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Whale Sightings

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27 JUNE 2026

Red tour boat with people next to a whale in the ocean under cloudy sky.
Whale Watching Moonshadow TQC Cruises Port Stephens Lee Matthews
Humpback whale breaching with another whale visible in water.
Whale tail with distinctive markings above ocean water
Humpback whale breaching the ocean surface in a blue sea.
Humpback whale's head emerging from ocean, mouth open wide.
Whale Watching Moonshadow TQC Cruises Port Stephens Lisa Skelton Envision Aquamarine Adventures
Whale fin emerges vertically from the ocean under cloudy skies.
Humpback whale breaching from ocean under cloudy sky.
Two humpback whales diving in the ocean with tails visible above water.
A breaching whale splashes in the ocean under a cloudy sky.
Whale breaching with its fin above the ocean surface.
Humpback whale fin splashing through ocean waves.

Winter has certainly made its presence felt today, with a crisp chill in the air that makes you think it must be snowing somewhere! Thankfully, our guests have been rugged up in warm jackets, scarves and beanies, making it the perfect day to enjoy one of nature’s greatest spectacles along the Port Stephens coastline.

Today’s whale watching has been nothing short of spectacular.

Our crew aboard Hinchinbrook Explorer reported an abundance of Humpback Whales throughout the day, with pods surrounding the vessel in every direction. While observing a pod of four whales nearby, another pod in the distance delighted passengers with several spectacular breaches, providing an incredible display across the horizon and highlighting just how many whales are currently making their way past Port Stephens.

The afternoon continued to impress, with multiple groups of whales gathering within close proximity of one another. Guests were treated to an incredible display of natural behaviours, including powerful breaches, dramatic head lunges and energetic pectoral fin slaps. Overhead, gulls swooped in to investigate the activity, taking advantage of the marine life stirred up by the whales’ spectacular displays.

Meanwhile, our passengers aboard Envision with Aquamarine Adventures enjoyed an unforgettable close encounter as a pod of whales gracefully passed alongside the vessel. Not only were guests rewarded with exceptional views, but many experienced the unforgettable sound of the whales exhaling as they surfaced beside the boat—a powerful reminder of just how incredible these gentle giants truly are.

With whale numbers continuing to build along the annual migration, every day on the water is offering something unique. Whether it’s dramatic aerial displays, intimate close passes, or simply watching these magnificent animals on their journey, now is a fantastic time to experience whale watching in Port Stephens.

Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography (images taken onboard Hinchinbrook Explorer)

Photo credit: Lisa Skelton (images taken onboard Envision, Aquamarine Adventures)

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