21 JULY 2026
Today’s offshore conditions couldn’t have been more perfect. With brilliant sunshine, sparkling blue water and calm seas, it was an incredible day to be out on the water with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises.
Our morning Whale Watching Cruise was rewarded almost immediately, discovering three separate pods of migrating humpback whales just beyond the headlands. While most were content to continue their incredible journey north, one pod decided to put on a bit of a show for our passengers.
Guests watched in amazement as one enormous humpback slowly lifted its massive tail high into the air, holding it above the surface before crashing it back down with an unforgettable tail slap. Moments later, another whale had everyone on the edge of their seats when it launched completely clear of the water in a breathtaking breach before disappearing beneath the surface and continuing on its migration.
As our cruise continued towards Cabbage Tree Island, there was another surprise waiting for everyone onboard. Many of our passengers were delighted to discover that Australian fur seals call the island home, with several spotted basking in the warm sunshine on the rocky shoreline.
To top off an already incredible morning, we were treated to a beautiful pod of wild bottlenose dolphins playing near the entrance to Port Stephens Harbour. Watching these magnificent dolphins swim effortlessly alongside the boat was the perfect way to finish an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
The excitement didn’t stop there.
Our afternoon Whale Watching Cruise enjoyed equally stunning conditions, with calm seas, gentle breezes and warm winter sunshine creating ideal whale-watching weather.
The crew soon located multiple pods of humpback whales south of Broughton Island. As more whales arrived from the south, the gathering quickly developed into a large and highly active heat run – an extraordinary display of humpback behaviour associated with competition for a female.
Passengers were treated to an action-packed encounter featuring energetic head lunges, powerful tail lobs and constant surface activity as the whales surged through the water together. Witnessing this level of natural behaviour is one of the highlights of the migration season and a truly unforgettable experience for everyone onboard.
As we cruised back towards Port Stephens, the wildlife encounters continued. Near Yacaaba Headland, we were greeted by one of our resident pods of wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. It was the perfect ending to an exceptional afternoon on the water, showcasing the incredible diversity of marine life that makes Port Stephens one of Australia’s premier wildlife destinations.
Days like today remind us just how fortunate we are to operate in one of Australia’s premier whale-watching destinations. With humpback whale numbers continuing to build along the coast, every cruise offers the opportunity for incredible wildlife encounters, and no two days are ever the same.
If today’s encounters are anything to go by, the peak of the migration is shaping up to be exceptional.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us today. We can’t wait to welcome our next passengers onboard for another unforgettable day of whale watching with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises. Every cruise is different, and you never know what incredible wildlife encounter awaits!