Encounter Wild Dolphins, Pristine Beaches & Adventure Activities
Port Stephens, affectionately known as the "Blue Water Paradise," is one of Australia's most spectacular coastal destinations, located just 2.5 hours north of Sydney. This stunning natural harbour, twice the size of Sydney Harbour, offers an incredible combination of pristine beaches, massive sand dunes, abundant marine life, and crystal-clear waters perfect for dolphin watching and aquatic adventures.
When you explore Port Stephens with Cooee Tours, you'll experience the region's highlights including dolphin watching cruises with an exceptional 95% sighting success rate, thrilling sandboarding down Australia's largest coastal sand dunes at Stockton Beach, relaxing on powdery white sand beaches, and discovering charming coastal towns like Nelson Bay and Anna Bay. Home to a resident pod of over 150 bottlenose dolphins, Port Stephens provides unforgettable wildlife encounters in their natural environment.
Our Port Stephens tours combine the best marine encounters, adventure activities, and coastal exploration into seamless day trips from Sydney. Travel in luxury air-conditioned coaches with expert local guides who share fascinating insights about marine life, coastal ecology, and the region's history. We handle all logistics including dolphin cruise bookings, sandboarding equipment, and beach access, so you can focus on enjoying this coastal paradise. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, your Port Stephens adventure couldn't be easier.
Tomaree Head Summit offers breathtaking 360-degree views across Port Stephens
Port Stephens is renowned as Australia's premier dolphin watching destination, home to a resident population of over 150 bottlenose dolphins that live year-round in the harbour's protected waters. Our dolphin watching cruises depart from Nelson Bay Marina and venture into the expansive harbour and outer bays where pods of these intelligent marine mammals regularly play, feed, and interact with boats. With an impressive 95% sighting success rate, you're almost guaranteed to see these magnificent creatures.
The best dolphin watching conditions occur during calm mornings when the water is glassy and dolphins are most active. Watch as they surf the boat's wake, perform acrobatic leaps, and swim alongside curious observers. Knowledgeable crew members provide expert commentary about dolphin behavior, identification techniques, and conservation efforts. Cruises typically last 1.5-2 hours and include opportunities to spot other marine life including sea turtles, rays, and seasonal humpback whales (May-November). The experience is suitable for all ages and frequently cited as a highlight of visiting New South Wales.
Stockton Beach features the largest coastal sand dune system in Australia, stretching over 32 kilometers from Newcastle to Anna Bay. These massive golden dunes, some reaching heights of 30 meters, create a spectacular desert-like landscape that feels worlds away from typical coastal scenery. Our tours include thrilling sandboarding experiences where you'll ride specially designed boards down steep dune faces, reaching exhilarating speeds while surrounded by stunning ocean views.
Sandboarding requires no prior experience – our guides provide instruction, safety equipment, and demonstrate proper techniques. The activity combines the rush of snowboarding with the soft landing of sand, making it accessible for beginners while still exciting for adventurous souls. The dunes also serve as an impressive backdrop for photography, appearing in numerous films and television productions including Mad Max: Fury Road. 4WD tours across the dunes offer an additional adventure, showcasing the scale of this remarkable natural wonder while spotting native wildlife and shipwreck remnants.
Shoal Bay offers crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling
Port Stephens boasts 26 stunning beaches, each with unique character and attractions. Shoal Bay features calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with a relaxed village atmosphere and beachfront cafes. Fingal Bay offers incredible rock pool exploration and access to Fingal Island (accessible at low tide), creating a magical walking experience to a rocky outcrop teeming with marine life.
One Mile Beach stretches along Tomaree National Park and provides excellent surf conditions, while Zenith Beach and Wreck Beach offer more secluded experiences for those seeking tranquility. The sheltered harbour beaches like Fly Point are renowned for excellent diving and snorkeling, with underwater caves and diverse marine species. Many beaches remain uncrowded even during peak season, offering that rare commodity – peaceful Australian coastal experiences.
