Moonshadow-TQC Cruises

Port Stephens opens into a broad, dolphin-rich bay at Nelson Bay, and this family-run operator has long worked its waters, running the largest fleet based at the marina here. The staple is the dolphin-watching cruise — a resident population makes sightings close to routine — while the cooler months, roughly May to November, bring migrating humpbacks past the heads, watched from purpose-built vessels over a longer run. Beyond the wildlife trips there are sunset sailings, runs out to Broughton Island, and private charters for weddings and functions. It is a working local fleet rather than a one-boat charter, but ownership has stayed in the family and the emphasis sits squarely on the bay's marine life. Cruises depart from the marina at Nelson Bay, a little over two hours north of Sydney.