3 SEPTEMBER 2026
Long Weekend Whale Watching: Playful Calves and Plenty of Action!
Hooray for long weekends! Overcast skies certainly didn’t dampen the excitement aboard today’s two Moonshadow-TQC Cruises whale watching departures, with some wonderful wildlife encounters off Port Stephens.
Humpback mothers and calves were the stars of the day, treating passengers to lively displays of breaching and pectoral fin slapping. Watching these magnificent whales launch themselves out of the water and slap their long fins against the surface made for plenty of memorable moments aboard both cruises.
Adding to the excitement were sightings of offshore common dolphins – a welcome bonus to an already action-packed day on the water.
In fact, the whales kept us so captivated during both departures that we didn’t get a chance to continue to Cabbage Tree Island to check on the seals. With so much activity unfolding, there was plenty to enjoy right where we were!
Every cruise offers a different experience as we observe wild marine life in its natural environment, and today was a wonderful reminder of just how rewarding whale watching can be.
Thank you to everyone who joined Moonshadow-TQC Cruises today. What a fantastic way to spend the long weekend!
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography