Spend a full day from Sydney exploring Port Stephens: a 90‑minute dolphin cruise, an educational visit to the koala sanctuary and the thrill of sandboarding on the Stockton sand dunes. Perfect for families and first‑time visitors looking for wildlife, coastal geology, and a dose of adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
By 8 a.m. the highway loosens its grip on the city and the landscape opens toward a blue that feels deliberate—Port Stephens’ waters, flat and wide, daring you to look closer. The tour drops you at Nelson Bay, where a 90‑minute Dolphin Discovery Cruise becomes less a sightseeing stop and more a lesson in marine choreography: bottlenose dolphins thread the bow waves, pelicans wheel like punctuation marks, and on winter days you might catch the slow shadow of a humpback moving offshore.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 hours
Fitness Level
Good for travelers who can stand for several hours, climb short sandy slopes and board dunes; not strenuous but physically active.
Wildlife
History
This coastline is on the traditional lands of the Worimi people, whose deep knowledge shaped travel, fishing, and seasonal use of these bays and dunes.
Conservation
The Koala Sanctuary and Hospital focus on rehabilitation and release; guests are asked to respect paths, not feed wildlife, and to follow sanctuary guidelines to reduce human impact.
Reserve your spot on the Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise Koalas Sandboarding Japanese Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring motion‑sickness remedies
The 90‑minute cruise is smooth but the sea can swell—if you’re prone to nausea, take medication before boarding.
Layer for the boat
Morning ferry winds and afternoon dune sun require a light windproof layer plus sun protection.
Protect your camera from sand
Sand blows easily at Stockton—use a zip bag for cameras and keep lenses capped between shots.
Hydrate before dune climbs
Climbing soft sand is unexpectedly taxing—drink water and refill bottles provided by the tour.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Strong coastal sun and reflective sand make high‑protection sunscreen essential.
summer
Light wind jacket
Morning chill and boat spray call for a breathable wind layer.
spring
Sturdy walking shoes or closed sandals
Useful for sanctuary paths and ascending soft dunes without losing traction.
Reusable water bottle
Refillable bottles keep you hydrated during dune climbs and walking stops.