Whale watching in Newcastle: both tours and 6 free lookouts
When and where to see humpback whales from Newcastle, from free headland lookouts to the two boat tours that head out each season.
Each year from May to November, humpback whales swim past Newcastle on their migration between Antarctica and the warm waters up north, and more than 45,000 pass the coast each year, CoastXP says. In June and July they're mostly heading north; by September and October they're heading back south.
Two operators run whale trips from the harbour: CoastXP's open adventure boat, and NOVA Cruises' boat with enclosed, heated seating. Both offer a free return trip if you see no whales. Or watch from land for free.
Two boats that go out to the whales
CoastXP Whale Encounter Tour
5.0(432)Google reviews
A two-hour trip on a custom-built adventure boat with open, 360-degree views, following the humpback migration along the Newcastle coast, with a chance of dolphins and fur seals. Weatherproof jackets are provided.
If no whales are seen on a whale tour, CoastXP offers a free return trip (conditions apply). It has a 5.0 Google rating from more than 400 reviews.
Good to know
- Season
- May to November
- Time
- 2 hours
- Price
- Adults $135, children 3 to 12 $110
- Departs
- Dock C, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Wickham
- Good to know
- Boats keep at least 100 metres from whales, or 300 metres from a calf, under NSW rules
NOVA Cruises Whale Watch Cruise
4.7(313)Google reviewsA 2.5-hour ocean voyage with enclosed and outdoor seating, heating and air conditioning, plus a cruise of the harbour and outer beaches. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits are included, and there's a licensed bar.
NOVA is in its 19th year of whale cruises from Newcastle, and offers a free stand-by cruise if no whales are sighted (conditions apply). It's an ocean trip, so take something for seasickness if you need it.
Good to know
- Season
- May to November, every day in school holidays
- Time
- 2 to 2.5 hours
- Price
- Adults $96.24, concession $91.17, children 3 to 14 $45.59, family of 4 $233.06
- Departs
- Harbour Square boat dock, behind the Rydges Hotel, corner of Wharf Road and Merewether Street
- Good to know
- No high heels on board
Six free lookouts to watch from land
Fort Scratchley
4.6(1,672)Google reviews
The grassy headland at the fort looks out over the ocean and the harbour mouth, and Visit Newcastle rates it one of the city's best whale watching spots. Bring a picnic rug.
Good to know
- Cost
- Free to walk the grounds
- Where
- Nobbys Road, Newcastle East
The Obelisk
4.5(280)Google reviews
The obelisk above King Edward Park has 360-degree views of the ocean, harbour and city. It's 120 steps up from the street.
Good to know
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- Wolfe Street, The Hill
Newcastle Memorial Walk
4.8(2,422)Google reviews
The 450-metre clifftop walkway, built as a tribute to the region's Anzacs and its steelmaking history, doubles as a lookout along the coast. It's wheelchair accessible from Strzelecki Lookout.
Good to know
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- Memorial Drive, The Hill
- Good to know
- No dogs on the walk
Bar Beach
4.7(49)Google reviews
Set up on the grass next to the car park, with fish and chips, and keep an eye out to sea for a fin slap or a breach.
Good to know
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- Memorial Drive, Bar Beach
Merewether Beach
4.7(780)Google reviews
Grab a coffee at the kiosk and a seat looking out over what Visit Newcastle calls the humpback highway.
Good to know
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- Henderson Parade, Merewether
Hickson Street Lookout
4.8(250)Google reviews
A short track leads down to a grassy lookout where Merewether meets the Glenrock State Conservation Area, with views over Burwood Beach. Pack binoculars.
Good to know
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- Hickson Street, Merewether
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Questions people ask
When is whale watching season in Newcastle?
May to November. The whales are mostly heading north in late May, June and July, and heading south in September and October.
How much is whale watching in Newcastle?
NOVA Cruises is $96.24 for an adult and $45.59 for a child aged 3 to 14, with a family ticket at $233.06. CoastXP is $135 for an adult and $110 for a child aged 3 to 12.
Do you get your money back if you don't see whales?
Both operators offer a free return or stand-by trip if no whales are seen on a whale tour, with conditions.
Where can I see whales from land in Newcastle?
Fort Scratchley, the Obelisk above King Edward Park, the Newcastle Memorial Walk, Bar Beach, Merewether Beach and the Hickson Street Lookout.
How we made this guide
We read CoastXP's and NOVA Cruises' own websites and City of Newcastle's Visit Newcastle whale watching guide on 14 October 2026, and each place's Google listing for its rating and position. Prices and departures change, so check when you book. Nobody paid to be in this guide. If something has changed, tell us.