Last year a total of 1318 people help form the outline of a humpback whale on Fingal Beach, eclipsing the 2017 record by more than 300, and organisers are hoping even greater numbers will turn out when it returns on Sunday, July 14.

"The human whale [event] makes a fun day out for the family, timed to once again coincide with the winter school holidays and the thriving whale watching season," event organiser Mel Turner, from Moonshadow-TQC Cruises, said.

"The location is perfect with space for families to move around the various stalls, play in the grounds' park, amenities and utilise the restaurant and cafe's nearby, it [event] has been well received by those attending."

The human whale event has been running in Port Stephens since 2011. The fun formation is a tribute to the Humpback Highway, which passes through Port Stephens, and the annual whale migration.

About 35,000 whales are expected to travel this highway during winter as part of the southern migration.

The human whale event has grown in popularity each year. Due to its growth, in 2017 the formation was moved from Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay.

In addition to the formation, the event has a conservation theme that includes interactive and educational displays from OCCI, Marine Parks, Sea Shelter, Dolphin Swim Australia and Plastic Free Port Stephens. Ms Turner and co-organiser Frank Future from Imagine Cruises have collaborated with Destination Port Stephens and Fingal Bay businesses such as Saltwater Restaurant, Longboat Cafe, Holidays By the Bay Real Estate and Fingal Sports and Recreation Club for this year's event.

North Point Surveys will once map out the 100 metre whale outline on the beach, used to help guide participants into place. Registrations to participate will open at 10am outside the surf life saving clubhouse. Participants will be guided into formation at 11.45am.