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.
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Tour/s
6.5 hour Broughton Island Cruise
If you are looking for a full day of cruising, snorkelling, swimming, exploring and eating, you can’t go past the Broughton Island National Park Cruise.
Take in the spectacular island and coastal scenery as the boat makes its way to Broughton Island. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch to enjoy on board or take ashore and explore. After lunch explore on a guided walk to wildlife breeding areas, secluded coves and beaches or enjoy your time relaxing on the beach or in the water.
Bring your snorkelling equipment and enjoy the crystal clear waters, enjoy swimming or just relaxing on the beach.
On the return journey (time permitting) enjoy boom-net rides and bonus dolphin watch.
(Seasonal and weather permitting off-shore sea conditions)
Please note: This is an offshore excursion and is not suitable for children under the age of 5 years.
1.5 hour Dolphin Discovery Cruise
This cruise has a very high success rate in dolphin sightings, boomnet rides, entertaining and informative commentary and scenic harbour cruise including spectacular Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands.
This cruise offers an exceptional opportunity for guests to witness the playful and intelligent nature of dolphins. Additionally, guests can enjoy the thrill boom netting ride. Throughout the cruise, knowledgeable and entertaining commentary is provided, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
The cruise also offers a picturesque view of the harbour, including the awe-inspiring Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands, a truly memorable and scenic journey.
Departs daily at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm (except Christmas Day), with an additional 3:30 pm cruise during Christmas and Easter School Holidays.
2.5 hour Whale Watching Cruise
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.
2 hour Splash and Slide Dolphin Cruise
Moonshadow TQC’s two-hour Splash and Slide Dolphin Watch Cruise ventures onto the Port Stephens harbour onboard the MV Spirit, with a 99 per cent success rate in dolphin sightings, entertaining and informative commentary and scenic harbour cruise including spectacular Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands.
Ride, slide, and splash in the beautiful calm waters of Port Stephens after searching for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins.
MV Spirit is a 60-foot fast Stable Catamaran, with two walk-around all-weather viewing decks, and a licensed bar with snack food available for purchase. There is a large boomnet, water slide and on board salt water spa.
1.5 hour Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure
Explore the natural beauty of the Port Stephens Marine Park, onboard the MV Osprey, a 24 metre fast super cat eco-vessel, designed with sustainability in mind.
Your journey starts by searching for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins that call the beautiful Port Stephens’ waterways home. This cruise offers incredible viewing opportunities onboard to see the dolphins in their natural habitat. While cruising offshore, keep your eyes out as you may find penguins, seals, turtles and sea birds.
Venture across to Jimmy’s beach, and take in the spectacular views looking out towards Yacaaba and Tomaree headlands before heading offshore and exploring Murphy’s Gap and Cabbage Tree Island if the weather allows.
Cruising back along the stunning shores of Shoal Bay, catch a glimpse of the boats launching at Little Beach, before returning back to Nelson Bay, showing you Nelson Head to Fly Point, one of the region’s most popular snorkelling and diving spots.
Knowledgeable and entertaining commentary is provided throughout the cruise, including the WWII history of Port Stephens, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
Historical Cruises with John 'Stinker' Clarke
Enjoy a full day of cruising with exclusive commentary from local legend, and historian, John ‘Stinker’ Clarke! Moonshadow TQC offers three great historical cruises, that will take you to the gorgeous Broughton Island, explore the western harbour of Port Stephens or climb the Point Stephens Lighthouse on the Fingal Island Historical Tour.
Port Stephens has a rich maritime history and there is no better way to engage and learn about it then from local icon, John ‘Stinker’ Clarke.
Sunset on the Bay Cruise
Relax, unwind, and soak up the golden hues of a Port Stephens sunset like never before with our Sunset on the Bay Cruise. As the sun begins its descent, embark on a journey along the pristine waters of Port Stephens, renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and abundant marine life whilst in awe of the setting sun. Our Sunset on the Bay Cruise offers you a front-row seat onboard Moonshadow V.
Departing from Nelson Bay, this 2 hour cruise offers the perfect evening escape on the water. Sip on a chilled cocktail or a local wine from our fully licensed bar, feel the breeze on your face, and watch the sky transform into a masterpiece of colour as the sun sets over the bay.
Whether you’re winding down after a day of adventure or kicking off a special night out, this cruise is ideal for couples, groups, and anyone looking to enjoy Port Stephens at sunset from a different perspective.
Come for the views, stay for the atmosphere – a must-do dusk experience 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