8 JUNE 2026
What better way to spend the King’s Birthday public holiday Monday than out on the water with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises enjoying some incredible whale watching action off the Port Stephens coastline.
Our morning Whale Watch Cruise aboard Hinchinbrook Explorer quickly found success, with the crew locating a juvenile Humpback Whale just north of Fingal Island. The young whale appeared relaxed and playful, spending plenty of time at the surface rolling around and delighting passengers with repeated pectoral fin slaps.
As the encounter continued, the crew spotted another pod of three Humpback Whales further offshore. The trio was putting on an impressive display, breaching spectacularly as they continued their northern migration. As we made our way towards the pod, the juvenile whale decided it didn’t want to be left out, launching itself from the water in a series of breaches of its own. For a brief moment, passengers were treated to the incredible sight of breaching whales in two different directions at the same time – a truly unforgettable experience.
The excitement continued on our 1:30pm Whale Watch Cruise. Shortly after cruising through the headlands at Shoal Bay, several whales were located travelling steadily northbound. At least three Humpback Whales spent considerable time at the surface, allowing guests excellent viewing opportunities as they made their journey along the coast.
To top off a fantastic day on the water, our afternoon cruise was welcomed home by one of Port Stephens’ resident pods of Bottlenose Dolphins. The dolphins were spotted in the middle of the harbour, providing the perfect farewell to another memorable day of wildlife encounters.
With whale numbers increasing daily as the migration season gains momentum, there has never been a better time to join us on the water. Every cruise offers something different, and today’s combination of playful juveniles, breaching adults, and local dolphins showcased exactly why Port Stephens is one of Australia’s premier whale watching destinations.
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography