cruise dinner nelson bay

AQUILA CRUISES NELSON BAY

 private charter cruise the bay in luxury  , about aquila cruises nelson bay.

Aquila Cruises offers bespoke private charter cruises around the beautiful bays of Port Stephens. 

Leaving from the Anchorage Marina or Nelson Bay public wharf , at a time suitable for you and your guests, experience the bay at its best with gourmet food and champagne. 

Let us organise a special luncheon, morning or afternoon tea, sunset cruise or charter Aquila for the whole day. 

All inclusive of drinks and catering from $985 per hour min 2 hours.   Ask us about our BYO options from $650 per hour min 2 hours.   

Sunset BBQ Seafood Dinner Cruise

• Duration: 150 Minutes (approx.)
• Location : Nelson Bay, NSW
• Product code: SSS

'Imagine' is a unique venue, perfect for any occasion...and when we hoist our sails, the atmosphere is truly special.

Whilst dinner is being prepared relax on the deck with a fine wine or a cold beer, get wet in the boom net or take a ride in the dry bow-net!

Once the boat has arrived at a sheltered cove or bay you will have the choice of dining in our downstairs cabin or on our large covered fore deck, alfresco style.

We use fresh, local seafood to cook you a seasonal 2-course BBQ meal, dessert will be served as we depart the cove and sail back to the marina.

It is a sumptuous way to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of our bay.

• 2.5 hour cruise boarding 15 minutes before departure time
• Sunset sail inside the bay
• Set 2-course adult & child menu  (vegan/vegetarian option available) infants do not receive a meal.
• Fully licensed bar with great selection of beers, wines & spirits
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Opportunity to see the resident Bottlenose Dolphins

* BBQ seafood meal is provided unless otherwise specified there is a steak, vegetarian or vegan option available. *Child meal is provided for all child (12 years and under) bookings.

*all cruises subject to weather/sea conditions    * minimum numbers apply

FOOD ALLERGY POLICY

All cruises:  Please note it is the client's responsibility to notify Imagine Cruises of any intolerances or allergies including but not limited to traces of nuts. Whilst all dishes are prepared onboard, our quality produce is supplied by third parties and we therefore cannot guarantee there are no traces of allergens (e.g., nut-free, dairy-free). We also cannot guarantee there will no cross-contamination of allergens during service and we explicitly accept no liability in this regard. For serious food allergies you must make your own decisions on selecting meals. Our staff's comments are only to assist you in making an informed decision.

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Tours & Activities in Nelson Bay

Book your Tours & Activities with Bay Booking Office

Y-Knot Cruises

Cruise to tea gardens.

The Y-Knot is a locally-owned, purpose-built catamaran that offers exceptional stability whilst providing wide open floor space, generous outdoor decks and stunning 360-degree panoramic views.   She is fully fitted out with two bathrooms a full galley and bar.   Our experienced crew are on hand to ensure smooth sailing.

Call 02 49 843 843 or visit our office at dock C, d’Albora Marinas to make a booking or click the link to book online.

Little Beach Boathouse offers everything you could need to dine out in Port Stephens. We have a beachside setting. Our food is cooked with local produce. The menu is fresh modern Australian cuisine. It has beachy furnishings and interiors.

Launched in August 2016 the Little Beach Bar has been relaunched as Below Deck Cafe and Bar last August 2019 and is the perfect complement to the upstairs restaurant. Taking advantage of the stunning seaside view, it is a popular choice for any event, from a catch-up with friends all the way to corporate events and functions.

Events + Functions

This unique location is the perfect place for your next function or event. Whether it’s a birthday party, a Hens day, or just a get together with friends and family. Little Beach Boathouse will deliver something that suits your needs and will make your day memorable.

ENJOY BEAUTIFUL FOOD, GREAT WINE & CRAFT BEER

Little beach boat house | nelson bay, little beach boathouse offers everything you could need to dine out in port stephens..

We have a beachside setting. Our food is cooked with local produce. The menu is fresh modern Australian cuisine. It has beachy furnishings and interiors. We also sell local products to take home.

Boathouse Stories

The Most Magnificent Lunch

Everything was perfect

What a great evening we all had

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The Poyer's Dinner Cruise

The Poyer's Dinner Cruise with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises has become one our most popular special event cruises on the event calendar.

