Duration
Free cancellation
Guided tour
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
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Set out on an epic offshore adventure from Lake Macquarie aboard a custom-built eco-tour boat, designed for comfort, safety, and unbeatable ocean views.
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Witness the awe-inspiring humpback whale migration up close—see spectacular breaches, fin slaps, and tail splashes from just meters away.
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Spot more than just whales! Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins, sunbathing seals, marine birds, and even the occasional flying fish.
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Learn fascinating local insights from expert marine guides aboard a business recognized for sustainable tourism and marine conservation.
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Tours run from May to November, with a free return cruise offered if you don't spot a whale—your unforgettable encounter is guaranteed.
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Suitable for adventurers aged 5 and up, with slim-fit lifejackets and onboard facilities to keep all guests comfortable and secure.
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2-hour Lake Macquarie whale-watching cruise aboard Hydro from Swansea Heads
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English-speaking guide
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Conservation-focused commentary with interactive Q&A
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Small-group tour of up to 12 guests
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Drinking water & weather-proof jackets
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Safety briefing
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Access to onboard amenities
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You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Spot migrating humpback whales and playful dolphins on a 2-hour Lake Macquarie cruise with expert wildlife guides.
Getting started
Your journey begins at the Chalmers Street Jetty, just on the oceanside of Swansea Bridge. After a smooth check-in, step aboard a custom-built eco-tour vessel designed for comfort and close-up wildlife encounters. Your experienced guide will walk you through a brief safety overview and help you gear up with a weatherproof jacket and slimline lifejacket, so you’re all set to hit the water.
What to expect
From June to November each year, thousands of humpback whales make their epic 10,000-kilometer journey along Australia’s east coast—and Lake Macquarie offers prime viewing. Your 2-hour cruise takes you straight into the heart of this migration route, giving you front-row seats to breach, tail-slap, and spy-hop displays by these majestic giants. Keep your eyes peeled for curious dolphins riding the waves alongside the vessel and sunbathing fur seals perched on offshore rocks.
Features
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Close-to-the-water viewing: The vessel’s sleek, low-profile design means you don’t just see the wildlife—you feel like you’re part of the action.
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Expert-led insights: Onboard wildlife guides share fascinating facts about the marine ecosystem, whale behaviors, and what makes this stretch of coastline so special.
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Sustainable by design: Operated by CoastXP, this tour is Advanced Ecotourism Certified—so you can enjoy the sights while knowing you’re treading lightly.
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Comfort comes standard: Expect premium outerwear, onboard toilet facilities, and a smooth, stable ride designed for all-weather conditions.
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Whale sighting guarantee: Didn’t spot a whale? No worries—you’ll be offered a complimentary return cruise so you can try again.
Whether it’s your first whale-watching trip or your tenth, this Lake Macquarie experience is a breath of fresh sea air for all ages (5+). Just bring your sense of adventure—and don’t forget your camera!
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What to bring
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Wear a light fleece under your waterproof jacket (provided) so you can peel off layers once the sun’s up.
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Wear non-slip, closed-toe shoes for on-deck stability.
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Bring your sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), camera/binoculars, seasickness tablets, light snacks, and a valid photo ID.
What's not allowed
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Children under 5 years old are not permitted to participate in this experience.
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This experience is restricted to a maximum of 12 guests.
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Smoking is not permitted on the vessel.
Accessibility
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This experience is not wheelchair accessible. For guests who can board and disembark with assistance, wheelchair and walker storage are available in Newcastle.
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This experience is not recommended for guests with a medical condition, injury, or potential health risk, or for those who are pregnant.
Additional information
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If no whales are spotted during your scheduled whale watching tour, you’ll receive a free return trip.
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Tours may be postponed or canceled due to unsuitable weather. Bookings can be rescheduled (subject to availability) or refunded. Light rain won’t affect departures.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your cruise to avoid any delays.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.
Boarding point
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Board your cruise at CoastXP.
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Address: Chalmers Street Jetty, Near Swansea RSL, Swansea NSW 2281, Australia.
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