10 JUNE 2026
What an extraordinary afternoon on the water with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises!
Our first wildlife encounter of the day came as we rounded the headland, where a pod of local Bottlenose Dolphins greeted us and set the tone for what would become a truly spectacular cruise.
Not long after heading offshore, whale blows began appearing on the horizon, and before long it became clear we were witnessing one of the busiest whale days of the season so far. Multiple pods of Humpback Whales were spread throughout the area, with well over 30 whales sighted within close vicinity during the cruise.
One particular pod stole the show, treating passengers to an unforgettable display of repeated breaching behaviour. The whales launched themselves clear of the water time and time again, creating an incredible spectacle. In fact, we lost count after 20 breaches, leaving everyone onboard amazed by the power and energy of these magnificent animals.
As we continued our journey north, we made a stop at Cabbage Tree Island to visit some of the region’s other marine residents. Four Australian Fur Seals were spotted hauled out on the rocks, enjoying the afternoon sunshine and providing another fantastic wildlife encounter to round out the trip.
Days like today remind us why Port Stephens is one of Australia’s premier whale watching destinations. With dolphins, seals, and an abundance of active humpback whales all in one cruise, today’s passengers were treated to an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography