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' pristine waters.
- Enjoy two viewing decks aboard the Hinchinbrook Explorer for unparalleled views of these magnificent marine giants.
- Listen to engaging commentary while spotting dolphins and exploring outer islands on this unforgettable cruise.
- Delight in the spectacular displays of playful whales, including spyhops and body rolls, during the active whale season.
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 Cruises is a family-owned cruise operator based in Port Stephens, just 2.5 hours north of Sydney and 30 minutes from Newcastle Airport. With more than 44 years of experience and the largest vessels in Port Stephens, they deliver safe, memorable experiences on the water.
Their Dolphin Cruises depart daily in search of resident Bottlenose dolphins, with a 95 per cent sighting success rate, plus the chance to enjoy boom-net rides while taking in the beauty of the bay.
From May to November, Whale Watching Cruises offer unforgettable encounters with humpback whales during the annual migration, when more than 45,000 whales pass the coastline.
For a full-day adventure, the Broughton Island Cruise explores the pristine beauty of Broughton Island National Park, while a range of Historical Cruises to Broughton, Fingal, Outer Islands and the Western Harbour reveal the region’s rich maritime stories, hosted with local historian John “Stinker” Clarke.
During Daylight Savings, the Sunset on the Bay Cruise operates every Saturday evening, offering a relaxed way to experience Port Stephens at golden hour aboard one of the region’s largest vessels.
Moonshadow TQC Cruises also offers private charters across a fleet of six vessels, catering for everything from casual celebrations to formal functions, making them a leading choice for marine tourism, special events and unforgettable experiences in Port Stephens.
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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