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FEATURED HALL OF FAME

Moonshadow-TQC Cruises

With vessels operating from Port Stephens Harbour, Moonshadow – TQC offer a range of scheduled cruises and private charter options. In port or at sea, for whale or dolphin watching, lunch or dinner, corporate events, birthdays, weddings, Christmas parties… we cater to our clients needs with the best of cruises, value and food afloat.

Tour & Transport

Experiences

  • Marine / Water-based tours

Sustainability Commitment

Moonshadow-TQC Cruises has implemented the Last Straw Campaign. The Last Straw is a campaign to reduce the use of the plastic straws in venues around Australia. The campaign aims to tackle the issue from both sides- encouraging consumers to use less plastic straws and encouraging businesses to give out less straws through staff training and information. As one of the largest water-based Tour Operators on the NSW East Coast, we have a responsibility to our marine environment. We have engaged the ‘No Straw’ policy on 7 of our vessels running daily and moving on average 800-1500 passengers per day. As a coastal regional town, we encourage local businesses to also adopt the campaign. We all benefit from the efforts of plastic reduction. But to be active in carrying out policy, we can be a plastic reduced community seen to be taking the right step to becoming an eco-tourism destination.

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Accessibility

  • Accessibility considerations may be accommodated, contact operator for details

Accessibility Details

  • Ask all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met
  • 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)
  • Caters for people with allergies and intolerances
  • Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour
  • Caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person
A large white tour boat filled with people sails on calm water under a night sky with stars and a crescent moon.

Eats n Beats Dinner Cruise

For a relaxed night out or your next group outing, Cruising Eats ‘n’ Beats has it covered. Cruising the beautiful waterways of Port Stephens, being entertained by renowned local talent including Mick Jones, Karen Soper & ‘Bernie,’ enjoy a three-course meal. Entree served to table on boarding, a choice of main served from our servery and dessert options.
A range of cocktails, a selection of Hunter Valley Wines and locally brewed beers along with all your favourites are available for purchase from the bar.

A group of young adults in swimsuits smile and pose on a net attached to a boat with a "Dolphin Watch Daily" sign, enjoying the water and sun on their sustainable nature tour.

Snorkelling Adventure

The Common Dolphins are fun, curious and interactive… and we’ll be on the lookout for them as we head towards our favourite snorkelling spots at spectacular Broughton Island. An offshore species, these dolphins are regularly seen during our trips, and they generally steal the show!
Along the way, we’ll take some time to learn about another of our incredible islands, Cabbage Tree (named for the Cabbage Tree Palms that line it’s valleys!) – we might even be lucky enough to spot the pair of Sea Eagles that nest there…we often see them sitting on a tree branch or circling overhead! Be sure to snap a photo or two of this awesome island…home to a colony of Fur Seals during the winter months and also a fabulous snorkelling spot during the summer!
At Broughton, we’ll anchor at picturesque Providence Beach or Coalshaft Bay for a swim or snorkel in the clear and protected waters. Our guide will introduce you to the islands’ wonderful underwater world – wobbegong sharks (they hide under the rocks, like to sleep a lot, and don’t eat people!), rays and a variety of fish are often seen.
If you’d prefer not to snorkel, you’re welcome to simply swim in the shallows or even have a walk along the water’s edge and explore the pristine beach.
With a maximum of 12 – 15 guests, your experience will be relaxed, personalised and crowd-free.

A person in a white and blue polo shirt holds a cross-sectional model of a fish, standing indoors with a window showing an outdoor view of nature in the background.

Cruising Classroom

A fun and interactive educational experience. There are two broad subjects to choose from – ‚ÄòUnder the Sea‚Ä≤ and ‚ÄòCruising Port Stephens‚Ä≤ An enthusiastic Education Officer is also available to accompany the students for a 45 min lesson on your chosen topic prior to the departure of your dolphin watch cruise.

A group of people in pirate costumes are disembarking from a boat named "Drunken Island Cruises" onto a beach, with hills and bodies of water in the background. The scenic tour highlights the beauty of nature.

Pirates of Port Stephens Team Building

Calling all Cutthroat Scurvy Sea Dogs. Legends say there is loads of a buried treasure in Port Stephens, but we will need to work as a team! So, join Moonshadow-TQC Cruises at d′Albora Marina, Nelson Bay where we will be setting off for a great action packed teambuilding adventure.

A small bay with several boats anchored in clear blue water, surrounded by lush hills and a sandy beach under a partly cloudy sky, offers an ideal spot for a tranquil boat tour.

Highlights of Port Stephens Eco Tour

Port Stephens is home to incredible wildlife and spectacular scenery. Allow us to showcase the Port Stephens highlights on this unique eco-adventure. The cruise offers the chance to see plenty of wildlife along the way, including our famous resident Bottlenose Dolphins. We will stop off at one of the 26 beautiful Port Stephens beaches where you will have the opportunity for a secluded swim. This is a personalized small group cruise presenting the highlights of Port Stephens. The course, and features are flexible with consideration of prevailing weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience on each cruise.
Fast & fun eco-style vessel
Expert guide & commentary

A white boat floats on clear turquoise waters with rolling green hills in the background under a bright blue sky, inviting you to experience ecotourism at its finest.