Nelson Bay serves as Port Stephens' bustling hub, featuring a modern marina, waterfront restaurants serving fresh local seafood, boutique shops, and a vibrant atmosphere. The town's d'Albora Marina precinct offers al fresco dining with spectacular water views, craft beer breweries, and gelato shops. Nelson Bay also provides access to the Tomaree Head Summit Walk, a moderately challenging 30-minute climb rewarded with panoramic 360-degree views across the entire Port Stephens region.
Nearby Anna Bay offers direct access to Stockton Beach sand dunes and maintains a more laid-back, family-friendly vibe. Soldiers Point features calm waters perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, while Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest across the Myall River provide charming village atmospheres with river and ocean beaches, excellent fishing, and peaceful natural settings.
Choose from our carefully curated Port Stephens experiences, each designed to showcase the best of this coastal paradise with expert guides and premium inclusions.
Our most popular tour! Experience dolphin watching cruise, thrilling sandboarding on Stockton Beach dunes, beach time at Shoal Bay, and lunch at Nelson Bay waterfront.
Includes: Dolphin cruise, sandboarding, lunch, beach time
From $199 per person
Book NowPerfect for nature lovers! Enjoy a comprehensive dolphin watching cruise with marine commentary, beach exploration, and free time in Nelson Bay's marina precinct.
Includes: 2-hour dolphin cruise, morning tea, beach time
From $139 per person
Book NowThrilling adventure combining 4WD expedition across Stockton Beach dunes, sandboarding, beach exploration, and coastal town visits. Perfect for adventure seekers!
Includes: 4WD tour, sandboarding, lunch, beach access
From $179 per person
Book NowComplete day trip from Sydney including return luxury coach transport, dolphin cruise, sandboarding, beach time, and all highlights. Hotel pickup included.
Includes: Return Sydney transport, dolphin cruise, lunch, sandboarding
From $229 per person
Book NowExplore underwater wonders at Fly Point and Nelson Bay's best snorkel spots. Includes equipment, marine guide, dolphin cruise, and beachfront lunch.
Includes: Snorkel equipment, marine guide, dolphin cruise, lunch
From $169 per person
Book NowRomantic evening experience with sunset dolphin watching, dinner at waterfront restaurant, and magical harbour views. Perfect for couples and special occasions.
Includes: Sunset cruise, 3-course dinner, sparkling wine
From $189 per person
Book NowBook any tour 14+ days in advance and save 10%! Family packages (2 adults + 2 children) receive 15% discount. Group bookings of 10+ people qualify for private tour rates. Contact us for customized private tours and corporate packages.
Port Stephens' unique geography and protected marine environment create ideal conditions for diverse wildlife populations. The region's status as a marine park ensures conservation while allowing sustainable wildlife tourism.
The star attraction of Port Stephens is its resident pod of over 150 bottlenose dolphins that call the harbour home year-round. These intelligent marine mammals have become accustomed to boat traffic and often approach vessels with curiosity, providing incredible photo opportunities and unforgettable encounters. Individual dolphins can be identified by unique dorsal fin markings, and regular visitors often spot familiar faces. Mothers with young calves are frequently observed, offering touching glimpses into dolphin family life.
Bottlenose dolphins are highly social creatures, living in pods with complex communication systems and cooperative hunting strategies. Watch them work together to herd fish schools, using sophisticated echolocation to navigate and hunt. The dolphins' playful nature becomes evident as they surf waves, leap high out of the water, and engage in social behaviors. Our dolphin watching cruises maintain respectful distances following strict guidelines that prioritize animal welfare while maximizing viewing opportunities.
From May to November, Port Stephens becomes a prime location for observing the annual humpback whale migration. These majestic giants travel along Australia's east coast between Antarctic feeding grounds and tropical breeding waters, passing directly through Port Stephens' outer waters. Witness spectacular breaching displays as 40-tonne whales launch their massive bodies completely out of the water, along with tail slapping, pec slapping, and spy-hopping behaviors.
