Just 2-3 hours north of Sydney, take the chance to view these magnificent creatures in their beautiful natural surroundings as they migrate up the East Coast this Winter.
There are a number of tour companies operating out of Nelson Bay, but I went with
Imagine Cruises. They had great staff, a comfortable boat with a bar, and they promise a return trip if you don't see any whales - but luckily that was not a problem for us that day! We saw several whales swimming with their offspring, lots of tail splashing, and finally the whale-watcher's dream - the dramatic picture-perfect breach out of the water.
Whale breaching at Port Stephens
Apart from admiring the whales the coastal setting is absolutely beautiful, with stark cliffs, untouched islands and lush green forests along the coast. They even managed to find some bonus dolphins for us to enjoy.
Enjoying the scenery
It's an easy drive north of Sydney, calculate your exact driving directions with
Google Maps. Port Stephens also makes for a great day trip or weekend break, and given that it's low season you can get some great deals on accommodation and tours. Check out the
official visitors website for more ideas. There are lots of coastal walks, fishing and boating opportunities, and even sandboarding.
