Frequently Asked Questions

NSW Residents can redeem their NSW Parents vouchers online with CoastXP by using the promo code PARENT followed by the number of vouchers you wish to redeem (e.g. PARENT2 to redeem two vouchers). Vouchers will then be redeemed in-person on the day of your tour, prior to departure.

As a responsible tour operator, we are committed to providing our guests with unforgettable nature-based tours in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. CoastXP has taken a number of additional measures to keep our experiences as safe and as comfortable as possible for our guests.

CoastXP’s full COVID-19 Response Plan can be found on our website – Read more.

Each of our departure locations, along with parking suggestions, are listed on the getting here page of our website.

Boat Tours – Our boat tours are perfect for kids over 3 years old, we even offer discounts for children under 12. Unfortunately, we cannot accept children under the age of 3.

Guided Hikes – Our guided hikes are perfect for kids over 8 years old.

We operate in the natural environment, which can be subject to change. If the LIVE weather conditions are different to what is forecast, we may choose to postpone or cancel your tour. If this happens, bookings can be rescheduled (subject to availability) or refunded (excluding any booking fees or PayPal transaction fees). If there is light rain on the day, the tour will still run.

You should dress for the conditions on the day. Make sure to wear enclosed shoes, and warm clothes (particularly in winter).

Boat Tours – Our crew will provide you with premium weatherproof jackets (should you need them), ensuring your tour is both enjoyable and comfortable.

Guided Hikes – Make sure you bring footwear appropriate for walking/hiking as well as sun-safe clothing including a hat and breathable clothing.

The level of seasickness or motion sickness someone feels differs from person to person. Our custom-built boat provides a fast, safe and smooth ride which often reduces a person’s level of seasickness. If you know you suffer from seasickness, or are considering taking seasickness precautions/medication, it is recommended you speak to a healthcare professional.

We offer a range of tours along the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie coastline.

Our full range of experiences can be found on our tours page – Read more.

We operate a 10.8 metre, eco-tourism rigid inflatable boat (RIB), called ‘Atmos’. Our vessel provides a fast, safe and smooth ride for up to 20 passengers. Atmos is the only eco-tourism RIB to operate coastal sightseeing and whale watching tours along the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie coastline. Atmos is custom-built to the highest standards of safety and reliability, and even has a marine toilet onboard!

We take payment at the time of booking, and it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance so that you don’t miss out, as sometimes our tours book out.

Each of our tours are unique, tours focus on the marine life which inhabit the coastline, local geology, Aboriginal heritage as well as unique destination landmarks including wrecks, cliffs, islands, sea caves and ships. The Newcastle and Lake Macquarie coastline is home to pods of resident dolphins, local sea-birds and in season whales (Jun – Nov).

Fortunately, guests aboard our tours are likely to see dolphins on almost every trip. In Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins are two of the most regularly sighted cetaceans on our tours.

Learn more about dolphin watching in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Yes! We offer private charters or ‘Bespoke Tours’ to suit almost any occasion. If you would like to know more information about our private charters, or what options are available, get in contact with us.

We understand that sometimes you need to change the date of your booking, for whatever reason. We require a minimum of 48 hours notice, prior to departure to be able to change or cancel a booking. Bookings canceled within 48 hours, or no attendance on the day, will not receive a refund.

Harbour Square Boat Dock is wheelchair and walker accessible, although there is a 40-50cm step down into and out of the boat. If you have special requirements with boarding or disembarking, please get in contact with us, and we would be more than happy to help.

At CoastXP, we actively cater for a range of abilities. Being a local tourism operator, it’s critical that we provide as many opportunities to locals and visitors as possible to enjoy our experiences.

CoastXP’s full Accessibility Statement can be found here.

If you or someone you’re travelling with has any special requirements, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

Gift cards are available on our website here. These are emailed to your nominated email address and can be printed at home.

Our gift cards are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.

Our e-gift cards are delivered straight to your inbox. If you would like an additional physical gift card posted to you, simply add this to your order during checkout (domestic postage only).