Peak whale watching season occurs in June-July (northbound migration) and September-October (southbound migration with newborn calves). Special whale watching cruises venture into deeper offshore waters where sightings are most frequent. Seeing a mother humpback whale swimming protectively alongside her calf ranks among nature's most moving spectacles. Port Stephens' sheltered harbour provides crucial resting areas for migrating whales, particularly mothers with young calves.
Beyond dolphins and whales, Port Stephens supports rich marine biodiversity. Green sea turtles are regularly spotted, particularly around rocky headlands and sea grass beds. Eagle rays glide gracefully through shallow waters, while giant Australian cuttlefish congregate near Fly Point during breeding season (May-July).
Birdwatchers will delight in observing white-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, pelicans, cormorants, and terns along the coastline. The nearby Myall Lakes National Park provides habitat for over 200 bird species. Rock platforms at low tide reveal diverse intertidal life including sea stars, anemones, crabs, and colorful fish in crystal-clear pools.
Fingal Island's rock pools teem with marine life accessible at low tide
Port Stephens offers exceptional dolphin watching opportunities throughout the entire year thanks to the resident dolphin population that lives permanently in the harbour. Unlike seasonal migrations, you can encounter dolphins during any month, though certain times offer unique advantages.
Summer (December-February): Warm weather (25-30°C) creates perfect conditions for combining dolphin watching with beach activities and swimming. Early morning cruises offer calm seas and active dolphins. Peak tourist season means booking ahead is essential. Dolphins are often seen feeding on seasonal fish schools near harbour entrances.
Autumn (March-May): One of the best times to visit with pleasant temperatures (18-25°C), fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices. The water remains warm enough for swimming through March-April. Cuttlefish breeding season (May-July) adds extra marine interest for snorkelers and divers at Fly Point.
Winter (June-August): Cooler temperatures (12-18°C) are offset by the spectacular humpback whale migration passing through Port Stephens. See both dolphins and whales on the same cruise! Fewer tourists mean more intimate wildlife experiences and significant savings on tours and accommodation. Bring warm layers for boat trips.
Spring (September-November): Perfect weather returns (18-25°C) with wildflowers blooming in coastal national parks. September-October offers the southbound whale migration featuring mothers with newborn calves. Spring school holidays bring families, so book early for this popular season.
Port Stephens enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 12-18°C in winter to 20-30°C in summer. The region receives moderate rainfall spread throughout the year, though summer afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Essential Items: Sunscreen SPF50+ (the sun is strong on the water), sunglasses and hat, light jacket or windbreaker (even summer cruises can be breezy on open water), comfortable walking shoes for beach and dune activities, swimwear and towel, camera or smartphone with waterproof protection, reusable water bottle.
Seasonal Additions: Summer – light breathable clothing, rash vest for sun protection, beach umbrella or shade tent. Winter – warm layers, beanie and gloves for early morning cruises, waterproof jacket for spray protection. All seasons – motion sickness medication if prone to seasickness (though Port Stephens' sheltered waters are generally calm).
Port Stephens is easily accessible from major cities and offers multiple transport options to suit different preferences and budgets.
From Sydney (230km - 2.5 hours): The most straightforward route follows the M1 Pacific Motorway north through scenic coastal forests. Cooee Tours offers direct day trip services with convenient Sydney hotel pickup, eliminating driving stress and allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey. Self-drivers will find the route well-signposted and mostly freeway driving.
From Newcastle (45km - 45 minutes): Port Stephens makes an excellent day trip from Newcastle via the scenic coastal road through Williamtown and Anna Bay. Newcastle Airport offers domestic flights from major Australian cities, providing an alternative to Sydney for interstate visitors.
