Whale tale discovery talks at Bar Beach

Newcastle City Council has teamed up with a marine conservationist to hold a series of talks about humpback whales on the Bathers Way platform built to view their passing their acrobatics each year.

Members of the public are invited to delve into the natural history of the whales during their annual migration at four free talks by cetacean guru Jeannie Lawson at the viewing platform at Bar Beach on Sunday 9 July.

Humpback

"Come along on Sunday to learn more about the majestic whales that can be seen passing every day at this time of year thanks to decades of strong conservation work," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"With the resurgence of humpback numbers in recent years, their migration has become an annual fixture not to be missed -- to the extent that they even factored in the planning of the Bathers Way's viewing platforms. We are so lucky to be able to watch them make their journey along the coastline."

Lawson, a founder of marine environment group Ocean & Coastal Care Initiatives, will explain how the whales navigate north to sub-tropical breeding grounds before heading back south to the krill-rich waters of Antarctica.

Jeannie Lawson during a discovery talk.

A professional whale watcher for over 30 years, Lawson has trained National Parks & Wildlife Service rangers in whale rescue and has given free community talks for almost 20 years.

As well as co-founding the Central Coast's annual Whale Dreamers Festival, she received the the state and national Pride of Australia Medals and the Federal Government Volunteer of the Year Award for her environmental work in 2011.

Dates: Sunday 9 July 2017

Times: 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm

Location: Bar Beach Car Park - Viewing Platform

What to bring: Sunscreen and hat, water to drink, binoculars (if you have a pair)

Please note: The talks will be cancelled in the event of severe weather.