The humpbacks are back – this is how to see them up close!

Each year, tens of thousands of humpback whales make their way along the coastlines of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, migrating from the icy Antarctica waters to the tropical seas of North Queensland.

This incredible journey, spanning over 10,000km, sees mothers giving birth and calves learning to navigate the ocean for the very first time.

Right on cue, CoastXP is thrilled to launch its 2025 Whale Encounter Tour and Whale Discovery Tour, running from late May through November. These awe-inspiring tours offer a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles from the water.

You’ll see the whales in all their glory– breaching, tail-slapping, and cruising along the coastline, often just metres from the boat.  

With over 45,000 humpback whales expected to pass by this season, there’s never been a better time to take to the sea.

With their fast adventure boat, CoastXP can position themselves in the best spot to enjoy these magnificent creatures, without disturbing them. The view from water level is thrilling! It's not unusual to watch the whales frolic and play. 

Humpback whales regularly engage in a variety of surface behaviours, from slapping their tail or pectoral fins on the water to launching their whole bodies out of the water in a full breach. Communicating with vocalisations but also using their bodies – 40 tonnes hitting the water makes a big splash and a big noise underwater, saying to other whales, “here I am”.

Did you know Humpbacks don’t eat during migration. 

Instead, they rely on blubber reserves built up in the Southern Ocean, fuelling their epic journey and acrobatic displays. Later in the season, you may even spot newborn calves heading south for the very first time between September and November.

CoastXP offers tours out of Newcastle and and Lake Macquarie - 

→  The Whale Encounter Tour departs daily from Dock C at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, and
→  The Whale Discovery Tour sets off from Chalmers Street Jetty, Swansea Channel.

Don’t miss this unforgettable ocean experience. Happy whale watching!