An Action-Packed Coastal Adventure. As a proud part of Sydney's largest selection of signature private tours, this 11-hour experience takes you to the dolphin capital of Australia, the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, and stunning coastal lookouts.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Port Stephens, home to a resident pod of around 150 bottlenose dolphins. This comprehensive private day tour covers approximately 500 km, showcasing breathtaking lookouts and a host of unique attractions. Looking to combine wineries with the coast? Explore our 2-day Hunter Valley & Port Stephens combo tour. For more wildlife encounters closer to Sydney, see our Central Coast & Northern Beaches private tour with the Australian Reptile Park.

Tour Highlights:

  • Dolphin Watching Cruise: Set sail in Nelson Bay to spot wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat (~150 resident pod).
  • Stockton Sand Dunes: The largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere — try sandboarding for an adrenaline rush.
  • Choice of Adventure: Quad biking, camel rides, or 4WD dune tours — fully customisable.
  • Tomaree Head Lookout: Climb (or drive close) for panoramic views over the headland and Cabbage Tree Island.
  • Anna Bay & Birubi Beach: Dramatic Pacific Ocean views and golden sand stretching for kilometres.
  • Whale Watching (May–Nov): Spot migrating humpback whales during the seasonal cruise.
  • Nelson Bay Marina: Lunch at a waterfront café surrounded by yachts and pelicans.
Dolphin Capital: Port Stephens hosts one of the largest resident populations of bottlenose dolphins in eastern Australia — around 150 dolphins live in the bay year-round, giving cruise operators a 95% sighting guarantee.
Sandboarding the Dunes: Stockton Bight Sand Dunes stretch for 32 km along the coast and reach heights of 30+ metres. They're constantly shifting and are home to ancient Aboriginal middens — only accessible with a guide.
Whale Season Bonus: Between May and November, Port Stephens becomes a key stop on the humpback whale migration route. The same boats that run dolphin cruises swap to whale watching — keep an eye out for breaching pods.

Your Full Day Itinerary:

08:00Pickup from your Sydney hotel. Scenic drive north along the Pacific Highway (~2.5 hrs).
10:30Nelson Bay Marina: Arrival, coffee break and quick walk along the d'Albora Marina.
11:00Dolphin Watching Cruise (~1.5 hrs): Cruise the bay aboard Imagine or Moonshadow catamarans (May–Nov: whale watching available).
12:45Lunch at Nelson Bay: Fish & chips on the marina or Anchorage waterfront restaurant.
14:00Stockton Dunes Adventure: Choose sandboarding, quad biking, camel ride or 4WD tour (~1 hr activity).
15:30Birubi Beach & Anna Bay: Photo stop at the dramatic dune-meets-ocean coastline.
16:30Tomaree Head Lookout: (Optional) Short walk for panoramic harbour views.
17:00Return drive to Sydney.
19:00Arrive back at your Sydney hotel.

Duration: 11 hours. 🕒 $125 AUD per each additional hour (1-7 guests) / +$225 AUD (8-19 guests).

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