Public Transport: Port Stephens Coaches operates regular bus services from Newcastle and Sydney, though having your own transport or joining a tour provides much greater flexibility for exploring the region's dispersed attractions.
Accommodation Options: Staying overnight allows more relaxed exploration of the region. Nelson Bay offers hotels, resorts, and waterfront apartments. Anna Bay provides family-friendly holiday parks near the sand dunes. Fingal Bay and Shoal Bay feature boutique accommodations and beach houses for romantic getaways.
Every Cooee Tours Port Stephens experience includes premium features for your comfort and enjoyment:
Modern air-conditioned vehicles with comfortable seating, panoramic windows, USB charging ports, and onboard restrooms
Passionate local guides with marine biology knowledge, dolphin identification expertise, and fascinating regional stories
Premium dolphin watching cruise aboard modern vessels with professional crew, marine commentary, and 95% sighting guarantee
Sandboards, safety gear, snorkel equipment (where applicable), and any activity-specific equipment included at no extra cost
Quality lunch at selected restaurants, morning/afternoon tea, and bottled water throughout the day. Dietary requirements accommodated
Maximum 24 passengers ensures personalized attention, easy communication with guides, and intimate wildlife experiences
Best Times: Early morning cruises (8-10am) offer the calmest seas and most active dolphins. Dolphins are naturally more active during feeding times, typically early morning and late afternoon.
Where to Look: Watch for dorsal fins breaking the water surface, splashing from feeding activity, and groups of sea birds hovering (often indicates fish schools with dolphins feeding below). The outer harbour near Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay sees frequent dolphin activity.
Photography Tips: Use fast shutter speeds (1/500s or faster) to freeze dolphin movement. Keep your camera ready – dolphins often approach boats unexpectedly. Position yourself on the bow or sides for best angles. Cloudy days can actually produce better photos by reducing harsh shadows and water glare.
Book Cruises in Advance: Dolphin watching cruises, especially during peak season and school holidays, fill quickly. Booking 7-14 days ahead ensures your preferred departure time and date.
Tide Timing Matters: Low tide is ideal for exploring Fingal Island (accessible only at low tide), rock pool discoveries, and beach walking. High tide offers better conditions for swimming and water sports. Check tide times when planning your day.
Local Seafood is Exceptional: Port Stephens is famous for fresh seafood, particularly locally caught fish, prawns, and oysters. The d'Albora Marina in Nelson Bay features multiple waterfront restaurants. Try the fish and chips at Little Beach Boathouse or upscale dining at The Point Restaurant.
Sun Protection is Critical: The combination of water reflection and coastal breeze can be deceptive – you'll burn faster than you think. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming. Rash vests provide excellent sun protection for extended water time.
Stay Flexible with Weather: Coastal weather can change quickly. Morning fog often clears by 10am. If strong winds are forecast, morning cruises typically offer calmer conditions than afternoon departures. Our tours operate in most weather conditions, but safety always comes first.
Extend Your Visit: While day trips capture the highlights, staying overnight allows you to experience Port Stephens' magical evenings, enjoy sunset cruises, try stand-up paddleboarding at dawn, and explore more remote beaches without time pressure.
Anna Bay's pristine beach with the dramatic Stockton sand dunes as backdrop
Beyond dolphin watching and sandboarding, Port Stephens offers diverse activities for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those seeking relaxation.
Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Explore calm harbour waters, secluded coves, and mangrove ecosystems by kayak or SUP. Guided kayak tours often include dolphin encounters and coastal wildlife spotting. Soldiers Point and Nelson Bay offer equipment rentals and lessons for beginners.
Snorkeling & Diving: Port Stephens ranks among NSW's best snorkeling destinations. Fly Point features underwater caves, diverse fish species, and excellent visibility. Halifax Park offers shore diving with easy entry and abundant marine life. The wreck of the SS Sygna near Stockton Beach attracts advanced divers.
