Official Launch Day for the 2026 Whale Season

Come and celebrate with us and see why Port Stephens is known as one of the best Whale Watching destinations in Australia!

Quick Details

Duration: 2.5 Hours
Ages: All Ages
Date: Monday 1st June
Discounted Rates: 50% off tickets for cruises on Launch Day
Opening Ceremony & Post Cruise Celebrations: Due to forecasted heavy rainfall of 45–60mm for 28/5, our opening ceremony and post-cruise celebrations scheduled around the cruise times have unfortunately been cancelled. Launch Day cruises have been postponed to Monday 1st June
Location: d'Albora Marina, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 - please check your booking confirmation for Vessel departure point

Official Launch Day of the the 2026 Whale Watching Season

Join Moonshadow-TQC Cruises & Imagine Cruises as we celebrate the start of the 2026 Whale Watching season here in Port Stephens. Due to the weather & sea conditions for our previous Launch date of Thursday 28th May, we are postponing the cruises to Monday 1st June

The day will consist of the following:

Time	Activity
~~9:00am~~	~~Meet out the front of Dock C, d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay~~
~~9:05am~~	~~Opening ceremony address by Frank Future (Imagine Cruises)~~
~~9:10am~~	~~Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony by the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council~~
~~9:25am~~	~~Address from Mayor Leah Anderson~~
~~9:30am~~	~~Official opening of the 2026 Whale Watching season with ribbon cutting~~
~~9:35am~~	~~Port Stephens Sea Shanty Singalong~~
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, while enjoying live entertainment. (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’ , for our special launch day of the 2026 Whale Watching Season in Port Stephens.

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.

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.

Related Cruises & Charters

Come and see why Port Stephens is regarded as the Dolphin capital of Australia!

Join our 1.5hr Dolphin Watching cruise with a high success rate in dolphin sightings, boom net rides, and entertaining commentary. Enjoy picturesque views of the harbour, including the awe-inspiring Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands, a truly memorable and scenic journey.

The Fast & Fun way to explore our Whales off Port Stephens!

Cruise onboard ‘Envision’, our eco-friendly 40ft vessel – straight out to the Whales, less travelling time, more time with these awesome animals. Enjoy your cruise on the smaller boat, lower numbers and 360 degree viewing allowing a better viewing experience.

Historical Cruise Series guided by local Port Stephens legend, historian and author, John ‘Stinker’ Clarke

Next Date – Wednesday 10th June 2026 | Outer Island Historical Cruise

Discover the beauty and learn about the history of Broughton Island, or climb Point Stephens’ Lighthouse on our Fingal Island Historical Cruise, or learn about the rich maritime surrounding the Outer Islands or learn about the fascinating Western Harbour of Port Stephens, with a cruise by local legend, John ‘Stinker’ Clarke!

Official Launch Day for the 2026 Whale Season

50% off for Launch Day - Whale Watching

Thursday 28th May 2026

Adult

Ages 15+

Senior/Student

with Australian Seniors/Student Card

Child

Ages 4-14 | An Adult must be entered before Children

Infant

Ages 0-3 | An Adult must be entered before Infants

Family

2 Adults & 2 Children