Whale watching in Nelson Bay 

Whale watching in Nelson Bay from Anchorage Hotel & Spa

Each year between May and November, around 40,000 humpback whales migrate along Australia's east coast, passing directly past Port Stephens on the Humpback Highway. From Nelson Bay, a short drive from Anchorage Hotel & Spa, you can step straight onto a cruise vessel and meet these gentle giants in open water. After the salt and the spectacle, return to the calm of an absolute waterfront retreat in Corlette, where Hamptons-chic interiors, two pools, dining and Spa Lucca are waiting.

Anchorage sits on a boutique marina just minutes from d'Albora Marina, the departure point for almost every whale watching cruise in Nelson Bay. With your room opening onto the marina, the morning starts on the water before you've even left the property.

The best time for whale watching in Nelson Bay

May to early June – early season

The first humpbacks arrive on their northern migration. Expect strong, energetic whales powering up the coast toward the warmer breeding waters. Crowds are smaller, accommodation rates are softer, and you have the bay to yourself.

June to August – peak season

These are the busiest months and the most active, with whales travelling close to shore, frequent breaches, and the most reliable sightings of the season, so book cruises and accommodation early. Winter days at Anchorage are crisp and clear, and Spa Lucca's steam room is built for exactly this season.

September to November – late season with calves

The southbound migration is the most tender part of the season, with mother whales travelling south alongside their newborn calves, often resting in the bay and swimming close to the cruise vessels as the calves breach, slap their tails, and learn to navigate the swell. October and early November are the quiet, gentle bookend of the season.

Where to go whale watching in Nelson Bay

On the water: Cruise operators from d'Albora Marina

Most Nelson Bay whale watching cruises depart from d'Albora Marina at 6 Teramby Road, around a five-minute drive from Anchorage. Moonshadow-TQC Cruises and Imagine Cruises are the two main operators here, both running daily whale watching departures across the season. 

Operators range from large multi-deck vessels with onboard catering to small fast catamarans built for speed and intimate viewing. Cruise lengths typically run from 90 minutes for express trips up to three hours for the full ocean experience.

• Larger vessels suit families, mixed groups, and travellers who want indoor seating, food, and licensed bars onboard.
• Smaller fast cats suit photographers, couples, and anyone who wants less travel time and more time alongside the whales.
• Eco-certified operators offer educational commentary and follow strict approach distances under marine park guidelines.

On land: The best lookouts in and around Nelson Bay

The Tomaree National Park headlands give you elevated, free, and completely uncrowded whale watching when conditions are right. Pack binoculars, a flask, and warm layers.

• Tomaree Head Summit – a steep 161-metre climb rewarded with one of the most photographed coastal views in Australia. Two viewing platforms and a picnic table at the top.
• Gan Gan Lookout – a drive-up lookout above Nelson Bay with sweeping panoramas across the port and out to sea.
• Boat Harbour and Fishermans Bay – informal headland viewing, often quiet, with informative signage on humpback and southern right whale identification.
• Fingal Bay (Barry Park) – an accessible lookout with picnic facilities, ideal for families.
• Zenith and Wreck Beach – fewer crowds, raw ocean energy, occasional whale spouts on the horizon.

Dolphin and whale watching in Nelson Bay

Port Stephens is known as the dolphin capital of Australia, and that title isn't borrowed. A resident population of around 90 to 120 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins lives in Port Stephens year-round, which means dolphin sightings are almost guaranteed on any cruise, regardless of season. During whale season, most operators run combined dolphin and whale watching itineraries, so a single trip often delivers both.

Outside whale season, dolphin watching cruises run daily from Nelson Bay with boom net rides, water slides, and short eco-tours all leaving from the same marina, making it a strong option for families staying with us through summer and autumn.

What to bring on your cruise

Coastal weather can shift quickly, even in winter. A few practical things make the difference between a good trip and a memorable one.

• Layers, including a windproof jacket. The deck is cooler than the carpark.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with a strap.
• Closed shoes with grip for wet decks.
• Binoculars and a zoom-lens camera.
• Motion sickness medication if you're prone to it. Take it 30 minutes before boarding.
• Reusable water bottle and a snack for longer cruises.

Where to stay for whale watching in Nelson Bay

Anchorage Hotel & Spa sits right at the water’s edge at Corlette Point in Port Stephens, just a short drive from the cruise marina. Rooms look out over a boutique marina, the bay opens up beyond your window, and Corlette Beach is a barefoot stroll away. After a morning on the whales, it's a five-minute drive back to a hot shower, a long lunch at The Galley Kitchen, and a soak in the adults-only infinity pool.

For the full coastal escape, pair your cruise with a hot stone or relaxation massage at Spa Lucca, the antidote to a brisk morning at sea, then finish the day at Moby's Bar, our upstairs nautical bar, with a whisky in hand and the marina lights coming on below.

Browse our Port Stephens accommodation to find the room that suits your stay, from waterfront rooms with private terraces to split-level lofts with 180-degree bay views.

Plan your Nelson Bay escape

Whale watching is one of many reasons to visit. Pair it with a sea kayak through the marina, a Tomaree Head sunrise, or a long lunch at one of the local oyster shacks. For more inspiration, see things to do in Nelson Bay.

Frequently asked questions