THE first humpback whale of the 2017 whale watching season has been sighted.

Moonshadow’s Crew Member Evie and Captain, Terry could not contain their excitement when they spotted the young whale two miles offshore between Boondelbah and Little Island.

There have been whispers of sightings over the past weeks with whales spotted off the South Coast of NSW.

The official whale watching season commences on Saturday 20 May through till 5 November 2017.

Mel Turner, a member of the Naturefest organising committee, told News Of The Area that “Naturefest is an annual event showcasing all that Port Stephens has to offer in the nature arena.”

The launch of the whale watching season and the ‘Human Whale’ are highlights on the program.

“This year’s ‘Human Whale’ will be a World Record attempt and will be held at Fingal Bay,” Ms Turner said.

There are various whale watch cruise options to see whales including viewing them from the land at Birubi Point and Fingal Bay.

Seeing whales in Port Stephens is a must for locals and visitors alike and it is always exciting to see these wonderful creatures grace us with their presence.

The launch of the whale watching season is just one part of Port Stephens Naturefest which celebrates all things in nature in our coastal paradise.

Approximately 22,000 humpbacks pass Port Stephens on their 12,000km migration every year.

The whales are now heading north, passing Port Stephens as they head to a warmer climate to give birth to their young.

 

By Marian SAMPSON