Our most recommended things to do in Port Stephens

Port Stephens: Unlimited Sandboarding & 4WD Sand Dune Tour

1. Port Stephens: Unlimited Sandboarding & 4WD Sand Dune Tour

You have to experience sandboarding in Port Stephens. The thrill of sliding down the spectacular Stockton Sand Dunes is so much fun. From the meeting point at Birubi beach, you will board the custom-built off-road vehicle to start your adventure on the short, bouncy ride into the largest moving sand mass in the southern hemisphere. The dunes stretch 32 kilometers, the entire length of Stockton Beach, and can reach over 40 meters high, the same as a 10 storey building. The views alone are spectacular. Once you are in the dunes, the team will give you a rundown on sandboarding and how to use the handmade custom-designed boards for maximum safety and speed. Then you are off. Climb to the top of the dunes, jump on your board, then slide on down and repeat. Your ticket includes unlimited sandboarding so you can stay and play as long as you like. For most people that’s about 1 – 1.5 hours. When you're done just jump back aboard one of the 4WD buses, that leave every half an hour, and be taken back to the Birubi Beach starting point. It’s an amazing experience for everyone, no matter your age. The instructors are always on hand to help, answer any questions about sandboarding, Port Stephens or the dunes and to make sure you have maximum fun. Don’t forget to bring your camera along as you’ll have the chance to capture some amazing Port Stephens holiday snaps.

Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise

2. Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise

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 as you sit back and relax on the deck area. If you feel like getting a bit wet, slide down the waterslide that twist and twirls into our boomnet. 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. 

Port Stephens: 2.5-Hour Whale Watching & Outer Island Cruise

3. Port Stephens: 2.5-Hour Whale Watching & Outer Island Cruise

Port Stephens enjoys the most excellent whale season and the mighty Hinchinbrook Explorer catamaran will help you enjoy this! With approximately 2.5 hours out on the water, you are sure to enjoy a beautiful experience of whale watching and wildlife sightings! Cruise out past Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands in search of the majestic Humpback whales as they migrate close by Port Stephens. You won’t forget the sight of a 40-tonne whale propelling itself skyward and crashing back into the ocean. Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is highly likely that you will see spectacular displays - spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and ... the breathtaking breach. Cruise to the Outer Islands with the chance of also seeing huge pods of oceanic dolphins (100 to a pod), offshore sea birds and other species of whale including pilot, minke and brydes. This 30 meters (100 feet) in length catamaran provides you with a very comfortable and safe journey. It has full walk around decks for viewing and large air conditioned indoor areas. Enjoy tea and coffee, and entertaining and informative commentary.

Anna Bay: Irukandji Entry and Shallow Water Shark Encounter

4. Anna Bay: Irukandji Entry and Shallow Water Shark Encounter

The shallows encounter offers you the opportunity to get close to sharks and rays in a natural lagoon-style habitat. Get to know the true nature of these animals in a safe and educational environment. When you arrive at Irukandji you will be greeted by staff members who will guide you through the whole process, from learning how to interact safely with the animals to providing you with all the equipment needed to enter the water and meet the animals. Choose from the option of wearing your own clothes in the water and just getting your feet and legs wet, or renting a wetsuit for an extra $10 to get fully immersed in the warm water of the lagoon. You can choose to go barefoot or cover up your toes with a pair of wear and keep souvenir socks. At the lagoons, you will be given a feeding stick and food for the sharks and rays, and then guided around to the different pools by a knowledgable fish keeper. Each of the pools is home to different species of fish with specific food and information provided at each one. You will get to reach in and interact with the animals as they swim around in their aquatic homes. Irukandji features 2 large, deep, natural-style lagoons housing a variety of different animals. In the Fingill lagoon, you’ll meet a whole bunch of friendly and curious rays who will glide over your feet and eagerly snatch the food from your sticks. Reach down to pet them and feel the different textures of their skin. Then over at the tropical lagoon, meet a few more rays plus a variety of shark species including zebra sharks, brown-banded bamboo sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and the huge tawny nurse sharks. You can interact with them while listening to the keepers as they give educational talks about sharks, rays, and marine conservation. Afterward, you can rinse off under a warm shower and towel down before heading in for a cruise around the tropical aquarium, watching the clownfish flounce busily around the anemone and the lionfish proudly cruise around their home. Check out the souvenir shop for a large range of sustainable gifts, cute fluffy toys, snacks, cold drinks, and hot coffee.

