30 AUGUST 2026
What better way to spend a Sunday than cruising the Humpback Whale Highway beneath beautiful blue skies and enjoying a light sea breeze?
Whale activity was abundant, with at least half a dozen pods of humpback whales visible from the vessel throughout the day.
Our morning cruise also delivered a rare and delightful surprise- a Little Penguin spotted just northeast of the reef near Fingal Lighthouse. These tiny seabirds can be difficult to spot, as they quickly disappear beneath the surface, so our passengers were fortunate to catch a glimpse!
The afternoon was equally magical. Although the whales were initially a little quieter, it wasn’t long before the excitement began. A juvenile humpback we had been tracking south suddenly surprised everyone with a spectacular breach.
The young whale then began swimming in tight circles and repeatedly slapping its pectoral fins against the water. It appeared to be communicating with another pod farther offshore—and, remarkably, the distant whales responded with breaches of their own.
As we cruised back towards the headlands, the wildlife encounters continued when we spotted a couple of seals relaxing in the water with their fins raised above the surface.
From multiple humpback pods and an unexpected breach to a rare Little Penguin and playful seals, it was another unforgettable day on the waters of Port Stephens.
Every cruise offers something different—come aboard Moonshadow-TQC Cruises and discover what’s travelling along the Humpback Whale Highway today!
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography