24 JUNE 2026
What a spectacular day it has been aboard Moonshadow-TQC Cruises, with whale activity reaching levels that can only be described as extraordinary!
Our morning Whale Watching Cruise treated passengers to multiple pods of migrating humpback whales, with several individuals putting on an unforgettable display close to the vessel. Guests were thrilled by powerful breaches and impressive head lunges, providing incredible viewing opportunities and plenty of excitement throughout the cruise.
Adding to the wildlife encounters, our crew counted six Australian fur seals relaxing on their favourite rocks at Cabbage Tree Island, while a pod of local Port Stephens Bottlenose Dolphins greeted us near Yacaaba Headland on our return journey to Nelson Bay.
If the morning cruise was impressive, the afternoon cruise took things to another level.
The crew’s official description? “Whale Soup!”
Whales were absolutely everywhere. Throughout the afternoon, passengers were surrounded by multiple pods displaying an abundance of playful and energetic behaviours. Breaching, head lunges, pectoral fin slapping, and tail slapping were all observed as the whales continued their northbound migration past Port Stephens.
One particularly memorable moment came when a Giant Petrel flew alongside the vessel for an extended period. Whether it was interested in the whale activity or simply attracted by the aroma of hot chips from the galley remains a mystery!
The whale action was so consistent and widespread that we simply couldn’t tear ourselves away. In fact, there was so much happening around the vessel that we didn’t have time to make our usual visit to the seals at Cabbage Tree Island during the afternoon cruise.
Days like today are a reminder of why Port Stephens is one of Australia’s premier whale watching destinations. With thousands of humpback whales currently making their annual migration along the NSW coastline, every cruise offers the opportunity for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
A huge thank you to all our passengers who joined us today. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings on the Humpback Highway!
Whale sightings: Multiple pods
Whale behaviours observed: Breaching, head lunges, pectoral fin slapping, tail slapping
Seal count at Cabbage Tree Island: 6
Dolphin sightings: Port Stephens Bottlenose Dolphins at Yacaaba Headland
Special wildlife encounter: Giant Petrel flying alongside the vessel
Join us aboard Moonshadow-TQC Cruises and experience the magic of whale watching season for yourself.
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography