The humpback highway was in full swing on Sunday as citizen scientists tallied up the flukes and spouts for the annual whale census.
Volunteers braved the drizzly conditions with umbrellas and binoculars on headlands along the east coast to help out in the count which ran from sunrise to sunset on Sunday.
Head of research Annie Post was leading the count from Newcastle King Edward Park.
She said that, by 10am, volunteers had spotted around 20 whales.
"We have seen a few come in nice and close with a bit of action with some flukes and displays," she said.
"Anecdotally we have been seeing more calves this season so hopefully we see some of that shown in the census."
She said species could be differentiated by the shape of their spouts, their behaviour and features such as their fins.
"Southern right whales tend to have a more V-shaped spout while humpbacks tend to have a more balloon shaped blow," she said.
"The humpbacks do have that iconic shape with the long pectoral fins and they also tend to show off a little more in their displays."
Ran by the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA), this year's census follows on from the largest and most successful whale census on record in 2025.
Last year's Whale Census recorded the highest number of whale sightings in the event' s history, with 5995 of the creatures spotted and recorded, including humpback, Brydes and minke whales.
More than 600 official volunteer counters took part last year across 159 sites.
The milestone reflects the remarkable recovery of the east coast humpback whale population, which has now grown to an estimated 50,000 whales migrating along Australia 's eastern seaboard each year.
Ms Post said it was fantastic that the number of humpback whales were climbing each year.
"Its a positive conservation story to see this species bounce back from the brink," she said.
"In order for people to understand and want to protect something, they need to see it and learn more about it, so more whales on our coast can only grow that connection with people.
"It is great to see people getting involved as well with it being a citizen science movement."
Jack Solomon and Day Ward, both students at the University of Newcastle, said they were made aware of the census through the university and ecology groups.
"I study in the life sciences, so when I heard about it, we thought we would come down and help out during the abundance hours," Ward said.
"It's really special to take some time and just watch these amazing animals come through."
This year, ORRCA introduced an updated census model featuring 24 official abundance sites strategically positioned along the NSW coastline, with a synchronised two-hour count taking place between 10am and 12pm.
These coordinated locations are spaced to reduce the likelihood of double-counting migrating whales.
ORRCA president Ashley Ryan said the continued growth of the census demonstrated the increasing public interest in marine conservation and the recovery story of humpback whales.
"The response to last year's census was extraordinary, and reflects just how connected Australians are to the annual whale migration," Ms Ryan said.
"With the east coast humpback population now estimated at around 50,000 individuals, this year's census is an opportunity for communities right along the coastline to contribute to a real-time snapshot of one of the world' s great wildlife migrations."
"Every sighting helps strengthen our understanding of whale movements, behaviours and migration trends, while also supporting the rescue and research work ORRCA undertakes throughout the year."
