The Story of Moonshadow-TQC Cruises - Port Stephens, Australia
Moonshadow – TQC Cruises is a Australian family owned and operated business located in Port Stephens, just 2.5hrs north of Sydney and 25 minutes from Newcastle Airport. Specialising in Dolphin Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises, Island Cruises, Food Cruises as well as Private Charters. Moonshadow-TQC Cruises has been successful in winning several awards & certificates since operation including:
- NSW Tourism Awards GOLD Winner for Best Major Tour & Transport Operator in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023
- NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for winning GOLD three years in a row
- 2024 Australian Marine Industry Awards for Best Commercial Tourism Operator of the Year
- Australian Tourism Award Finalist
- Hall of Fame for 20 years of Advanced Eco-Certification with Ecotourism Australia
- TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award for 2023 & 2024
Moonshadow TQC Cruises is an amalgamation of two Port Stephens based cruise operators, Moonshadow Cruises & Tamboi Queen Cruises.
Moonshadow Cruises:
Starting on Boxing Day in 1981 by the Annable family, with Dolphin Watching Cruises with just one 18m sailing vessel, ‘Moonshadow’, with the aim to fund their goals to eventually sail around the world. Two decades later, with the purchase of larger vessels, Moonshadow V, Moonshadow IV & Moonshadow III, the goal of wanting to sail the world began to blur, and before we knew it, Moonshadow Cruises become one of the largest tourism operators on the NSW East Coast. Moonshadow TQC Cruises were the first operators to commence Whale Watching in Port Stephens in the mid 1980s, with a spotter plane being sent up to spot whales due to low numbers passing the coast during their annual whale migration.
Tamboi Queen Cruises:
Owned and operated by the Aldrich family (Terry and his two sons Daniel & Jared), who bought the business in December 2000, who never thought that one day Tamboi Queen Cruises would be come of the most successful cruise companies in Port Stephens. Purchasing the business with just the Tamboi Queen to later expanding with the purchases of three more vessels, MV Spirit of Port Stephens, MV Spirit & the MV Surprise. Tamboi Queen cruises also operated the daily Ferry Link between Nelson Bay & Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest.
The Birth of Moonshadow-TQC Cruises:
In 2015, both the Annable & Aldrich family began ambitious discussions of merging into one company, which did happen and the start of Moonshadow-TQC Cruises began with the merge finalizes in latter part of 2015. The merge, and transitioning of our teams, was seamless, largely due to both operators having a dedicated, loyal, passionate, and fully trained team. The crew and team could see the unrivalled potential with the merge. New friendships were formed and continue to grow to this day. With the merge, came our ability to rethink, reinvigorate and relaunch our cruise schedule with new cruises added with the extra fleet.
Click here to see the current Moonshadow-TQC Fleet
Moonshadow TQC Cruises has been Advanced Eco-Certified with Ecotourism Australia since 2001, and gained Hall of Fame status for 20 years of dedication to sustainability and green practices in 2021. Moonshadow-TQC Cruises are committed to sustainability and environmental conservation, aiming to minimize our ecological footprint while offering educational and eco-friendly cruises. Click here to see more on our Sustainability Practices
43 years of experience
This means that we know what is important to you. Our cruises run to schedule with guaranteed departures every day of the year (except Christmas Day). Our friendly crew are dedicated to providing an enjoyable and memorable cruise.
Cruises to suit everyone
With seven different vessels in our fleet, Moonshadow-TQC is equipped to host events of all styles and offer a range of cruises to suit everyone.
We run tours suitable for families, couples, schools and a wide range of private charter options.
