Winter Whale Festival | Port Stephens / Nelson Bay
Calling all families, foodies, and whale-lovers. The Port Stephens Winter Whale Festival is taking centre stage again from the 10th to the 19th of July, 2026. Get ready for nine days of winter magic as this much-loved annual event is back, bigger, and better than ever!
The Majesty of Whales in Port Stephens
From May to November, Port Stephens turns into a humpback highway. These giants are on a mission – travelling thousands of kilometres from Antarctica to breed in warmer northern waters. Lucky for us, these awesome animals cruise right past our coastline, making Port Stephens one of the best whale-watching spots in Australia.
But it’s not just humpbacks. You might spot a southern right whale or even a pod of dolphins joining the show of spy hops, pectoral slaps, body rolls, and more!Want front-row seats? Jump on a whale-watching cruise and get so close you’ll feel the splash. Or, if boats aren’t your thing, head up to lookouts like Boat Harbour or Barry Park and scan the horizon – binoculars recommended. You can check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website for the top whale-watching spots near you.
Port Stephens Winter Whale Festival 2026 Activities
There’s something for everyone at the Winter Whale Festival. Here are a few of the many activities that you should watch out for this coming July:
Family Fun Night
(Saturday 11th July, 4:30pm to 8pm)
Apex Park, Nelson Bay
The Port Stephens Winter Festival kicks off with a relaxing yet fun night for the whole family. Think food stalls, local music from Port Stephens FM, face painting, and more. A dance performance from the locally renowned Collective Dance Academy will happen from 5:30 pm to 6 pm.
Get ready to rock out during the awesome performance of the Nelson Bay Rock ‘n’ Roll Group, or be amazed by a roving magic stunt show by The Pretty Amazing Jono between 6:30 pm and 8 pm.
No alcohol, so it’s all family-friendly. Bring a picnic blanket, maybe grab a bite from one of the stalls, and settle in.
Port Stephens Car Show
(Sunday 12th July, 10am to 3pm)
Nelson Bay CBD
The Port Stephens Car Show is back again this winter. Here, you get to view classic cars, vintage ones, and a few muscle cars too, for a pretty cruisy day out.
There’ll be live music, food stalls, and a few activities for the kids. You can grab lunch from one of the local cafés, wander through the cars, or maybe chat to a few of the owners.
It’s free to check out. And if you’ve got a car you want to show off, they’ve got a spot to register online.
Scavenger Hunt
(Tuesday, July 15th)
Nelson Bay area
There’s a ripper little scavenger hunt happening in Nelson Bay for the Winter Festival. Port Stephens Council and Newy With Kids are teaming up to create the most amazing hunt for kids or adults who like solving puzzles, too.
You will be going around town, map in hand, hunting for answers. It’s part quiz, part treasure hunt, and there’s a mystery phrase to crack by the end.
When you’re done, scan the QR code and boom—you get a completion certificate. Fun, easy, and a good excuse to stretch the legs and explore the Bay.
Afternoon Tea Party
(Monday, July 13, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm)
Essence Cafe, Nelson Bay
Enjoy a relaxed yet elegant high tea experience at Essence Cafe in the heart of Nelson Bay, renowned for its exceptional Fish River Roaster coffee, house-baked cakes, fresh homemade treats, and warm, friendly service. It’s the ideal way to pause, indulge, and celebrate winter during the festival.
Adding to the charm, enjoy live keyboard music by the talented Jasmin Evans, whose soothing melodies will elevate your afternoon.
This is a limited, one-day-only event. Bookings are essential.
Back again for 2026, the Taster Trails are bigger, brighter, and tastier than ever. This year? They’ve added Green to the Red, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Yellow trails.
Here’s how it works: each trail is like a progressive dinner with four courses, four different spots, all within walking distance. You get to wander around town, eat good food, discover new local favourites, and just enjoy the night at your own pace. It’s just a great way to get out, try something new, and support the local food scene.
If last year was anything to go by, you’ll want to get in early as tickets sell fast. Here’s the schedule for all the trails:
- PURPLE and ORANGE trail: Friday 10th July, 4pm to 7pm
- RED and BLUE trail: Friday 17th July, 4pm to 7pm
- GREEN and YELLOW trail: Saturday 18th July, 4pm to 7pm
Historical Cruise with John ‘Stinker’ Clarke
(Tuesday, 14th July, 11am to 1:30 pm)
Public Wharf, Nelson Bay
Enjoy a full day of cruising with exclusive commentary from local legend and historian, John ‘Stinker’ Clarke! Moonshadow TQC offers three great historical cruises, which will take you to the gorgeous Broughton Island, explore the western harbour of Port Stephens, or climb the Point Stephens Lighthouse on the Fingal Island Historical Tour.
Port Stephens has a rich maritime history, and there is no better way to engage and learn about it than from local icon, John ‘Stinker’ Clarke.
SaltWATER Restaurant High Tea
(Wednesday, 15th July, 11am to 1:30 pm)
Marine Drive, Fingal Bay
Saltwater Restaurant is celebrating the Winter Whale Festival with a special High Tea Lunch. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Fingal Bay, this one-day-only event invites guests to enjoy a refined selection of sweet and savoury treats, fresh local flavours, tea and coffee, and a relaxed coastal ambience.
Perfect for a midweek catch-up, special occasion, or winter treat by the sea, this elegant high tea captures the indulgence, connection, and coastal charm of Port Stephens in winter.
Bookings are essential, with limited places available.
Moonshadow-TQC Sunset Cruise
(Thursday, 16th July, 4:15 pm to 6:30 pm)
Dock C, d’Albora Marina
Join Moonshadow-TQC as we head out onto the stunning Port Stephens harbour and take in the last light of a stunning Winter’s day. Onboard Moonshadow V, the largest vessel in Port Stephens, is equipped with a fully licensed bar and three viewing decks.
Bookings are essential.
Human Whale 2026
(Sunday, July 19th, 10am to 2pm)
Fingal Bay Surf Club & Beach Front
Every year, the crew down at Fingal Bay Beach does something a bit special. Locals and visitors line up along the sand to form the outline of a 100-metre-long humpback whale. Just people, standing shoulder to shoulder, paying tribute to the 40,000 whales that glide past Port Stephens each year.
It’s not just about the whale shape, though. There are stalls from National Parks, ORRCA, OCCI, and Sea Shelter, plus the Fingal Bay Surf Club fires up the barbecue for Sausage Sizzle. Face painting for the kids, too. It’s one of those feel-good, hands-on things that brings everyone together for a good cause and a bit of fun.
Book Your Holiday Destination: Port Stephens
Ready to create memories that will last a lifetime during the school holidays? Book your Port Stephens escape and immerse yourself in the wonder of the next Winter Whale Festival! Witness the awe-inspiring annual migration of humpback whales, soak up the festive atmosphere on whale watching cruises, and enjoy a smorgasbord of family fun.Nelson Bay Accommodation offers a fantastic range of options to suit any style and budget. From cosy apartments to beachfront havens, you’ll find the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of whale watching and festival adventures. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your camera, book your accommodation, and get ready to dive into the winter whale magic of Port Stephens!