Things to do in New South Wales

Join a marine biologist guide on a cruise from Brunswick Heads to Julian Rocks Nature Reserve for a snorkeling adventure with all gear included. Sail along the coast of Byron Bay and explore over 1000 marine species including sea turtles, humpback whales, sharks, dolphins, corals, and more. Start from Brunswick Heads Marina, soaking in the sights of the Byron coastline onboard a comfortable boat. Encounter local dolphins and other marine life on the way to Julian Rocks. Next, discover the rocky outcrop of Julian Rocks Nature Reserve, traditionally known as “Nguthungulli”, one of Australia’s top dive sites. Snorkel in its safe and shallow waters and observe an endless list of marine life. From friendly wobbegongs to manta rays, hundreds of colorful fish species, leopard sharks, grey nurse sharks, dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and more – take it all in during a guided snorkel tour.

Jervis Bay has been a Marine park for 18 years and is now one of the most unique and healthy ecosystems in Australia. That’s why the crystal clear waters of Jervis Bay and stunning unspoiled white sand beaches are home to over 100 bottlenose dolphins. Listen to the commentary about the history of Jervis Bay as you travel.  On this tour, you will have the privilege of watching these beautiful mammals. Discover pods of dolphins feeding around the reef systems, particularly Plantation Point and Callala. Sometimes they swim and race hundreds of meters to play on the bow. The Bottlenose dolphin is highly recognizable and known for its long snout and distinctive smile. Friendly and active, you will fall in love with them the moment that you lay eyes on them. 

Have plenty of time to explore Taronga Western Plains Zoo with a 2-day entry ticket. Walk, drive, or ride around the zoo's 5-kilometer circuit and see its rare and endangered animals. Enjoy access to the Welcome Plaza to shop or relax during your visit. Explore the zoo at your own pace and see its 100s of animals including giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and big cats. Be sure to check out the daily keeper activities (included with your ticket), special tours, and animal encounters. Your tickets are valid for 2 consecutive days, giving you ample time to experience all that is on offer. The zoo's Welcome Plaza includes a shop, playground, and cafe overlooking the Savannah Lake and Primate Island, home to black-handed spider monkeys and ring-tailed lemurs.

Enjoy an excursion from Sydney into the Blue Mountains. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park and experience the amazing variety of Australian wildlife. Hand-feed kangaroos, see Koalas, and wombats, as well as many more native Australian birds and wildlife. Enjoy a visit to Leura Village, where you can buy your own lunch at a cafe or bakery. Your tour includes the 3 rides at Scenic World, Cableway, Skyway, and Railway. Stop at Echo Point to enjoy splendid views of the Jamison Valley and the 3 Sisters, a towering rock formation from the Dreamtime.  Bypass Sydney’s peak traffic on a Ferry cruise along Parramatta River into Circular Quay. From there you will make your own way back to your accommodation.

Experience the thrill of riding a high-quality ATV through the Worimi Sand Dunes on this tour from Port Stephens. Cruise at high speeds over seaside grasslands and feel the challenge of tackling towering sand dunes.  Meet your guide in Williamtown and listen as you are provided with a tutorial on how to confidently operate your bike. Follow your guide on a high-octane ride over maintained tracks through coastal grasslands to get to the dunes.  Travel over more and more challenging sand dunes. Enjoy privacy as your ride as the local tour provider has exclusive access to the highest sand dunes on Stockton Beach.  Climb large sand dunes that are 12-30 meters high. Take a tour that is tailored to meet your needs and experience level. Have the option to add sandboarding to your tour. 

Short on time in the Hunter Valley? Get on board for a morning tour of 3 boutique wineries on a half-day trip to try local wines and cheese. An ideal taste of what the Hunter Valley has to offer. Visit at least 3 unique wineries enjoying private tastings of their delicious wines. One of the wineries visited is Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen. Here you can indulge in their famous cheese and wine experience which matches 9 different kinds of cheese with 9 different wines. Keep your eyes on the horizon during your tour, the Hunter Valley is home to many Australian wildlife species, and there is a good chance to see kangaroos hopping amongst the vineyards. With fun and entertaining hosts who are passionate about wine, your half-day tour gives you a taste of the Hunter in a short amount of time.

Take in the beautiful scenery of Jervis Bay from a unique perspective on the water. Cruise across the bay, look out for local bottlenose dolphins and enjoy the views of the long sandy beaches that are fringed by spectacular national parks. Cruise above the crystal clear water and admire the contrast with the rocky headlands and towering sea cliffs of Point Perpendicular. See the variety of local bird species and abundant marine life from the comfort of the boat.

Take a cruise around magnificent Port Stephens Harbour on the biggest boat in the bay. Keep an eye out for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins as you head out on the water. Take in the sights of Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands, Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay, and the Northern Harbour. Sit back and relax on the deck area, or if you feel like getting a bit wet, join in the boom net action. Slide down the Twist, Twirl, and Splash Waterslide attached to the boat, which whirls you into the boom net. Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary on board. If you feel like indulging in something a little different, there is a licensed bar on board that you can choose to purchase from. 

Set out on a 2.5 hour kayaking adventure in Byron Bay. Receive instruction and equipment from your guide before you take in some of the best sights the East Coast has to offer. See the most Easterly Point of the Australian mainland and the Byron Bay Lighthouse from the sea. Learn about local history, aboriginal history, the lighthouse and the marine wildlife from your local guide while you paddle in your kayak around the famous Byron Bay marine reserve. If the opportunity arises, get up close and personal with friendly bottlenose dolphins and discover how inquisitive they can be. You can also look out for sea turtles as they come up for a breath of air and marvel at the size of the majestic humpback whales as they migrate through Byron Bay during June - October. Enjoy paddling your kayak out through the surf and later ride some of Australia's most famous waves. If you don't see a dolphin, turtle or whale you can paddle again with the tour operator free of charge.

Discover the Bottlenose dolphins that live in the pristine ecosystem of Jervis Bay. A protected marine park for 20 years, Jervis Bay is home to over 80 Bottlenose dolphins who love to frolic in its crystal-clear waters. Embark on a tour and search for the pods of these playful and friendly creatures. While on tour on the pristine waters, take part in the boom netting activity on board. As the boat cruises through the water, enjoy a fun jacuzzi-like experience as you sit in the boom net, sometimes surrounded by curious dolphins.