Join us as we cruise to Lemon Tree Passage on board 'MV Spirit of Port Stephens' to The Poyer's Restaurant.

Enjoy a four course menu curated by Chef Ludovic matched with wines from Peterson House, Hunter Valley. 

Bookings essential, this cruise is normally a sell out so hop onboard and book now. 

Boarding Time: 4.30pm for a 5pm departure on 'MV Spirit of Port', Dock D, off Dock C, d'Albora Marina, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay.

Return to Dock: 10.15pm

Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

d'Albora Marinas, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay and Cruise Passenger Wharf Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay

Joel Corry live at Shoal Bay Country Club

Friday 26 April, Shoal Bay

Joel Corry is heading to SBCC for an epic night of live music

Anzac Exhibition

10 April to 10 May 2024, Nelson Bay

Have you seen the ANZAC exhibition currently on display at the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre? Come check it out!

Sail Port Stephens 2024

Monday 15 April to Sunday 5 May 2024

Sail Port Stephens is back for 2024, now over three separate weeks throughout April and May!

April School Holidays Live Music Every Day at SBCC

Friday 12 - Sunday 28 April 2024, Shoal Bay

Enjoy live music every day at Shoal Bay Country Club these school holidays!

Tea Gardens Ferry - Daily Cruises in Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park

Tea gardens ferry | port stephens & barrington coast.

Daily ferry cruises between Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens 7 days a week aboard the YKNOT Catamaran. With a wide open deck, exceptional stability and panoramic views of beautiful Port Stephens, the YKNOT is perfect for cruising the blue waters of Port Stephens, and spotting dolphins along the way! Tea and coffee available on board.

Book Ferry Tickets

To book and pay by credit card over the phone call Teresa on 0411 388 380 Office hours are 7am to 7pm Monday to Sunday

Parking in Nelson Bay

Lunch in tea gardens.

The 11am ferry to Tea Gardens is the most popular time to travel. Arriving at around 12pm, you have 2 hours to enjoy along the waterfront. After satisfying your tastebuds, there are some lovely boutiques to browse through, a gorgeous art gallery featuring local artists, or take an easy stroll down to the Singing Bridge where you’ll find a stunning view across the bay. If you’re lucky you’ll also spot a few dolphins fishing around the base of the bridge! Below are a few popular dining options. For our FULL GUIDE to dining and activities in Tea Gardens click here.

Tea Gardens Hotel teagardenshotel.com

Mumms on the Myall mummsonthemyall.com.au

The Boatshed teagardensboatshed.com

Tillermans Restaurant tillermans.com,au

Seagrass Cafe seagrasscafe.com.au

Guided Kayak Tours in Tea Gardens

Lazy Paddles launch from ANZAC Park in Tea Gardens, just a 5 minute walk down from the Public Wharf. Their 2hr Myall River Discovery tour departs at 10am and is perfect for those new to kayaking. Experience the tranquility of the mangroves and observe wildlife up close. All equipment is provided and you’ll be accompanied by one of their friendly guides. Catch the 8:15am from Nelson Bay and grab a coffee at The Boatshed before your 10am tour. Visit www.lazypaddles.com.au to book online.

Ezy Kayaks launch from the park next to Hawks Nest Public wharf. If catching the 8:15am from Nelson Bay, ask the YKNOT crew to drop you at Hawks Nest. Note, during peak seasons this may not be possible, so ensure you check before booking! Ezy Kayaks tour times vary according to tides and weather, so be sure to check when they will be hosting the next tour. BBQ available in the park, bring some food that you can throw on the barbie once the tour is finished! Visit www.ezykayaks.com.au to book online.

Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park

The one hour cruise between Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens will take you straight through the heart of Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. The park’s diverse marine life is abundant with dolphins , green sea turtles, fish and seabirds. Bird watchers will delight in the vast array of shorebirds that live and forage along the shores of the Myall River, such as little egrets, great egrets, little black cormorants, royal spoonbills, white faced herons, bar-tailed godwits, sea eagles and osprey – to name just a few!

Private Sunset Cruises on the YKNOT! Available for departures out of Nelson Bay or Tea Gardens. We provide the boat and crew, you provide the party & tunes! Capacity for up to 36 pax. BYO drinks & nibbles. Reward your employees or customers with a 3 hour Sunset Cruise to Fame Cove. For pricing call Teresa on 0411 388 380.

