29 JULY 2026
What an unforgettable day of wildlife encounters aboard Moonshadow-TQC Cruises!
Fantastic calm conditions greeted passengers as we began our morning journey along the Port Stephens Humpback Highway. Even before reaching the open ocean, several whales could be seen breaching on the horizon – an exciting preview of what was to come.
As we continued offshore, we encountered three separate pods of Humpback Whales. All three pods were exceptionally playful, with frequent breaches creating a spectacular display for everyone onboard.
The highlight of the morning was an incredible double breach directly in front of the vessel. Watching two enormous Humpback Whales launch themselves from the water at close range gave our passengers a breathtaking appreciation of their remarkable power and strength.
The wildlife encounters didn’t stop there. A massive pod of Common Dolphins appeared, energetically leaping through the water, before we cruised past Cabbage Tree Island to see several Australian Fur Seals basking in the warm winter sunshine.
Heading offshore again in the afternoon, we could already see more whales breaching as we approached the open ocean. The Humpbacks remained extremely active, treating passengers to repeated breaches and powerful tail lobs.
Another large pod of Common Dolphins joined the afternoon’s wildlife showcase, with the unusual sight of a lone seal swimming amidst the pod.
To finish an extraordinary day, we returned to the calm waters of Port Stephens and located our resident Bottlenose Dolphins between Jimmys Beach and the Moon Bar – a perfect ending to a day filled with some of the region’s most iconic marine wildlife.
From spectacular whale breaches to playful dolphins and sunbaking seals, it was another remarkable day on the Port Stephens Humpback Highway with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises.
Every cruise is different, and you never know what incredible wildlife encounter may be waiting just beyond the headlands.
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography