Operating from May to November. Read our review.
Moonshadow Cruises and Imagine Cruises run whale watching tours from Nelson Bay in Port Stephens, which put you right in the thick of the migration further north.
Nova Cruises also departs from Honeysuckle with indoor and outdoor viewing areas — a good option if the weather is unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whale watching season in Newcastle runs from May to November. Whales head north from May to July, with August being a crossover period. From September to November the whales return south — often with newborn calves.
An estimated 40,000 to 45,000 humpback whales travel past the Newcastle and Hunter coast each year on their annual migration between Antarctica and Queensland.
Bar Beach, the Anzac Memorial Walk and Nobbys Headland are the top picks for families in Newcastle. In Port Stephens, Barry Park at Fingal Bay and Boat Harbour are excellent family-friendly options with good facilities and easy walks. In Lake Macquarie, Redhead Bluff is a standout.
Yes — watching whales from shore is completely free at all of the spots listed in this guide. Whale watching cruises are a paid option if you want to get closer to the whales on the water.
Warm layers, binoculars, snacks and something to sit on. A thermos of something hot is worth bringing on cold winter days. Choose a spot with shelter and toilets if you have young children.
Yes — when whales are swimming close to shore, Newcastle Beach can offer surprisingly close views. Keep an eye on local whale spotting groups on Facebook for real-time sightings to know when whales are close.
The easiest way to look for whales is to look for the blow. This is the water the whale sprays into the air as it exhales as it comes to the surface. You’ll see it from a distance as a big disturbance of water and is much easier to spot when seas are calm.
You might also spot whales breaching as most of their body leaves the water. Keep an eye out for slapping. You might see a flash of black as a whale slaps the water with his fin or tail.
Visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website to find out more whales including the different whale species.
Spotted a whale from one of these locations? We’d love to hear about it.
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