21 OCTOBER 2026
Some days on the ocean are truly extraordinary, and today’s whale watching adventure onboard the Hinchinbrook Explorer delivered remarkable wildlife encounters from start to finish!
With the Port Stephens coastline as our backdrop, our spacious whale-watching vessel ventured beyond the harbour entrance and into the humpback whale migration corridor, where our passengers were rewarded with spectacular surface activity, powerful breaches and unforgettable moments in the wild.
After journeying a fair distance north, our crew located a mother and juvenile humpback travelling north along the coastline.
The juvenile wasted no time putting on a spectacular display, launching into energetic breaches and head lunges that captured everyone’s attention. The adult soon joined the action, performing impressive tail lobs and head lunges of her own.
With excellent surface activity and extended viewing opportunities, our passengers enjoyed a front-row seat to one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles.
As the vessel made its way towards Boondelbah Island, we spotted another mother and calf pair. The young calf delighted our guests with playful lunges and spectacular breaches, splashing down into the ocean and creating moments of excitement across the viewing decks.
Then came the highlight – mum launched herself into a truly spectacular breach! Her powerful leap from the water was a breathtaking sight and an unforgettable way to conclude our offshore wildlife expedition.
Thank you to everyone who joined us aboard the Hinchinbrook Explorer for today’s incredible marine wildlife cruise.
Photo Credit: Lee Matthews Photography