Port Stephens Private Day Tour from Sydney — Dolphins, Whales & Sandboarding
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; participants should be comfortable with short hikes (Gan Gan Hill and dune climbs) and getting on/off a small boat.
Overview
A single day that squeezes the best of Port Stephens into six hours: dolphin and whale cruises from Nelson Bay, a panoramic climb to Gan Gan Hill, lunch by the water and sand‑boarding the vast Stockton dunes. Expect wildlife, wide views and an easy, well‑paced private tour from Sydney.
Port Stephens Private Day Tour from Sydney — Dolphins, Whales & Sandboarding
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You step off the air‑conditioned minivan and the wind changes: salt, a hint of eucalyptus and the dry, metallic bite of sand. The leader of the day — a local guide with more than a few stories about these waters — points up to Gan Gan Hill where the bay opens like a deep blue palm. Boats dot the inlet; on the horizon the Stockton Bight sand mass looms, its ridges catching late light like sculpted parchment.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
You’ll be exposed on deck and on the dunes; choose SPF 30+ and reapply after water or heavy sweat.
Pack a small dry bag
Protect phones and cameras on the boat and during dune rides — a zip bag isn’t enough once sand gets airborne.
Wear closed‑toe shoes for sandboarding
Soft‑soled shoes or sneakers grip better on dune climbs and protect feet from hot sand when returning in summer.
Time your photos for golden hour
Gan Gan Hill and the dunes are most dramatic in low light—plan the tour’s photo stops accordingly.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Seasonal humpback whales
History
Port Stephens occupies Worimi country; the coastline and headlands were important seasonal food sources and navigation markers for Indigenous people long before European settlement.
Conservation
Stick to marked tracks and use reef‑safe sunscreen; the Worimi and local councils run dune‑care programs to protect the mobile Stockton Bight system from erosion.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nelson Bay
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunscreen (reef‑safe SPF 30+)
Protects skin during boat time and on exposed dunes.
summer specific
Small dry bag or zip‑lock
Keeps electronics and documents sand‑ and splash‑free.
Sturdy sneakers or sand‑friendly shoes
Useful for dune climbs and walking tracks at viewpoints.
summer specific
Swimwear and quick‑dry towel
For a possible dip at Little Beach after the boat stop.
summer specific