MUST DO: A trip to Fingal Island on “Envision”
You simply must add this to your list of things to do whilst in Port Stephens. Fingal Island and the Lighthouse is something that most locals haven’t been able to do lately because over the last few years due to storms and tides its been inaccessible via the spit that joins it to beautiful Fingal Bay. However Imagine Cruises have created a fully guided tour of historic Fingal Island with a visit to an Aboriginal Fish Trap lagoon, Point Stephens Lighthouse & Ruined Cottage and we can highly recommend it.
Please note for your own safety:
- It’s about 2km from the mainland to the lighthouse. The Fingal sand spit across to Fingal Island and Port Stephens Lighthouse is currently impassable. Sea water covering the sand spit, combined with deep channels and ocean swell, have made the crossing extremely unpredictable and hazardous.
- For safety, do not attempt to walk across the spit in any direction. Access to Fingal Island is by boat only until further notice.
- Check tides before crossing and allow sufficient time for your return journey.
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go whale watching
- Strong rips and currents may be present at this beach – take care in the water and please supervise children at all times
- Camping is not permitted on Fingal Island
- For more details on Fingal Spit visit the National Parks website and take advantage of organised boat tours such as Envision.
ENVISION TOURS
3.5hr Duration- operating Wednesdays & Sundays with other days available on request
Prices as of Dec 2015: Adults $79 Child $59 Concession $69 Family $217
Fingal Island is full of rich history and incredible views! You can see right across Fingal Bay and the views looking along the coastline are spectacular! Learn about Government Cove (where the ships once delivered supplies, including the sandstones blocks used to build the lighthouse!), Shark Bay (which is now a great snorkeling site) and an Aboriginal fish trap lagoon (which is a fabulous spot for swimming on warmer days)! During the cooler months, Fingal Island is the perfect place to try and spot a whale!
ENVISION is purpose-designed to take you to the island quickly and smoothly and you will be delivered directly onto the beautiful unspoiled beach!
1. How long is the tour? How much time do we spend on Fingal Island?
Departing at 10am from Dock C returning at approx. 1:20pm. Please be ready to board Envision boat 15 minutes before scheduled departure time. You will spend approx. 2.5 – 3 hours on Fingal Island. (Please confirm as times may change)
2. How far do we walk and how fit do I need to be?
The guided walk is around 3.5 kilometres in total over mostly flat ground on a well-made path, the first part of the walk up from the beach does include a 50 meter fairly steep soft sand track so a medium level of fitness is recommended. Please be aware, there will be a beach drop off. You will need to disembark down a ladder on the front of the boat.
3. What should you bring? Can the kids come?
Warm and windproof jacket, spare dry pants/shorts, swimwear, towel, aqua shoes (optional), enclosed walking shoes, sunblock, hat, snacks (optional), camera! Kids are welcome but you don’t want to be carrying the during the walk, we recommend 5yrs+.
4. What does Imagine provide?
Envision will pick you up from C dock at D’Albora Marina and guide you professionally on the island with a pro guide. We will provide the delivery vessel and land guide, fresh water in plastic bottles, tea and coffee at the lighthouse and a plastic poncho if it rains. Please be aware there is only a basic sea toilet on board the boat, and no toilet facilities on Fingal Island. Please go to bathroom before departing on this Tour.
5. What about bad weather? Will Imagine cancel the tour?
There will be times when we cannot make a tour due to bad weather. If you have issues precluding your departure, try to give us enough warning, 48 hours’ notice is a good thing to plan.
Imagine Cruises is happy to welcome you on this new and exciting adventure tour. We have a fully licensed NPWS Eco Pass and Advanced Eco Accreditation for the tour plus it’s professionally guided by Imagines’ very experienced Naturalist, Eco Guide Jeannie Lawson & Stephen Murray. If you have further questions please contact office on 02 49849000