Nelson Bay: 1.5-hour Guided Whale Watching Cruise

5. Nelson Bay: 1.5-hour Guided Whale Watching Cruise

We get you up close & personal with the very best of what Port Stephens has to offer. We move quickly, but safely & smoothly through the water, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the beautiful Marine Park. We’ll also be on the lookout for pods of Oceanic Dolphins, you may have the chance to see penguins, sea birds, seals and much more. Travel onboard the fast 40ft power cat Envision, focusing on a thrilling and fun ride on the water. With a small number of guests your experience will be relaxed, personalised, and crowd-free.

Port Stephens: Sandboarding & Sandsurfing with 4WD Transfer

6. Port Stephens: Sandboarding & Sandsurfing with 4WD Transfer

Embark on an epic adventure on the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Once at the meeting point, you will board a comfortable 4WD vehicle for a 10-minute drive across the expansive dunes to the private and secluded sandboarding area, far away from the hustle and bustle of civilisation. Here you will be greeted by a friendly instructor who will teach you the safe method of sandboarding for both the sit down and stand up styles. You can choose from a range of different boards, both with and without bindings - or, pair up with a buddy and ride tandem. The bowl-shaped dune features both smaller slopes and a monster slope - you choose the size of the hill based on your confidence level. Sandboarding is suitable for all ages and abilities. There is a shaded picnic area with tables and chairs provided at the dune, so feel free to bring your own food and drinks and enjoy a picnic whilst taking in the incredible panoramic views of beach, dunes, and forest. There are plenty of amazing photo opportunities within this unique landscape. Best of all, you can stay and play as long as you like. Most people will generally spend 1-2 hours. There is a shuttle to the dunes and back every 15 minutes, so when you are ready to head back just hop on the the next shuttle.

Port Stephens: Birubi Beach 4WD Tour with Sandboarding

7. Port Stephens: Birubi Beach 4WD Tour with Sandboarding

After meeting your tour guide at the departure location, you’ll board a red, air-conditioned 4WD vehicle. Enjoy commentary provided throughout the tour onboard the vehicle. The first stop is 2 kilometers down Birubi Beach, where your tour guide will show you how to find and dig for pipis under the sand. Feel free to take photos, and you may even have a chance to see some RAAF fighter jets fly past at low level. After 20 minutes on the beach, you’ll head into the sand dunes to the sandboarding area. Your tour guide will show you how to sandboard correctly, assist with photos, and answer any questions you may have. Slide down the dunes for 45-50 minutes before returning to the departure location.

Irukandji Entry Pass & Reef Shark Snorkel (12+)

