THE new whaling is capturing the magnificence of the humpback whales as they travel up and down the humpback highway on camera and of course sharing the magnificent shots captured of these magnificent whales which have come back from the brink of extinction.

Local whale photographer Bonita Holmes-Nu’u told News Of The Area, “There are plenty of shorebased options when it comes to whale watching.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

“Boat Harbour, and the rocks along there where the lookout is has been a hive of activity since May.

“Birubi is also good.

“This year I have even seen people on camel rides taking photos of breaching whales from the camels.”

Bonita credits the good weather we have had this year for such great whale watching opportunities.

“Numerous people that live at Boat Harbour have said they have heard them passing by at night, their exhales and tail lobs.”

Bonita started her own photography Facebook page titled ‘Beautiful- Port Stephens’ 10 years ago to share the beautiful sights she sees in the area and found photo enthusiasts sending their images.

Overwhelmed by the response, Bonita went on to create a ‘Port Stephens in Pictures’, a dedicated Facebook group consolidating daily snapshots of the area.

The page has more than 10,000 members.

Bonita is also Company photographer with Moonshadow Tamboi Queen Cruises (MSTQC) and AquaMarine Adventures, “We are privileged to share the beauty and diverse wildlife of Port Stephens with our passionate passengers and photographers.

“The 2023 whale-watching season has proven exceptional, with an abundance of active whales delighting passengers and crew,” she said.

Cool mornings have not deterred a local contingent of keen photographers, along with Bonita from an early-morning start to embark on a sunrise whale-watching photography cruise, showcasing the stunning beauty of Port Stephens.

Departing from Nelson Bay Marina the cruise provided a spectacular experience for participants.

As the sun rose nature-loving photographers enjoyed smooth sea conditions as they cruised towards the renowned Humpback Highway off the coast of Port Stephens.

With sunrise over the water and, of course, the incredible wildlife diversity – whales, dolphins, seals and bird life; it is a perfect experience to capture many unique images for photographers.

The whale plumes emerged as they headed through the islands with numerous pods around the boat accompanied by playful common dolphins, and overhead soared sea birds, including white-bellied sea eagles and Australasian gannets.

Captain Jarad Aldrich expertly manoeuvred between the pods and delivered commentary as the photographers enjoyed the captivating marine creatures.

The enthusiasts were also treated to a viewing of Australian fur seals as they returned via Cabbage Tree Island.

A white-bellied sea eagle posed for eager photographers who were able to capture the essence of Port Stephens’ natural wonders.

More cruises are scheduled for the upcoming season, promising further opportunities to capture the magnificence of Port Stephens’ whales, dolphins, and coastal marvels.

MSTQC has been offering these immersive photography cruises for more than ten years and will communicate dates when set.

Keen photographers post their whale shots on the Port Stephens In Pictures Facebook Page.

By Marian SAMPSON