Quick Details
Official Launch Day of the the 2024 Whale Watching Season
Join Moonshadow TQC & Imagine Cruises as we celebrate the start of the 2024 Whale Watching season here in Port Stephens. This event is supported by Port Stephens Council, d’Albora Marina & Destination Port Stephens.
The day will consist of the following:
| Time | Activity |
| 9:00am | Meet out the front of Dock C, d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay |
| 9:10am | Opening of ceremony by Frank Future |
| 9:15am | Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony by Uncle John & Justin Ridgeway from the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council |
| 9:25am | Address from Stephen Keogh, CEO of Destination Port Stephens |
| 9:35am | Official opening of the 2024 Whale Watching season with ribbon cutting |
| 9:45am | Board vessels |
| 10am – 12:30pm | 2.5hr Whale Watch cruise either onboard Moonshadow-TQC or Imagine Cruises |
| 1pm onwards | Post cruise celebrations at Magnolia Café with $5 tap beers, while enjoying live entertainment from Mick Jones. (Event will be held at Mavericks on the Bay incase of bad weather) |
| 2:30pm | Raffle prizes drawn in Magnolia Café at 2:30pm (must be present to win prizes) |
**50% off tickets for our Official Launch Day – 10:00am & 1:30pm departures**
Onboard the Hinchinbrook Explorer or the MV Osprey, venturing out to the ‘Humpback highway’ during the northern Whale migration during May-November.
You will never forget seeing the awesome bulk of a humpback whale, up to 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes! Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is possible that you will see spectacular displays – spy hops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and … the breathtaking breach.
Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary from your Captain. We also have the chance to see some Australian Fur Seals, Common & Bottlenose dolphins, and exploring some of our outer islands – multiple cruises for the price of one!
With great viewing decks (both inside and outside), you can be sure you are getting the best view of these friendly giants. A fully licensed bar is available on board for beverages, and snacks.
Raffle Prize:
Prize 1: 2x Adult pass onboard a 2.5hr Whale Watching Cruise with Moonshadow-TQC
Prize 2: 2x Adult pass onboard a 3hr Whale Watch Cruise with Imagine Cruise
- 1x raffle ticket per person will be given while onboard the vessel during the cruise. Please advise the crew onboard if you are planning to stay at Magnolia Café after the cruise.
- Raffle is for guests who are on the 10am cruise ONLY.
- You must be present in Mavericks on the Bay at 2:30pm to win your prize.
What to Bring
- Comfortable casual clothing & footwear
- Sunglasses, hat & sun cream are recommended
- Camera
- Dress warmer for winter months
- If you or any member of your party experience or feel they may experience motion sickness, we highly recommend consulting your pharmacist regarding seasickness medication.
T&C’s | No further discounts, vouchers or promo codes apply to this cruise. Stand-by vouchers are not issued on this cruise.