Broughton Island Cruise

Operates October – April, Sunday 10am. Additional times available please check with our office as schedule does vary. Available for Private Charter
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. Explore ashore on an island discovery walk to wildlife breeding areas, secluded coves and beaches. A full day, all-inclusive cruise.

A whale breaches the surface of the ocean with rocky landforms visible in the background under a clear, sustainable sky.

Whale Watch Cruise

Operates May ‚Äì November 10am, 11am or 1:30pm ‚Äì This cruise is weather Dependant. Experience the ultimate wildlife adventure on the 2.5 – 3hour Whale Watch Cruise in search for the Humpback whale, as they pass close to Port Stephens annually on the longest migration by any mammal. Ocean going cruise including spectacular Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands and the outer Islands with a chance to sight Common Oceanic Dolphins or our Local Bottle Nose Dolphins along with sea birds, fur seals and more. Fully licensed bar and snack foods available.

Fingal Bay Eco - Walk and Lighthouse Tour

Climb the spiral staircase to the top of unique Point Stephens Lighthouse – your Guide will share stories about its origin and history as you step out onto the balcony and take in the spectacular view! Learn about Government Cove (where the ships once delivered supplies, including the sandstone blocks used to build the lighthouse!), Shark Bay (which is now a great snorkeling site) and an Aboriginal fish trap lagoon (which is a fabulous spot for swimming on warmer days!). During the cooler months, Fingal Island is the perfect place to try to spot a Whale! Join us as we take you on this unique guided tour through Tomaree National park.

Two dolphins swimming close to each other in the ocean with water rippling around them, showcasing the beauty of nature.

Dolphin Discovery Cruise

Departs Daily at 10:30am or 1:30pm, additional 3:30pm cruises during Christmas to Easter and all other weekends and holidays throughout the year excluding winter.

Enjoy our 1.5hour Dolphin Discovery Cruise in search of our local bottle nose dolphins. Learn about our beautiful area, with live, fun and informative commentary from the Captain. Scenic harbour cruise including spectacular Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands. Boom net and twist and twirl slide available (Moonshadow V), with fully licensed bar, hot food and snack foods available.

Broughton Island Historical Tour

Take in the spectacular island and coastal scenery as the boat makes its way to Broughton Island. After your picnic pack lunch explore ashore on an island discovery guided walk to wildlife breeding areas, secluded coves and beaches and hear fascinating stories about the island.
On the return journey (time permitting) enjoy boom-net rides and bonus dolphin watch.
Highlights
• Spectacular island and coastal scenery
• Fully escorted historical walk with John Clarke, local historian.
• Opportunity to see oceanic dolphins, penguins, seals, turtles, whales and much, much more…
• Water slide, boom net rides
• Picnic lunch packs included to enjoy on board or to take to Island
• Licensed bar and snacks available
• Numbers are limited so bookings are essential
Vessel: MV Spirit of Port a 62″ fast stable catamaran, with 2 walk around all-weather viewing decks. Licensed bar with snack food available for purchase and boom net and water slide (only used inside the harbour).

Dolphin Watch Cruise

Departs Daily at 10:30am or 12:15pm
Enjoy our 1.5hour Dolphin Value Watch in search of our local bottle nose dolphins. Learn about our beautiful area, with live, fun and informative commentary from the Captain. Scenic harbour cruise including spectacular Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands. Boom net rides available, with fully licensed bar and snack foods available.

Broughton Island Adventure

Don‚Äôt miss this stunning Island & ocean adventure. Anchoring in picturesque Providence Beach, or Coalshaft Bay for a swim or snorkel in the clear and protected waters. Your guild will introduce you to the islands‚Äô underwater world, wobbegongs sharks (they don‚Äôt eat people) rays and a variety of fish are often seen. If you prefer not to snorkel, you‚Äôre welcome to swim in the shallows or have a walk along the water’s edge and explore the pristine beach swim.
Qualified snorkel guide, Bottled water & soft drinks available for purchase, Mask, fins & snorkels included

A group of people stand on a sandy beach, looking down at a grid of objects laid out on the sand. The ocean and boats are visible in the background, creating a perfect setting for their eco-tour.

Secret Agent Urban Assault Team Building

Your mission – To identify and secure the bases hidden within Nelson Bay. Work as a team to decipher codes and make your way to the secret Spy Headquarters without being detected. This is a race against time and other Secret Agent Teams if captured, all knowledge of your existence will be denied!

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CONTACT DETAILS

Shop 3/35 Stockton Street Nelson Bay NSW 2315
P. 02 4984 9388
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State and Region Detail
NSW - Hunter Region
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