Frequently Asked Questions — Port Stephens

Everything you need to know about dolphin and whale watching, ferries, and adventures at Port Stephens and Nelson Bay NSW.

Dolphins

How many dolphins live in Port Stephens?: Port Stephens is home to a resident pod of approximately 160 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins — one of the largest resident pods on the east coast of Australia. Unlike seasonal whale sightings, these dolphins live here year-round.
Can you see dolphins year-round in Port Stephens?: Yes. The resident dolphins live in Port Stephens permanently, so sightings are possible every single day of the year. Most cruise operators report dolphin sightings on the vast majority of their departures.
Where do dolphin cruises depart from in Nelson Bay?: Most dolphin cruises depart from d'Albora Marina or Nelson Bay Marina on the Port Stephens waterfront. Arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
How long do dolphin cruises last?: Most dolphin watching cruises last between 90 minutes and 2 hours.

When is whale watching season at Port Stephens?: Whale watching season at Port Stephens runs from June through to November. Humpback whales migrate north June–August, then return south September–November. Peak sightings are typically July–October.
What types of whales can you see at Port Stephens?: Humpback whales are the most commonly seen species during the annual migration. Southern right whales and orcas are occasionally spotted.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?: No operator can guarantee wildlife sightings, but Port Stephens sits directly in the humpback whale migration corridor. During peak season (July–October), sightings are very common. Many operators offer a return trip if no whales are spotted.

Is there a ferry from Nelson Bay to Tea Gardens?: Yes. Tea Gardens Ferry runs a scheduled passenger service connecting Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour each way.
Where does the ferry depart from in Nelson Bay?: Nelson Bay departures leave from the public wharf at 40 Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay — right outside the Tea Gardens Ferry booking office.