8. Irukandji Entry Pass & Reef Shark Snorkel (12+)

The reef shark snorkel offers you the opportunity to get close to big sharks in the deep water of Irukandji's natural style tropical lagoon.When you arrive at Irukandji you will be greeted by staff members who will guide you through the whole process - from learning how to interact safely with the animals, to providing you with all the equipment needed to enter the water and meet the animals. Your experienced guide will run through important safety information before guiding you gently into the deep water and showing you how to float on the surface whilst gazing down into the world below. See sharks as they glide under, around and next to you. Reach out to pet them or snap incredible photos with your underwater camera. Stay immersed in this magical experience for 30 minutes while you follow the different animals around the lagoon. After snorkeling you can experience an encounter in the shallows of the lagoon where you will find yourself surrounded by sharks and rays of different sizes and species. Your guide will hand out food for them as they talk you through their different personalities, habits and needs. Marvel at their unique and affectionate natures and fall in love with each unique individual as they flap around your feet or swim into your lap, looking for attention. Outside of the water you're welcome to check out the different pools that house a variety of species of fish with specific food and information provided at each one. You will get to reach in and interact with the animals as they swim around in their aquatic homes. Every hour a knowledgeable guide will host an educational talk focusing on sharks, rays and marine conservation. They will help to dispel myths about these amazing creatures and offer you practical ways to help protect the oceans and its inhabitants. Afterwards you can rinse off under a warm shower and towel down before heading in for a cruise around the tropical aquarium, watching the clownfish flounce busily around the anenome and the lionfish proudly cruise around their home. Check out the souvenir shop for a large range of sustainable gifts, cute fluffy toys, snacks, cold drinks and hot coffee.

Irukandji Entry Pass & Reef Shark Encounter (12+)

9. Irukandji Entry Pass & Reef Shark Encounter (12+)

Have an up-close and personal time getting to know different species of fish and animals on this private experience. Enter the lagoon and interact with sharks and rays. The highlight of this experience is a 20-minute encounter with the biggest sharks in the aquarium, the tawny nurse and whitetip reef sharks. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing cruise around the tropical aquarium. When you first arrive, be greeted by staff members who will guide you through the experience, from learning how to interact safely with the animals to providing you with all the equipment needed to enter the water and meet the animals. You will be given a wetsuit and socks to wear in the water and shown how to safely enter the lagoon for your extra special encounter. Outside by the lagoon, you will be given a feeding stick and food for the sharks and rays, and then guided around to the different pools by a knowledgable fish keeper. Each of the pools is home to different species of fish with specific food and information provided at each one. You will get to reach in and interact with the animals as they swim around in their aquatic homes. Once you enter the lagoon you will find yourself surrounded by sharks and rays of different sizes and species. Your guide will hand out food for them as they talk you through their different personalities, habits, and needs. Marvel at their unique and affectionate natures and fall in love with each unique individual as they glide around your feet or swim into your lap, looking for attention. Then it will be time to meet the tawny nurse and whitetip reef sharks. Your experienced guide will take you into the lagoon and get you comfortable on the sandy shore while they summon the sharks to come and meet you. As they swim up into the shallows they'll be invited to glide past you and you can reach out and pet them. For 20 minutes you'll have these amazing creatures all to yourself while your guide feeds them and tells you all about their unique personalities and habits. Your whole encounter will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these gentle, elusive creatures and with a deep sense of stewardship for the ocean. Afterward, you can rinse off under a warm shower and towel down before heading in for a cruise around the tropical aquarium Watch the clownfish flounce busily around the local flora and the lionfish proudly cruise around their home. Check out the souvenir shop for a large range of sustainable gifts, cute fluffy toys, snacks, cold drinks, and hot coffee.

From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & 4WD Sandboarding

10. From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & 4WD Sandboarding

Enjoy the scenic drive from Sydney to Nelson Bay. Experience a dolphin watching cruise. Explore and sand board the famous Stockton Sand Dunes at Birubi Beach and visit one of Port Stephens’ wineries. Day Tour includes: Express Premium coach transfers from Sydney to Port Stephens and return Dolphin watching cruise 4WD and sand boarding See the Worlds Largest Coastal moving Sand Dunes at Anna Bay. Visit Port Stephens Winery Complimentary bottled water

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What people are saying about Port Stephens

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 588 reviews

Nice and easy cruise, friendly staff. Takes off from the main city center and dolphins are not guaranteed but it’s a good experience! Plenty of food and shop options at the port Stephens local and lots of other activity nearby / needs a car though

Easy to book and easy to make changes. service was great too. The whole family enjoyed it.

We went on a cloudy day, and it was just nice. It might be tiring if it is sunny.

Great cruise, awesome Staff, very informative, lovely cocktails, well worth it

Good experience, can see dolphin closer. Comfortable for family.