28 JULY 2026
Today delivered beautiful winter conditions in Port Stephens, with calm seas, light breezes and little to no swell—perfect for a day of whale watching and wildlife encounters.
The morning began quietly, but it wasn’t long before we encountered two large adult Humpback Whales travelling north. We followed the pair as they initially moved at a fairly quick pace before slowing considerably. For a period, they appeared to be resting and “logging” – remaining almost motionless at the surface.
In the distance towards Broughton Island, we spotted another Humpback putting on an impressive display with a breach. Unfortunately, it was too far away for us to reach, but it was still an exciting sight for those lucky enough to see it.
The wildlife encounters continued at Cabbage Tree Island, where the local seals were making the most of the sunshine. Some were swimming in the water while others relaxed on the rocks. On our journey home, we were also treated to a dolphin sighting near Yacaaba Headland – a wonderful way to complete the morning cruise.
It was hard to imagine the sea and weather conditions improving, but the afternoon became even more spectacular. Sunshine filled the sky and the ocean remained beautifully calm, creating a stunning winter’s day on the water.
Several pods of Humpback Whales were sighted throughout the afternoon. We spent time cruising alongside one pod that remained close to the surface, giving passengers plenty of opportunities to watch these magnificent animals as they continued their northern migration.
One of the day’s most exciting encounters came from a large pod of Offshore Common Dolphins. The dolphins were in the middle of a feeding frenzy, racing through the water in pursuit of fish and creating an energetic and spectacular scene.
Our final wildlife encounter was another visit to the seals. The crew counted five seals together at one section of the island, with another three resting further along the rocks.
From peaceful Humpbacks and distant breaches to feeding dolphins and sunbaking seals, it was another unforgettable winter’s day with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises. Every cruise brings something different, and today was a wonderful reminder of the incredible variety of marine wildlife found along the Port Stephens coastline.