Fishing: Port Stephens is renowned for recreational fishing with species including jewfish, flathead, bream, and seasonal tuna. Charter fishing boats depart from Nelson Bay Marina, or try beach fishing at One Mile Beach and Fingal Bay. Boat ramps provide access for private vessels.
Tomaree National Park: This coastal reserve protects 20km of pristine coastline and offers several excellent walking trails. The Tomaree Head Summit Walk (30 minutes each way, moderate difficulty) rewards hikers with spectacular 360-degree views encompassing the entire Port Stephens region, offshore islands, and distant mountains. Bring water and sun protection.
Gan Gan Lookout: This wheelchair-accessible lookout provides stunning panoramic views across Port Stephens without the climb required for Tomaree Head. Perfect for sunset viewing and photography.
Worimi Conservation Lands: The vast sand dune system is part of the Worimi Aboriginal land, offering cultural significance alongside natural beauty. Guided tours share Indigenous history and traditional connections to this landscape.
Oakvale Wildlife Park: Just 20 minutes from Nelson Bay, this family-friendly zoo allows close encounters with native Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and emus. Feed farm animals, watch bird shows, and explore landscaped gardens.
Toboggan Hill Park: Australia's largest toboggan ride offers thrilling rides down a 650-meter track with stunning harbour views. Additional attractions include mini-golf, water slides, and a café.
Beaches for Families: Shoal Bay's calm waters and patrolled beaches make it ideal for young children. The beach has excellent amenities, nearby playgrounds, and a gentle slope into the water. Dutchies Beach at Nelson Bay offers similar family-friendly conditions.
Port Stephens' culinary scene showcases fresh local seafood alongside diverse international cuisines. The d'Albora Marina precinct in Nelson Bay features the highest concentration of quality restaurants with stunning water views.
The Point Restaurant: Upscale fine dining featuring modern Australian cuisine with Asian influences, exceptional wine list, and panoramic marina views. Perfect for special occasions.
Catch Seafood Restaurant & Bar: Casual waterfront dining specializing in fresh local seafood, including Port Stephens oysters, Morton Bay bugs, and daily catch. Extensive craft beer selection.
Little Beach Boathouse: Iconic fish and chips served at picnic tables overlooking Little Beach. Locally caught fish, generous portions, and unbeatable views make this a Port Stephens institution.
The Nelson Bay Markets operate first Sunday of each month, showcasing local produce, handmade crafts, jewelry, and gourmet foods. The marina precinct features boutique shops selling beach fashion, Australian-made souvenirs, and local art.
Port Stephens Oysters: The region produces exceptional Pacific oysters available at local seafood outlets and restaurants. Purchase fresh oysters to enjoy on the beach or take home. Many outlets offer oyster shucking demonstrations.
Book your Port Stephens tour with Cooee Tours today and experience Australia's premier dolphin watching destination. Encounter wild dolphins, sandboard massive dunes, explore pristine beaches, and create unforgettable coastal memories with expert guides and luxury transport.
Choose from our range of Port Stephens experiences:
Questions? Call us on 1300 COOEE (1300 266 333) or contact us online
✓ 95% Dolphin Sighting Success Rate | Free Cancellation up to 48 hours | Family & Group Discounts Available
"Absolutely incredible experience! We saw over 30 dolphins, some swimming right alongside our boat. The sandboarding was thrilling and our guide made the whole day fun and informative. Can't recommend Cooee Tours enough!"
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— Sarah & Tom, Melbourne
"Perfect family day out! Kids aged 8 and 12 loved every minute - from spotting dolphins to racing down the sand dunes. The beaches were stunning and lunch was delicious. Worth every penny!"
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— The Wilson Family, Sydney
"As international visitors, this was a highlight of our Australia trip. Seeing wild dolphins in their natural habitat was magical. The coach was comfortable and our guide's knowledge of marine life was impressive. Highly recommended!"
