Winter Whale Festival | Port Stephens / Nelson Bay 2025
The Port Stephens Winter Whale Festival is taking centre stage again from the 12th to the 20th of July, 2025. Calling all families, foodies, and whale-lovers. 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 2025 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 12th July, 5 pm to 8 pm)
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. Curious Legends‘ giant illuminated puppets will be making the rounds in the park, putting on a quirky, creative, and magical display that will have everyone mesmerised.
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 13th July, 10 am to 3 pm)
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. They’ll be set up for public view, and it’s 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.
Taster Trails
(Saturday, July 20th, from 4 pm to 7 pm)
Back again for 2025, the Taster Trails are bigger, brighter, and tastier than ever. Last year, it was Red and Green. This year? They’ve added Blue, Orange, Purple…and now Yellow’s joined the party.
Here’s how it works: each trail is like a progressive dinner that includes 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:
- RED trail: Wednesday 16th July, 1:45 pm to 5 pm PST
- BLUE trail: Wednesday 16th July, 1:45 pm to 4:45 pm PST
- PURPLE trail: Friday 18th July, 1:45 pm to 5 pm PST
- ORANGE trail: Saturday 19th July, 1:45 pm to 5 pm PST
- YELLOW trail: Saturday 19th July, 2 pm to 5 pm PST
Anyerin: Live & Free
(Wednesday, 16th July, 12 pm to 3 pm)
d’Albora Marinas – Nelson Bay
If you’re around Nelson Bay on Wednesday 16th July, swing by the main stage at d’Albora Marina as Anyerin’s playing live for the Taster Trails.He’s not your run-of-the-mill pub act. Anyerin’s the kind of artist who doesn’t just play music, he draws you into it. One minute you’re listening, the next you’re completely caught up in it. Big voice, serious guitar skills, and a way of performing that feels more like a conversation than a show. Definitely worth catching if you’re in the area.
Human Whale 2025
(Sunday, July 20th, 10 am to 2 pm)
Fingal Bay Surf Club & Beach Front
Every year, the crew down at Fingal Bay Beach do 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!