Give them an experience to remember!  Vouchers available for travel to or from Tea Gardens on the YKNOT Catamaran. Daily cruises available, voucher can be redeemed for any time within 12 months of purchase. We email the voucher to you, or directly to the gift recipient along with a lovely handwritten Thank you card. Call Teresa on 0411 388 380 to order.

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Dinner cruise from hell - Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

• South Pacific    
• Australia    
• New South Wales    
• Greater Newcastle    
• Port Stephens    
• Nelson Bay    
• Nelson Bay - Things to Do    
• Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

Dinner cruise from hell

I booked this cruise for my wife and I as something "a little different". Good points: When we boarded we were seated right next to a loudspeaker. We saw empty tables on the upper deck and we asked to move and this was done promptly and without fuss. The bad points: Where do we begin? From the 2 person band that sounded worse than cats screaming, to the bistro food that was luke warm , the soggy prawns, the dry chocolate cake. Put simply, the food was absolutely terrible. The music was hilariously bad. I have no idea where they found these 2 "singers" but it was like something out of a comedy movie. I really have no idea how someone could sing that badly. It was funny for the first 15 minutes then it was just painful. Imagine a really cheesy 80's movie that has bad singers in it as a joke, then times that by 1000. And thats still not how bad it was. We understand the staff can not help the behaviour of other patrons, but there was a group of young adults ( mid - late 20's) that were obscenely drunk and preceded to move the boat furniture, scream, swear, run around the boat etc. The icing on the cake was when the drunk girl lit up a cigarette right near the engines at the rear of the boat. When we questioned her to put the smoke out, she called us some obscene profanities and proceeded to the upper deck. What outraged us, was that a crew member witnessed this, and said absolutely nothing. As advertised the cruise is 2.5 hours = 7-10pm…. I believe thats 3 hours of hell, not 2.5 as advertised. The majority of people wanted to get off and were lined up to get off at the end of the night to get off the boat as soon as they could. DO NOT book this awful, awful cruise. No matter how management reply to this review, do not believe that there is "another side" to this story. There isn't. Its the worst thing you'll do on holidays and save yourself the disappointment.

Dear Gavincato, I can’t tell you how disappointing it is to read how unhappy you were with your recent experience with us in Nelson Bay. The on board entertainers are booked and paid as professional experienced acts. We constantly monitor the standard of professionalism of each act and if we find any particular performance to be unsuitable for whatever reason they are not engaged for a return appearance. Further to your comment referring to a group of “obscenely drunk” passengers my crew inform me that the passengers in question might have been behaving in a vivacious manner but oppose your opinion of their level of intoxication. There is a small area on the vessel where we allow smoking. The area is on the outside back deck, which is not above the engines as you stated. We would actually welcome a non smoking environment, but in our experience it’s more beneficial to allow a small area of the vessel to be smoking friendly rather than have passengers light up in an inappropriate area for a sneaky cigarette. This area is also accessible for our crew to monitor the situation. During the Cruise Director’s welcome speech we make it very clear as to where the smoking area is on the vessel. The girl you refer to on the back deck was in the correct area so her response to you questioning her, although needlessly harsh, might in fact have been motivated by your remarks. The cruise is advertised as boarding at 7pm for a 7.15pm departure. If I’m right in assuming you were on the Wednesday night cruise (15th January), the vessels log entry states the vessel returned to dock at 9.47pm. Maybe by the time passengers disembark it might be 10pm but the actual cruise time on the water is the advertised 2 1/2 hours. Moonshadow Cruises is the recipient of multiple awards including regional & state up to a national level of which we are very proud. To win these awards we have undergone many covert inspections from multiple tourism judges. We have been operating for 33 years in Nelson Bay and more recently in Newcastle Harbour. We operate 5 different vessels and offer a variety of cruises. The aim of our company is to deliver a professional, fun, friendly experience with a high standard of casual dinning achieving great value for money. It is a complex business with many variations to deal with and although we care and try to deliver a positive experience to our guests we can get it wrong sometimes! Your review is brutal and horrible for me to read but having followed up on your issues I believe there may be fairness in regard to your criticism! We may have let our standards slip on this evening and I am honestly sorry and sincerely apologize to both you and your wife. Please be assured your review has had an effect and I along with the management team will be reassessing all our products to ensure we are doing everything possible to provide a positive experience for each passenger. We may not win everybody but we will do our best. I am disheartened that you have a negative image of our company and although you probably will not be on board again please know that your review has inspired product monitoring and enthusiasm for constant improvement. Sincerely, Dianne Annable

