Port Stephens Full-Day Tour: Dolphins, Koalas, and Sand Dunes
Enjoy everything Australia has to offer: the sea, sand, and animals! Easily accessible by bus from Sydney!!
- Enjoy a day trip from Sydney to Port Stephens, where you can fully immerse yourself in the sea and nature.
- The highlight of the tour is a generous 1.5-hour dolphin watching cruise. It is a moving experience to encounter wild dolphins that swim right up to the boat.
- For lunch, you can choose between fish and chips, which you can enjoy while feeling the sea breeze, or a vegetarian option.
- In the afternoon, we will visit a koala sanctuary. You can observe wild koalas living in their natural habitat up close.
- Afterward, experience the thrill of sandboarding on the magnificent Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. Don't miss the exhilarating sensation of sliding down the slopes.
- The tour is accompanied by a Japanese-speaking guide, and you will travel in comfort on a relaxing bus. With water and snacks provided, even first-time visitors can join with peace of mind.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included, Vegetarian |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Summer Festival |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Eco-tourism, Dolphin watching |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
Dolphin Cruise
On this cruise through turquoise waters, you can observe about 140 playful bottlenose dolphins as they jump around the boat and surf the bow waves.
Summer Exclusive! Boom Netting
Boom netting is an activity where you sit on a large net attached to the sides of the boat and enjoy the splashes as the boat pulls you through the water. It feels like swinging on a water swing above the sea. You might even get to swim with the dolphins??
Koala Sanctuary
Visit a facility dedicated to the long-term rehabilitation and protection of wild koalas. Funded jointly by the NSW government and Port Stephens Council, this $10 million project is dedicated to rescuing sick or injured koalas and returning them to the wild. *Brighton Tours supports this initiative and sponsors several rescued koalas. Profits from this tour contribute to the conservation of wild koalas in Port Stephens.
Sandboarding Experience
Our final destination is the world-famous Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. These coastal dunes stretch for 32km and are the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. We will travel 2km on a large 19-seat 4WD vehicle to reach 'The Dunes,' where you can experience the thrill of sandboarding down the vast dunes.
Sandboarding: Popular among kids!
Watch dolphins swimming in the clear ocean
Swim with dolphins in summer with the boom net experience
Visit injured koalas
Purchase Notice
[Terms of Use]
- Guests aged 0-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult aged 18 or over
- The pickup times listed on this page are for reference only. The exact pickup time will be indicated on your voucher.
- All passengers in the same booking must depart from the same pick-up location and return to the same drop-off location
- Seats are not reserved and are on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Non-alcoholic drinks are permitted on board the coach, but glass bottles are not permitted. Passengers who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be refused boarding at the discretion of the service provider.
- The service provider is not responsible for loss or damage to your belongings.
- During public holidays and peak seasons, waiting times at tourist spots and toilets may be longer. Please be sure to follow the guide's instructions and schedule. Refunds will not be given even if your stay is shortened.
- When making a reservation, please enter a contactable phone number and email address. We will send you the departure information, driver guide, and contact information the day before departure.
- Infants must sit on an adult's lap and do not have an assigned seat.
[What to bring]
- Comfortable, casual clothing and comfortable shoes
- We recommend bringing sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen
- camera
- Please wear warm clothes in winter
Reminders
A minimum of 1 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 7 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
We respect the time of other passengers, so even if you are late, the bus will depart on time and will not wait for you.
For the safety of our guests, the itinerary may be changed due to weather or unavoidable disasters.
If you would like to try out the boom net, please bring your swimsuit and towel.
When booking, please provide an email address and phone number where you can be contacted in Australia. This will be used to contact the guide.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–3 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. What can visitors expect to see during the dolphin-watching cruise in Port Stephens?
The dolphin-watching cruise in Port Stephens offers a memorable 1.5-hour experience. Visitors can expect to see wild dolphins swimming and playing near the boat in their natural habitat. This area is renowned for its abundant marine life, providing an excellent opportunity for close encounters with these fascinating creatures. The cruise provides a unique perspective of Port Stephens' coastal beauty from the water.
2. What is the duration of the dolphin-watching cruise in Port Stephens?
The highlight of the Port Stephens day trip is a generous 1.5-hour dolphin-watching cruise. This duration allows ample time to navigate the waters, spot wild dolphins, and enjoy their presence as they approach the vessel. It's designed to maximize the chances of a truly engaging encounter with the marine life of Port Stephens.
3. What kind of koala encounters are available at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary?
At the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with wild koalas. The sanctuary provides an opportunity to observe these unique Australian animals living naturally within their protected habitat. It's a chance to learn about koalas and appreciate their conservation efforts in a responsible and educational environment.
4. What activities are included at the Stockton Bight sand dunes?
The Stockton Bight sand dunes offer an exhilarating sandboarding experience. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of gliding down the spectacular towering dunes. This activity provides an adventurous contrast to the marine and wildlife experiences, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the vast, unique desert-like landscape of the sand dunes.
5. Is sandboarding at Stockton Bight suitable for all ages?
Sandboarding at Stockton Bight is generally suitable for a wide range of participants, offering an exhilarating experience. The activity is guided and designed with safety in mind. While it provides a thrilling descent, participants should consider their physical comfort and any personal health conditions. The tour aims to ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone.
6. What is the typical itinerary for a day trip to Port Stephens from Sydney?
A typical day trip from Sydney to Port Stephens involves a comfortable bus journey to the region. The itinerary usually includes a dolphin-watching cruise, a visit to a koala sanctuary for wildlife viewing, and an adventurous sandboarding experience at the Stockton Bight sand dunes. Lunch is also provided as part of the schedule, offering a comprehensive experience of the area's natural attractions.
7. What type of guide and transportation is provided for the Port Stephens day tour?
The Port Stephens day tour includes comfortable bus transportation for the entire journey from Sydney. The tour is accompanied by a Japanese-speaking guide. This ensures a relaxing travel experience and provides helpful commentary and assistance throughout the day, making it easy for first-time visitors to navigate and enjoy the various attractions. Water and snacks are also provided on board.
8. When is the best time of year to visit Port Stephens for dolphin watching and sandboarding?
Port Stephens is generally enjoyable year-round. For dolphin watching, conditions are often favorable throughout the year, though warmer months might be more comfortable for the cruise. Sandboarding can be done in most seasons, but milder temperatures make outdoor activities more pleasant. It's always advisable to check local weather forecasts closer to your travel date for optimal conditions.
