Hunter organisation the Protect Our Coast Alliance hosted the rally. Spokesperson for the organisation, Elle Lawless, said protesters were seeking a commitment from political parties to oppose further offshore fossil fuel projects.

"We've only got two weeks to the federal election and we're here to show our widespread opposition [to seismic testing], especially to Sharon Claydon, who is the federal member for the electorate of Newcastle, to listen to her community to say enough is enough to protect our coastal way of life and coastal economy," Ms Lawless said.

"We're calling on the federal environment minister Melissa Price to not give approvals to the regulator to let this go ahead, but also the shadow environment minister Tony Burke to do the same if he's elected."

Asset Energy, the company that conducted 2D seismic testing off the coast of Newcastle last year, says it intends to progress to 3D testing but has not finalised a date for the next survey.

Seismic testing involves firing soundwaves at the ocean floor to detect potential gas or oil deposits.

Ms Lawless said commercial fishers who were members of the alliance had reported a decline in fish stocks in the area where testing took place last year.

The crowd of protesters formed a line from Nobbys pavilion about 500 metres up the beach as a visual statement against the exploration method.

Linda Gill addressed the crowd on behalf of the local chapter of the "Knitting Nannas against Gas and Greed".

She said adults should be joining young people in their protests, like those held in Newcastle's CBD on Friday, for action on climate change.

"We should be, as elders, shoulder to shoulder with those children," she said.

"Let's make this a climate election. Give the kids your vote."

Renewable energy developer Richard Finlay-Jones, who co-founded the the Clean Energy Association of Newcastle and Surrounds, said that no more fossil fuel exploration was needed.

"Why are we undertaking seismic testing and offshore drilling? Really? Is that where we are at? We know the burning of fossil fuels is causing climate change and we've known that for over thirty years.

"We all need access to clean water, clean air, clean food, clean energy, clean, healthy oceans and a healthy planet."

Asset Energy's petroleum exploration licence extends from Manly to Newcastle.

A similar "Hands across the Sand" event was held in Umina on Sunday.