Record humpback whale populations have made this year’s whale watching season the best yet and have proven a major boost to the entertainment and hospitality industries in Port Stephens, with tourists once again flocking to the region.
More than 33,000 humpbacks are expected to migrate to their calving grounds in the warm waters off North Queensland during winter, before making the return trip south with their young during the spring.
Port Stephens is arguably one of the prime places to see the giant mammals because they come close to the coast, meaning they are easier to spot and it takes whale watching vessels less time to travel out to them.
Ramada Shoal Bay has combined with Imagine Cruises to offer a package which represents a 10 per cent saving on accommodation and a 20 per cent saving on the whale watching cruise. A single night stay at a 1-bedroom spa ocean view room and a cruise for two adults starts from just $260, while a one-night stay in a 2-bedroom ocean view room and a cruise for two adults and two children starts from $410.
“Many of our winter guests come from beyond New South Wales specifically to see the humpback whales, because of their prevalence here,” said Resort Manager Leah Besant. “Our partnership with local operator Imagine Cruises lasts until the conclusion of the whale season in September and provides even more of an incentive for guests to visit Shoal Bay right now.”
“The advantage of cruises around Shoal Bay is the range of marine life you can see,” said Imagine Cruises Manager Bronny Starling. “Along with humpback whales, you can see resident dolphin pods in Nelson Bay, a seal colony at Cabbage Tree Island and short-beaked Common dolphins and flocks of native Australian birds in the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park.”
Interested parties can make a booking by visiting ramadashoalbay.com.au or calling (02) 4984 8100.
Ramada Shoal Bay is managed by Resort Management by Wyndham (RMbW), a subsidiary of Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific under a license agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. RMbW currently manages 34 resorts under the Wyndham, Ramada by Wyndham and TRYP by Wyndham brands.
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