Moonshadow-TQC Cruises
Dolphin- and whale-watching cruises around Port Stephens.
Overview
If there was one reason to visit Port Stephens outside of peak season that trumps all others, it's this: whales. From May to November, the stretch of coast that Port Stephens occupies is considered one of the best to spy humpback and southern right whales as they migrate up to warmer waters and then back down towards Antarctica. There are plenty of vantage points on land from which to spot these majestic creatures, but if you want to get up close and watch them play, jump aboard one of the Moonshadow-TQC Cruises. Lasting roughly three hours, the boat tours take you out into the bay to some of the coast's outer islands to watch the whales showing off. You'll probably get to see some of the region's resident dolphins and seals, too.
Moonshadow's whale watching tour costs $65 and it offers a complimentary return cruise if you don't see a whale. If you do happen to be visiting outside whale watching season, hop aboard one of its dolphin cruises instead, which costs $30 and includes a ride in the boom net. Family passes are available for both, too.
Image: Destination NSW
