17 OCTOBER 2026
Mothers, Calves and a Dolphin Finale in Port Stephens
Low cloud and the occasional rain shower couldn’t dampen our enthusiasm aboard Moonshadow-TQC Cruises today, with humpback mothers and calves rewarding our search off Port Stephens.
Our morning encounter began just north of Cabbage Tree Island, where we spotted a beautiful humpback mother and her young calf. A third whale joined the pair for a time before continuing south.
With frequent changes of direction and the whales occasionally moving closer to our vessel, passengers had plenty to watch. A slight swell added to the challenge of spotting them, keeping everyone’s eyes firmly on the water.
By the afternoon, glimpses of blue sky were breaking through and the swell was easing. As we headed out through the harbour entrance on the Yacaaba side, we found another humpback mother and calf.
Matching their leisurely pace, we watched the pair travel south past Boondelbah and Little Island. The calf became increasingly active along the way, much to the delight of our passengers – a wonderful highlight of the afternoon.
After leaving the whales to continue their journey, we turned towards the harbour, where one final wildlife encounter awaited. A pod of local Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins appeared near the entrance bar, providing a lovely finish to our cruise.
From a grey morning to brighter afternoon skies, today brought memorable encounters with the marine wildlife that makes cruising in Port Stephens so special.