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Book your Port Stephens whale-watching cruise from Fullerton Cove, Newcastle
Experience Port Stephens' famous whale season with Moonshadow - TQC Cruises offering two unforgettable 2.5-hour whale watching cruises departing from Nelson Bay between May and November - you’ll be awed watching the massive Humpback whale, up to 18 metres long and 40 tonnes, and its highly surface-active displays like spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and the breathtaking breach; enjoy entertaining, informative commentary and a bonus dolphin and outer island cruise so you get two cruises for the price of one, with great viewing decks that ensure the best views of these friendly giants when you explore from Port Stephens, whether you’re based in Fullerton Cove or visiting Newcastle, making it an ideal Water-Based, wildlife and family-friendly experience to book through Varoom for your trip planning and accommodation needs.
About this activity in Fullerton Cove
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Experience Port Stephens’ famous whale season on a 2.5-hour Moonshadow - TQC Cruises voyage departing from Nelson Bay - prime chances to see humpback whales breaching and performing spyhops, pectoral slaps and body rolls.
- Enjoy live, informative commentary on board that brings local marine life and whale behaviour to life while you cruise the scenic Port Stephens waters.
- Two-for-one outing: the trip also includes dolphin sightings and an outer island cruise, giving you varied wildlife viewing and coastal scenery in one departure.
- Spacious viewing decks provide excellent photo opportunities and close-up encounters with marine giants - a memorable wildlife experience near Fullerton Cove and the Newcastle region.
Important Information
- Tours run seasonally from May to November from Nelson Bay; please book in advance to secure your preferred date during peak whale migration in Port Stephens.
- The cruise is suitable for all fitness levels and family-friendly, but children must be accompanied by an adult; collapsible strollers are allowed but must remain in the main cabin.
- Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase on board; bring sun protection, warm layers for winter, comfortable shoes and a camera for the best experience.
- This is an ocean-going cruise subject to weather and sea conditions; if the vessel cannot operate you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
Meeting Point
Meet at Nelson Bay Wharf/Marina, Port Stephens - check in at the Moonshadow - TQC Cruises counter on the wharf. Arrive 30 minutes before departure; look for crew staff who will direct you to the boarding area.
Includes
- Prices include GST for bookings through Varoom, so you’ll see final pricing upfront.
- Enjoy live commentary on board during your cruise - the crew will share local insights and highlights as you travel.
Excludes
- Alcoholic drinks are not included but are available to purchase on board.
- Transportation to and from attractions is not provided - please plan your own transfers.
Other
- Public transportation options are available nearby in Fullerton Cove, Newcastle, making it easy to reach the departure point or continue exploring the area.
- This activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, so you can enjoy the experience whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on board.
- All departures are subject to favorable weather and sea conditions; if your cruise is canceled due to poor sea conditions you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
- Please note this is an ocean-going cruise - plan accordingly for ocean conditions.
- Baby prams are not permitted on board. Collapsible strollers are allowed but must be kept in the main cabin; upon boarding the friendly crew will show you where to store them.
- We recommend you bring comfortable, casual clothing and footwear, sunglasses, a hat, sun cream, and a camera. Dress warmer during the winter months.
- If you or anyone in your party experiences or thinks they may experience motion sickness, you should consult your pharmacist about seasickness medication before traveling.
Customer Reviews
9/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Loved this cruise! Great vibes! Good energy from the captain and crew. Booked for Whales and seen both dolphins and Whales 😍defs coming back with the whole fam!
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Summary:
A fantastic Whale Watch Cruise on the Moonshadow TQC mv Osprey. Spacious vessel with plenty of space to move around to take in the views of the Port as you sailed out to sea. Lots of pods of whales that surfaced close to the vessel and a bonus of dolphins as well. The crew were welcoming and the Captain gave a very informative talk about the Whales, the Port and the history of the area and landmarks plus places of interest to visit whilst staying in Port Stephens. Thankyou for a great experience.
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Summary:
The crew were very helpful and friendly. They were also very knowledgeable. We saw plenty of whales and it was a beautiful trip all round.
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Discover why Fullerton Cove in Newcastle is ideal for Outdoor & Nature and Nature & Wildlife experiences, with easy access to Water-Based activities, scenic Tours & Sightseeing and family-friendly adventures that make the area perfect for event-driven stays. You can book guided sightseeing, Adventure & Thrill outings and relaxed Wellness & Relaxation moments here, combining Group-Friendly Events and Workshops & Learning to suit Multi-Day / Full-Day plans. Use Varoom to find and reserve the right activities and accommodations that connect you to this destination’s top tours, Water-Based options and outdoor offerings.
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Know more about Fullerton Cove
You can join whale watching cruises from May to November, the excellent Port Stephens whale season when Humpback whales migrate through the area. Cruises depart from Nelson Bay and run during this period to maximize your chances of sightings.
Yes - Moonshadow - TQC Cruises feature great viewing decks so you can get excellent views of whales and dolphins. The vessels are set up to give you up-close and personal experiences with these friendly giants while you enjoy informative commentary.
Bring casual comfortable clothing and footwear, sunglasses, a hat, sun cream and a camera. You should dress warmer for winter months and consider seasickness medication if you or your party are prone to motion sickness.
Each whale watching cruise lasts 2.5 hours and includes live commentary. You’ll likely see Humpback whales - up to 18 metres long and 40 tonnes - exhibiting surface-active behaviors like spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and breathtaking breaches, plus a bonus dolphin and outer island cruise.
The cruises are family-friendly and suitable for all fitness levels, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Note that baby prams are not permitted on board; collapsible strollers may be stored in the main cabin as advised by crew.
Along with whale and dolphin viewing, cruises include live on-board commentary and a bonus outer island cruise - essentially two Cruises for the price of one - and GST is included in the booking.
