Wildlife & Water Activities: Sydney Dolphin Tour with Sydney Top Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most physical levels, as activity is mainly boat-based with optional on-shore visits.
Overview
Join a private dolphin tour in Port Stephens, complemented by local tastings and cultural sights. Discover why this adventure is a must-do for wildlife lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Dolphin Watching Sydney Tour (Viator)
12 hours • All ages • A luxury private tour!
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About This Adventure
Embark on a memorable private tour to Port Stephens, Australia’s “Dolphin Capital.” Enjoy dolphin watching, wine and beer tastings at a local brewery, and explore a historic rock engraving site. Customize your adventure with thrilling activities like sandboarding or hiking for breathtaking views, all while savoring scenic landscapes and local culture.
Spend a day in Port Stephens, the “Dolphin Capital” of Australia with this Port Stephens Private tour.
Tour Highlights
• A full day trip to Port Stephens
• Pick up and drop off from Sydney CBD
• See bottle-nosed dolphins
• Wine and beer tasting from a local brewery
• A visit to a historic rock engraving site
Dolphin Watching Sydney Tour to Port Stephens itinerary
Tour starts and first stop -
Heading towards the north of Sydney after picking up the travellers from their hotel at 7.00 am, the first stop on our private tour to Dolphin watching in Port Stephens is a historic rock engraving site near Central coast.
Visit a local brewery -
The Murrays Craft Brewery is the next stop and one of the best artisan breweries in Sydney. Ordering a paddle offer taste of best available from the taps and many travellers also participate for wine tasting session too. Tasting fees - $5 per adult
Dolphin watching -
Leaving the brewery, the nest stop of this Port Stephens private tour is Nelson Bay. Dolphin watching cruises leave from Nelson Bay at various times and travellers can choose any cruises on availability. Dolphin cruise tickets - $30 to $35 per adult
Capture scenic views -
One of the highlights of this luxury Port Stephens day tour from Sydney is the stop at Inner light tea room. It is one of the top places to enjoy an afternoon tea having the panoramic views of Port Stephens. The gold coin donation maritime museum and old lighthouse gate keeper’s cottage are some of the highlights here. Currently, this is the home for local Marine Rescue radio base too.
Adrenaline activities -
You have options of either book a 4WD sand dune tour at Anna Bay or enjoy a sandboarding session. A hike to Tomaree Head is another option on this private tour to Port Stephens. Tomaree Head is 161m above the sea level and this hike offers unparallel views of Cabbage Tree, Yacaaba head, Broughton and Boondelbah islands. Sandboarding rates - $28.00 per adult
Endpoint -
Leaving Port Stephens around 4.00 pm, your private tour ends at around 7.00 pm Sydney CBD by dropping off you to your hotel.
Additional information -
Our Dolphin Watching Sydney Tour to Port Stephens itinerary is fully customizable and if you wish to visit another attraction, please inform to the driver in advanced.
As per the NSW Liquor act 2007, you need to be over the age of 18 to consume alcohol.
What’s included
Expert guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Luxury people mover, USB charging on-board, bottled water
What’s excluded
Lunch, activity fees
What to bring
Weatherproof jacket, comfortable footwear, camera
Adventure Tips
Bring a camera and sun protection
Ensure you bring a camera for wildlife shots and wear sunscreen or hats for sun safety during the boat ride.
Dress for water activity
Wear quick-drying clothes and bring a light jacket in case of wind or splashes.
Check tide times
Tides can affect the visibility of marine life and access to certain sites, so check local tide schedules.
Arrive early
Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure for a smooth start and safety briefing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea turtles
- Seabirds such as pelicans and gulls
History
Port Stephens has a long history as a vital fishing and shipping port, with Aboriginal significance evident in local rock art sites.
Conservation
The tour operators work closely with local agencies to minimize environmental impact and promote marine conservation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sydney
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects against harsh sun rays during outdoor and boat activities.
summer specific
Waterproof camera or phone case
Keeps your device safe from splashes while capturing marine moments.
summer specific
Light jacket or sweater
Adds warmth during boat rides, especially in windier conditions.
any specific
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing, especially distant dolphins or seabirds.
any specific