This is a warning to other people who may want to use this company for a cruise to Broughton Island. Don't do it! It is a real scam in my opinion. They advertise this cruise as a luxury and modern cruise but it's nothing like that. We had a terrible experience on the boat, which is not the one you see in the pictures, the big catamaran. It is a very small and old boat, which they overfill with people to the point there is no room to move. The trip was horrible, big waves and very rocky. A lot of people got sick, including me and a lady was so sick that an emergency helicopter had to pick her up from the island. Children were crying and at one point I got really scared. By the time we arrived, I was so physically sick I could not enjoy anything. Couldn't eat, couldn't walk and couldn't swim. I only wanted the "cruise" to be over. In my opinion they should have used a bigger and modern boat, like the one in the pictures, to do this so called cruise. If I knew the boat was so small and old, I would have not taken this cruise.

Dear Annalig It’s disconcerting to receive such negative feedback regarding your recent experience with Moonshadow Cruises, but of course I must acknowledge and accept your opinion. It’s not our intention to mislead a passenger concerning any information. Moonshadow Cruises operate 6 vessels of different style and size which depart from a variety of locations including two vessels from Newcastle Harbour. The vessel we use for the Broughton Island cruise does not depart from the same area as the larger vessels mentioned in your review. It was a very windy day, with the forecast for choppy sea conditons in the morning but improving cruising conditions in the afternoon. Because of this the skipper made two announcements to ensure all passengers were fully informed and to give the opportunity to disembark before we departed the jetty. A refund or transfer would have been organized to passengers wishing not to continue with the cruise. I know two passengers decided to disembark the vessel. This cruise did have a large number of passengers seasick, but can I say that every day is different as people and conditions are different and we have no control of how passengers react to the motion of the vessel on the ocean. Before departure the crew did recommend that a sea sick remedy should be taken. A passenger did require urgent medical assistance because of an on going medical condition and our crew acted accordingly in calling for assistance. I assure you your review has had the impact you desired and we are extremely disheartened we were unable to meet your expectations. Regards, Dianne Annable

My boyfriend, his mother and i went on this lovely cruise including the lunch option which we found pretty tasty and there was plenty of food. We thought the staff were friendly and the captain had a good sense of humour. The ride itself was very relaxing and we got to see quite a few dolphins. There is a lot of space and you can chose where you want to sit or stand. It's nice that you can purchase alcohol on board and we had a few refreshing drinks and sat at the front of the boat, was a very enjoyable day. They also put the boomnet down for anyone that wants to get in the water but we chose not to but think its fantastic for the kids etc. Would definitely chose Moonshadow cruises again and maybe next time try a different experience that they offer.

Hi RWCB01 Thank you for taking the time and writing a positive review of your recent cruise experience with us in Nelson Bay. It’s gratifying for us to know our passengers have had an enjoyable time. I especially thank you for acknowledging our crew as they try very hard to deliver a great cruise experience with Moonshadow Cruises. I hope we do get to welcome you and your party on board for another of our cruise options in Port Stephens or Newcastle Harbour. Regards, Dianne Annable

We enjoyed the FerryLink cruise on the MV Tanboi Queen from Nelson Bay to Lemon Tree Passage and return with time to visit the Lemon Tree Passage foreshore walks and waterfront dining. The captain, Daniel and deckhand, provided informative commentary on all aspects of the scenery of Port Stephens Harbour as we travelled the expansive waterway. Booking was easy and informative the previous day. It was a relaxing, friendly way to spend the day enjoying the harbour scenery for a low cost.

Very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your day out on our new Ferry Link tour to Lemon Tree Passage aboard the MV Tamboi Queen. Thank you for giving us a positive review. We hope to be able to welcome you aboard one of our vessels again in the future. Kind regards Jane

Wonderful day out, lovely staff, quality boat, lots of space. We chose to have lunch onboard. Food was decent but not great, although there was lots of it.

