Picturesque Fingal Bay is the perfect holiday destination for whale-watching aficionados and photography enthusiasts alike. Situated in the New South Wales coastal region of Port Stephens, a mere two and a half hours north of Sydney, Fingal Bay boasts a stunning crescent-shaped beach bookended by Fingal Head headland and Fingal Island, two of the region's best spots for whale watching. Port Stephens is the incredible by nature home to a range of natural landscapes including the largest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, numerous pristine beaches, and the must-do Tomaree Coastal Walk.
The purpose-built whale-watching platform at Barry Park at the headland to the south of Fingal Bay Beach is the perfect spot for a picnic and whale watching. Easily accessible by foot or car, enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery and BBQ, picnic tables, and restroom facilities.
The lighthouse on Fingal Bay Island, also known as Shark Island, provides a spectacular view of the coastline and is a great place to watch whales. Although the island is occasionally accessible at low tide via a 2 km walk along the sand spit, it is very often treacherous or closed for safety, so ensure you check with National Parks authorities and tide times before trying this. If this island adventure is yours to be had, we suggest accessing the island by boat. Imagine Cruises offer a 3.5hour tour of the island and lighthouse via quick boat ride onboard their Fastcat Envision from Nelson Bay.
Book a Fingal Island Eco Walk and Island Tour
The Tomaree Head Summit Walk is not to be missed for breathtaking 360-degree views. This 1km hike will have the less fit amongst us understandably red-faced and a little sweaty at the end due to the steep incline, however, what awaits at the top is well worth it. The two viewing platforms near the summit can be accessed by the well-maintained trail of paving and stairs that wrap around Mount Tomaree, and is usually completed in 30-45 minutes. This is not an adventure for the light-hearted, as a moderate level of fitness and mobility is required.
Noamunga or Boat Harbour headland is a local’s favourite whale watching spot with the rocky headland offering up a 180-degree view of the ocean.
If you are after more of a thrill than what viewing these amazing creatures from the shoreline can serve up, then a whale-watching cruise may be just the thing to get close to humpback, minke, and pilot whales whilst holidaying at Fingal Bay.
With multiple vessels, this cruise departing from Nelson Bay twice daily offers a two-and-a-half to three-hour experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Enjoy 360 viewing inside or out and included morning or afternoon tea. Plus, if you are unlucky and don’t spot a whale on your tour, your next tour is free.
Departing daily at 10:00am and 1:30pm.
A three to three-and-a-half-hour catamaran cruise by sailing and whale conservation experts that with the use of an underwater microphone allows you to hear the beautifully haunting humpback’s songs. Free tea, coffee, and biscuits included with a licensed bar and comfortable downstairs lounge if that is the way you roll.
Departs at 10:30am and 2:00pm daily.
Short on time? Not a problem. This 90-minute trip on board the Fastcat Envision will have you out there sighting whales and back again before you know it. Worried about missing the whales? No need to be, as this trip is guaranteed or your next ride is free.
Departs at 11:00am and 1:30pm daily.
* Please check for any service changes with tour operators before booking.