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CoastXP - Newcastle
5.0
378 reviewsAbout
CoastXP is the premier Hunter Coast adventure tourism company.
Ocean Enthusiast Dominic May and his team operate both land and on-water adventure tours including coastal sightseeing, whale watching and guided hiking in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie showcasing the breath taking Hunter coastline.
Choose from being led by a wildlife guide or enjoy boarding their custom-built boat. Tours focus on the marine life that inhabits the coastline, local geology, Aboriginal heritage, and unique destination landmarks including wrecks, cliffs, islands, sea caves and ships.
What's Available
6 featuresQuality Tourism Accreditation
Available Tours
Lunch & Tasting Tour Package
Earp Distilling Co and CoastXP have partnered to offer a coastal experience like no other with the Lunch & Tasting Tour package. Begin your journey with CoastXP on either an Adventure Tour (Nov – May) or a Whale Encounter Tour (May – Nov), then enjoy a guided distillery tour, tasting, and shared lunch at Earp Distilling Co – all included in one great-value package.
Whale Encounter Tour
The Encounter Tour is a premier whale watching experience aboard our custom-built adventure boat. The tour focuses closely on the annual Humpback Whale (Megaptera Novaeangliae) migration along the east coast. In addition to watching the whales up close, you will travel along the stunning Newcastle coastline with the added chance of encountering dolphins and long-nosed fur seals. Humpback whale numbers have been increasing at a rate of over 10% each year, with more than 45,000 individuals passing our coast each and every year. Adult humpback whales can grow between 14 – 18 metres long and can weigh up to 50 tonnes, while humpback calves are born at approximately 2 tonnes – now that's a big baby! The reason we love humpback whales so much is that they are one of the most inquisitive and interactive species out of all marine mammals. In particular, watching whales in Newcastle is spectacular as we get to witness part of their exceptionally long journey from the Antarctic to the warm safe waters south of the equator in order to have their calves.
Adventure Tour
CoastXP’s Adventure Tour is a premier offshore boating experience showcasing the magnificent Hunter coastline. Experience the breathtaking coastal scenery of Newcastle, with pods of resident dolphins, seabirds, turtles and other marine life. Enjoy the thrill as you cruise 30 kilometres down the Hunter Coast in comfort and safety aboard CoastXP’s custom-built vessel ‘Atmos’ to stunning Caves Beach and historic Catherine Hill Bay. Along the way you will have a unique view of Newcastle Harbour, historic World War Two coastal forts, world renowned surfing beaches and rugged cliffs. The tour visits Newcastle’s most impressive sights including the ANZAC Memorial Walk, the Bogey Hole, Glenrock Lagoon, Redhead Shark Watchtower and hidden gems Moon Island, Pinney’s Headland and Shark Bay. Marvel at the amazing sea caves at Caves Beach, with CoastXP the only adventure boat to visit these caves up close. You will be captivated by the marine life and beautiful landscape of the Hunter Coast, including fascinating coal seams, volcanic rocks, and sedimentary cliffs. Many of these are important Aboriginal sites which carry great significance for the local Awabakal people.
Nearby places
Reviews & Ratings
Suzanne Johnson
Google review
From the moment we stepped aboard CoastXP for New Year’s Eve on Newcastle Harbour, my husband and I knew we were in for something special. Welcoming in the new year under the sprinkling harbour lights and brilliant fireworks was an absolute highlight, and celebrating it from the water made it unforgettable. The grazing platters and beverages were a delicious showcase of local flavours, beautifully presented and a perfect pairing with the stunning harbour views. The service throughout was warm, inviting and truly personal. Dom greeted everyone with his huge smile and genuine kindness, making all guests feel safe, comfortable and welcomed. In such a memorable moment, he even kindly held my glass while I snapped photos of the Newcastle Customs House Clock Tower, which was such a thoughtful gesture. It was our second time joining CoastXP, and seeing so many returning guests aboard on New Year’s Eve speaks volumes about the consistent quality of their award winning experiences. Dom and his wife, Ally, along with their wonderful team, create moments that go beyond a typical tour, their passion for people, place and adventure really shines through. We can’t wait to be back again soon. Highly recommended for anyone looking to see Newcastle from a fresh and exciting perspective.
Melissa Chew
Google review
What an incredible experience on board the CoastXP Boat Adventure Tour (departing from Newcastle). The owner and staff (Dom and Griff) were really nice and thoughtful, making sure everyone had a wonderful time. We jetted off across different iconic Newcastle and Lake Macquarie coastal landmarks, such as Nobbys Beach, Catherine Hill Bay jetty, Merewether Ocean Baths etc. I enjoyed learning about the coal history of Newcastle and the Aboriginal dreamtime story that altogether made these sites even more mystical and enchanting. Along the way, some adorable dolphins were spotted. The weather held up marvellously. The sky was blue, the sun was beaming upon us, and the water looked so pristine. At one point, I looked out into the horizon in front of me, and I saw nothing but the sky and the sea running parallel. I believe that's what some may call 'staring out into the abyss'. It was a beautiful and rare moment where - ironically - I felt so calm and at ease, despite the rocking of the boat as it sailed across the water. It's hard to describe - like one of those moments in a movie when everything is in slow-mo and you have this sudden clarity or epiphany. That's what it felt like for me. Needless to say, I highly recommend CoastXP. Go check it out if you get the chance to.
Paige
Google review
This was my second time joining a CoastXP whale tour, and I genuinely didn’t think it could get better than the first - but it did! Within the first 10 minutes, we spotted a pair of active whales, and over the next two hours, we saw at least a dozen more, all incredibly playful and full of energy. Our guide, Troy, was fantastic - knowledgeable, respectful of the whales, and made sure we had the best experience possible without disturbing them. At one point, a whale came within just 10 metres of the boat, which was absolutely breathtaking. The southern migration is such an unforgettable experience, and I can’t recommend CoastXP highly enough.
Cressida Gilmore
Google review
We had a fantastic time celebrating NYE 2025 with friends aboard CoastXP's Atmos on Newcastle Harbour. Dom and Ally did a wonderful job throughout the cruise and they made sure we all had the best seats in the house for the fireworks display. The generous grazing box and beverages topped off the evening. Such a great way to enjoy the celebrations in Newy and we would definitely do it again in the future. Highly recommend!
Glenice Theodossio
Google review
Coast XP coastal tour from Newcastle with Dom & Bree. Had a great time and learned a lot of the history of the coastal route between Newcastle and Katherine Hill Bay from Dom. Thoroughly enjoyed the boat ride. ( was unfortunate to encounter quite a bit of fog out on the ocean, but manoeuvred through by experienced boat operator Dom) Would highly recommend this trip to anyone.
Get in touch
Where you'll be
61 Stewart Avenue
Hamilton South NSW 2303