Hi, Thank you so much for taking the time and writing a positive review of your recent cruise with us in Nelson Bay. I hope we have the opportunity in the future to welcome you on board again for another of our cruise options in Newcastle Harbour or Port Stephens. Thanks again for the review it is appreciated. Regards, Dianne Annable

We took the cruise for dolphin watching in December 2013. It was a cold cloudy day which made it hard to fully enjoy the experience but after some time they said there are some dolphines around. Overall it was nice but I was expecting maybe more as it felt it was all rushed. We were told now look left, now look right and people running around trying to catch a glimpse of the dolphins. Staff were friendly. There was complementart tea served which was quite nice on such cold day.

Hi, Thank you for taking the time to write a review on your recent Dolphin Watch experience with us in Nelson Bay. The Dolphin Watch is a different experience on every cruise as the dolphins are wild and we do nothing to modify their behaviour. The experience depends on what they are doing naturally at that particular time of day. Sometimes they might be in a playful mood, feeding/hunting, mating, travelling. They can be in very large pods or maybe just be a couple of individuals. Everyday a different experience! I’m sorry the cruise did not reach your expectations but I hope we do get another chance and see you on board again in the future. Regards, Dianne Annable

Explore the hidden gem of Port Stephens on our Broughton Island Cruise | Next Date - Sun 28/4

Dolphin Watch Cruises

Port Stephens is home to over 160 resident bottlenose dolphins and that’s why we call ourselves the Dolphin Capital of Australia!

With a high success rate in dolphin sightings, boomnet rides and a waterside – you can’t go past a Moonshadow – TQC Dolphin Watching Cruise in Nelson Bay.

Dolphin Watch Cruise Inclusions:

• See our world-famous resident wild bottlenose dolphins
• Exciting boom net rides (not on MV Osprey)
• Fun, waterslides
• Expansive open decks or covered all weather indoor viewing
• Fully licensed bar and delicious snack foods available
• Live information, fun Captain’s commentary
• High success sighting rate

Choose between three great dolphin cruises in Nelson Bay:

• Chevron down But what’s the difference Dolphin Discovery Cruise and Splash and Slide Dolphin Watching Cruise?

1.5hr Dolphin Discovery Cruise has the boomnet which is activated in the last 30 minutes of the cruise while in motion.

2hr Splash and Slide Dolphin Watching Cruise stops to activate the slide which lands into the open waters. The boomnet is activated on the return journey to the marina. This cruises slide lands directly into the beautiful waters of Port Stephens therefore to swim on this cruise passengers must be able to swim competently.

• Chevron down Why is the Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure different to the other Dolphin Cruises?

Our  Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure  explores off shore and passes Tomaree and Yacaaba headland, we explore Murphy’s gap and the outer islands of Port Stephens, whereas the other cruises stay inshore. The MV Osprey can get into shallower water, meaning we can venture into areas the other vessels cannot, however the MV Osprey is not equipped with a boomnet.

Dolphin Discovery Cruise (1.5hr) has the boomnet which is activated in the last 30 minutes of the cruise while in motion.

Splash and Slide Dolphin Cruise  (2hr) stops to activate the slide which lands into the open waters. The boomnet is activated on the return journey to the marina. We recommend confident swimmers for this cruise if they wish to utilise the slide.

• Most Popular
• Ticket All Ages
• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours

Dolphin Discovery Cruise

Come and see why Port Stephens is regarded as the Dolphin capital of Australia!

Join our 1.5hr Dolphin Watching cruise with a  high success rate in dolphin sightings, boom net rides, and entertaining commentary. Enjoy picturesque views of the harbour, including the awe-inspiring Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands, a truly memorable and scenic journey.

• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Splash and Slide Dolphin Cruise

2 Hours | Search for the resident Dolphins before stopping to splash and slide into our beautiful waterways

Dolphin watching tour with our fun boat. Slide into open water with time for a slide & swim as you enjoy the beautiful scenic views of Port Stephens.

Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure

Journey Port Stephens harbour and outer islands while searching for our resident bottlenose Dolphins!

Join our 1.5hr Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure with a high success rate in dolphin sightings, and entertaining commentary onboard the MV Osprey. Enjoy picturesque views of the harbour, and explore the outer islands of Port Stephens.