Images and Video
2.5 hour Whale Watching Cruise
Highlights
- Experience the thrill of humpback whales breaching up to 18 metres long in Port Stephens' stunning waters.
- Witness spectacular whale displays, including spyhops and pectoral slaps, from two spacious viewing decks aboard Hinchinbrook Explorer.
- Enjoy insightful commentary while cruising, enhancing your understanding of these majestic creatures and their habitat.
- Delight in a bonus dolphin and outer island cruise, making this an unforgettable maritime adventure.
Port Stephens enjoys an excellent whale season and Hinchinbrook Explorer is the largest whale watch vessel in the bay, purpose-built for ocean cruising. With two viewing decks you can rest assured you’re getting the best view of these friendly giants.
You will never forget seeing the awesome bulk of a humpback whale, up to 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes! Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is highly likely that you will see spectacular displays – spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and the breathtaking breach.
Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary and a bonus dolphin and outer island cruise – two cruises for the price of one.
Itinerary highlights
2.5hr Whale Watching Cruise
Whale Watch Cruise includes bonus dolphin watch and out islands cruise.
The Hinchinbrook Explorer departs from Dock C, Teramby Road, d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay, with boarding commencing 30 minutes prior to departure.
Experience the ultimate whale watching adventure in Port Stephens, with two levels of outside viewing from the regions largest whale watch vessel. Comfortable all weather inside areas, the 30 metre supercat gets you to the whales quickly and safely.
You have the chance to see huge pods of oceanic dolphins, penguins, sea birds, seals, orcas and more. Morning or afternoon tea available for purchase, a licensed bar and snack food is available.
At times, we may use MV Osprey which departs from Dock D, off Dock C, d’Albora Marina, Teramby Rd.
Please note these are ocean going cruises. Moonshadow – TQC Cruises vessels are the largest vessels in the area however all boats will incur a level of movement out in the ocean. We recommend you consult a pharmacist and purchase a preventative remedy for motion sickness that you can take prior to boarding and eat lightly before cruising.
Tour details
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Available from 23 May 2026 to 1 November 2026
Features
Service facilities
Sevice Activity
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
Physical – Mobility
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
- Uses floors/coverings which are slip resistant, firm and smooth
- Uses non-slip tiles in the bathroom or slip resistant matting
- Grab rails in the bathroom
Operation information
Moonshadow – TQC Cruises
Moonshadow TQC is a family-owned cruise operator based in Port Stephens, only 2.5 hours north of Sydney, and 30 minutes from Newcastle Airport. With over 40 years of experience and boasting the largest vessels in Port Stephens, Moonshadow – TQC Cruises gets you close to the action quickly and safely.
Join their Dolphin Cruises that depart daily in search of the resident Bottlenose dolphins, with a 95 per cent success rate in sightings. Enjoy boom-net rides whilst taking in spectacular views of Port Stephens (depart daily except Christmas Day).
Get up close and personal with friendly giants on their Whale-watching cruises, when over 40,000 humpback whales pass their shores during the annual whale migration from May to November.
Explore the hidden gem of Port Stephens, which is Broughton Island on their full day cruise adventure out to Broughton Island National Park.
Explore the magnificent Islands of Port Stephens. Explore the picturesque Broughton Island cruise or join their range of Historical Cruises, hosted in collaboration with local historian and legend, John ‘Stinker’ Clarke.
Make your next special event a private charter aboard Moonshadow – TQC Cruises with six vessels all equipped for all occasions and catering for casual and formal events.
Accreditations
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ATEC India Host
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ECO Certified (Advanced Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
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International Ready Accreditation
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Quality Tourism Accreditation
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Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
Memberships
- Australian Tourism Export Council
- Charter Vessel Association
- New South Wales Business Chamber
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Visitor Information Centre
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