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— Emma & James, United Kingdom
Port Stephens boasts a 95% dolphin sighting success rate year-round thanks to the resident pod of over 150 bottlenose dolphins. These dolphins live permanently in the harbour, making sightings highly reliable. In the rare event dolphins aren't spotted, most operators offer a complimentary return cruise.
No experience is required! Sandboarding is easier and safer than snowboarding because sand provides a soft landing. Our guides demonstrate proper technique, provide all equipment, and start you on smaller dunes before progressing to larger ones. Children as young as 5 can safely participate with supervision. The activity is suitable for most fitness levels.
Essential items include: sunscreen SPF50+, hat and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear and towel, light jacket (boats can be breezy), camera, and water bottle. Optional items: motion sickness tablets (though seas are usually calm), snorkel gear if you have your own, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim. All sandboarding equipment is provided.
Yes! Our tours are family-friendly. Dolphin watching is suitable for all ages – infants to seniors. Sandboarding is recommended for ages 5+ with adult supervision. Children under 3 travel free on tours, ages 3-15 receive discounted pricing. Life jackets are provided on dolphin cruises for children and non-swimmers.
Port Stephens' sheltered harbour means dolphin cruises operate in most weather conditions. Tours are only cancelled for severe weather or dangerous sea conditions (rare). If we cancel your tour due to weather, you'll receive a full refund or can reschedule. We monitor conditions closely and prioritize passenger safety. Light rain doesn't typically affect dolphin behavior or sighting success.
Port Stephens is approximately 2.5-3 hours from Sydney CBD via the M1 Pacific Motorway. Our tours include comfortable coach transport with rest stops, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic coastal drive. Self-drivers will find the route straightforward and well-signposted. We recommend departing Sydney by 7am for day trips to maximize time in Port Stephens.
Most of our full-day tours include lunch at quality local restaurants, morning tea, and bottled water throughout the day. Half-day tours typically include morning or afternoon tea and water. We cater to all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-specific needs – just notify us when booking. Nelson Bay offers excellent dining options if you prefer to purchase your own meals.
Swimming with wild dolphins is not permitted in Port Stephens to protect both the dolphins and swimmers. However, some operators offer "swim alongside" experiences where you enter the water (in designated areas with life jackets) while dolphins may choose to approach. The vast majority of dolphin encounters occur from the boat, providing excellent viewing and photography opportunities without disturbing these wild animals in their natural habitat.
Port Stephens forms part of the stunning Hunter region, offering opportunities to combine your coastal adventure with other nearby attractions.
Just 90 minutes from Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine region, renowned for Semillon and Shiraz varieties. Combine a Port Stephens dolphin cruise with wine tasting at boutique cellar doors for a perfect weekend getaway. Multi-day packages available combining coastal and vineyard experiences.
Australia's second-oldest city lies just 45 minutes south of Port Stephens. Newcastle offers excellent surfing beaches, the historic Fort Scratchley, vibrant dining scene, and coastal walkways. Consider staying in Newcastle and taking day trips to both Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley.
North of Port Stephens, Myall Lakes encompasses pristine coastal lakes, unspoiled beaches, and diverse ecosystems. Perfect for kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and peaceful nature experiences. Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest villages provide charming bases for exploration.
Venture inland to discover the ancient rainforests and mountain scenery of Barrington Tops, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Dramatic elevation changes create diverse habitats from subtropical rainforest to subalpine vegetation. Excellent hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities including wild horses, wombats, and diverse birdlife.
Extend your exploration of New South Wales with our other carefully curated touring experiences.
Explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage wilderness featuring the iconic Three Sisters, Scenic World, dramatic valleys, and eucalyptus forests.
Explore Blue MountainsExperience Australia's oldest wine region with premium cellar door tastings, gourmet dining, cheese factories, and picturesque vineyard landscapes.
Visit Hunter ValleyDiscover Sydney's iconic landmarks including Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and The Rocks with expert local guides.
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