NATUREFEST is heading towards the home run but there have been plenty of opportunities for tourists and locals to explore the natural wonderland of Port Stephens.

Frank Future, who was one of the first whale watch cruise operators in the Bay, told News Of The Area, “Prior to the late 1980s, the whale population wasn’t high enough to see many whales but that is very different today.”
The grand finale of the event which has run for a six week period promoting all things nature in Port Stephens is the Human Whale which is being held at Fingal Beach on 15 July from 10am.
This is a World Record attempt and there will be plenty to see and do on the day.
Organisers are encouraging everyone to come along.
Throughout Naturefest, there have been plenty of people whale watching at headlands around Boat Harbour and Birubi Point.
The dolphin census results are in and the population at the Bay is very healthy indeed.
The Marine Parks Association has reported that 67 dolphins were sighted throughout the morning, including some well known residents such as Smoky and his alliance; a group of three males believed to be well into their twenties.
This group was spotted in the company of approximately 14 other dolphins, including Ben’s alliance (another older group of three males) and Debby, a female who was also seen during the 2015 and 2016 census.
The largest pod encounter was a group of 20 dolphins.
An ongoing population study by the Marine Parks Association using photo identification has observed 275 individual dolphins in the Bay, which is known as the dolphin capital of Australia.
Rockpool rambles, Koala Gala and spooky tours have also been highlights on the Naturefest calendar.

 

By Marian SAMPSON