1 JULY 2026
If there was ever a day to describe whale watching in Port Stephens, words like phenomenal, breathtaking, astonishing, mind-blowing, and simply unforgettable would all be fitting.
Today delivered yet another incredible display of nature as the annual Humpback Whale migration continues to amaze everyone onboard our whale watch cruises. No matter which direction we looked, whales were everywhere! Multiple pods were travelling along our coastline, and it was fascinating to watch them seemingly communicate with one another through an incredible display of surface activity.
Throughout the morning we witnessed spectacular white-water displays as whales breached, tail slapped and pectoral fin slapped across the bay. One particularly memorable moment came when a magnificent Humpback Whale launched itself from the water remarkably close to Hinchinbrook Explorer, leaving everyone onboard in complete awe.
The wildlife encounters didn’t stop there. In a rare and exciting sighting, a large seal was spotted making its way south near the historic Fingal Island Lighthouse – a wonderful surprise for everyone on the water.
To round off an already extraordinary morning, our resident Bottlenose Dolphins made an appearance, gracefully swimming along the base of Mt Yacaaba, reminding us why Port Stephens is one of Australia’s premier marine wildlife destinations.
Adding to today’s wildlife encounters, we were also lucky enough to spot a pair of wild dingoes wandering along Jimmy’s Beach near the base of Yacaaba Headland. It’s always a special bonus to see these iconic Australian animals in their natural coastal environment and a wonderful reminder of the incredible diversity of wildlife that calls Port Stephens home.
With large numbers of humpback whales continuing their northern migration, every cruise is offering something unique, and the coming weeks promise even more spectacular encounters.
Thank you to everyone who joined us today—we look forward to welcoming more guests aboard soon to experience the magic of whale watching with the team at Moonshadow-TQC Cruises!
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography