Rain, Whale or Shine! The Hunter's biggest winter performers are back along the Hunter Coast: Newcastle Airport

Thousands of visitors are expected to travel through Newcastle Airport this winter to witness one of nature's greatest spectacles as around 50,000 humpback whales wind their way North during their annual migration to the warmer waters of Queensland, helping drive visitation across the Hunter. 

Newcastle Airport is forecasting its strongest winter on record, with passenger numbers expected to increase by around five per cent compared to Winter 2025, representing approximately 16,000 additional passengers travelling through the airport.  

Passenger numbers across June, July and August are each expected to set new monthly winter records for Newcastle Airport, making Winter 2026 the busiest winter period in the airport's history showing continued demand for travel to and from the Hunter Region.  

Beyond the water, the annual migration is inspiring a calendar of events across the region, beginning with the annual Whale Census on 28 June, followed by the Port Stephens Winter Festival from 10-19 July, including a sunset cruise departing from Nelson Bay Marina on 16 July with Moonshadow-TQC cruises. The Festival culminates in the iconic Human Whale event at Fingal Bay on 19 July. Together, these experiences provide visitors with even more opportunities to celebrate and connect with one of Australia's greatest wildlife spectacles both on and off the coast.  

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said from May through to November the Hunter coastline becomes a stage for these gentle giants as they journey along Australia's east coast, attracting visitors through Newcastle Airport and driving winter visitation across the region.  

“The Hunter offers a diverse range of nature-based tourism experiences and spotting a whale breaching offshore is one of those moments that makes you stop and appreciate the incredible environment we have right here on our doorstep," Mr Horton said.  

"I was lucky enough to get out on the water recently with Newcastle Tour operator CoastXP and see up close and personal a humpback whale breaching right in front of me with its whale song ringing across the water.  

"It's one of those unforgettable experiences that stays with you long after you've returned to shore.  

"It's easy to see why visitors travel from across Australia and overseas to experience the annual migration, which continues to be a major drawcard for the Hunter during the winter tourism season. Port Stephens, Newcastle and increasingly Lake Macquarie are well known as premier whale watching destinations with visitors and locals alike pausing to take them in.”  

Daily whale watching experiences are now underway and the season is boosting the region's visitor economy, supporting tourism operators, accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers and local businesses throughout the traditionally quieter winter months.  

Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Chair and CoastXP Founder Dominic May said whale season is a rare opportunity to witness something truly magnificent in the wild and it happens right here on our doorstep. "What surprises many visitors is that within minutes of leaving Newcastle Harbour we're out on the Humpback Highway alongside them and they leave talking about the region as a whole,” Mr May said.  “That's why whale season is such an important contributor to tourism across the Hunter."  

Moonshadow-TQC Cruises General Manager James McArthur said the 2026 season has already delivered exciting whale activity. "Whale watching season is one of the most anticipated times of the year for Port Stephens and every year we're privileged to introduce thousands of visitors to one of the world's great wildlife migrations," Mr McArthur said.  

"The humpback whale population continues to thrive and the activity we've already witnessed this season has been outstanding.  

"What makes Port Stephens so special is the combination of incredible whale encounters and the stunning natural backdrop of our coastline, islands and marine park. It's an experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors from across Australia and overseas.”  

Destination Port Stephens CEO Jo Thomas said whale season remains one of the region's signature tourism experiences. "Whale watching is one of Port Stephens' most recognised and sought-after visitor experiences and provides an important boost to the local visitor economy during winter," Ms Thomas said.

"The migration offers travellers a compelling reason to visit the region, often extending their stay to enjoy our beaches, coastal walks, dining experiences and accommodation offerings.  

"Nature-based tourism continues to be a key driver of visitation and Port Stephens is uniquely positioned to offer visitors unforgettable wildlife encounters alongside some of Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery."  

Visitors can also experience the migration from a range of coastal lookouts and headlands across Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie, offering spectacular land-based whale watching opportunities throughout the season.   

Visit www.newcastleairport.com.au for more information on flights and parking deals as you enjoy your whale watching stay. Visit www.coastxp.com for adventure boat tours and whale watching in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie or book a cruise in Port Stephens at www.moonshadow-tqc.com.au.