Experience nature at its best on this full day tour to picturesque Port Stephens, a coastal paradise known for its stunning beaches, pristine waters and incredible wildlife, just 2.5 hours north of Sydney’s CBD. Be immersed in nature up close as you join a dolphin watching cruise, see wild Koalas in their natural habitat and take part in a 4WD and sandboarding adventure on the largest mobile sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. After a perfect day mixing nature in the wild with incredible adventure you will return knowing you have witnessed something truly unique.

7:00am – Depart Sydney and travel across the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a scenic drive along the spectacular NSW Central Coast. Short comfort stop en route.

10:30am –Arrive on the traditional lands of the Worimi people in the tranquil coastal village of Nelson Bay. Depart on 90-minute Dolphin Discovery Cruise with Moonshadow Cruises on the turquoise blue waters of Port Stephens, a veritable marine wonderland. This extraordinary natural harbour is home to some 140 bottle nose dolphins who will entrance you by their playful and intelligent nature as they frolic around the boat or surf the bow waves. Be mindful to also look out for other wildlife including pelicans, sea eagles, the occasional seal and of course humpback whales during the winter months.

12:15pm - Depart Nelson Bay and travel to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary which supports the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koala in the wild. This $ 10 million project has been jointly funded by the NSW State Government 

and the Port Stephens council to provide care for sick, injured or orphaned Koalas with the aim of releasing them back into the wild. 

Brighton Tours proudly supports the conservation and preservation efforts of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary having adopted several wild koalas in their care. Our visit here today will make a direct contribution to the preservation of wild Koalas in Port Stephens.

12:30pm – On arrival you will enjoy an Aussie BBQ lunch in the Koala Sanctuary’s café,  in the natural bushland surroundings.
Menu: Burger and salad + Koala biscuit.  Vegetarian option available. 

1:00pm – Accompany your guide on the Sanctuary Story Walk, along a flat 250m pathway with large Koala sculptures that educate about Koala and its natural habitat.  Clients can take a look into the $ 5 million Koala Hospital which is making a direct contribution to the long-term survivability of the wild Koala population in the Port Stephens region. The final attraction is the Sanctuary SKYwalk a 225mtr elevated pathway with viewing platforms in the tree top canopy where you have the rare opportunity of seeing one of Australia’s most iconic marsupials in the wild.  

2:00pm – Depart the Koala Sanctuary for the sand dunes and a 4WD adventure.

2:15pm – Our final stop is at the world-renowned Stockton sand dunes, a coastal desert that is 32km long and the largest mobile sand dune system in the southern hemisphere.  Meet your friendly drivers from Port Stephens 4WD Tours, and board a 19-seater 4WD red bus for the 2km drive to “The Dunes”. Now it’s time for Adventure as you sand board down the huge sand dunes that make up this idyllic setting. 

3:30pm – Depart for Sydney

7:00pm – Arrive back in Sydney

• 1.5-hour Dolphin Discovery cruise on Port Stephens
• See wild Koalas at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary 
• 4WD along the Stockton Bight sand dunes
• Sandboarding Adventure
• Aussie BBQ lunch
• Return transport to Port Stephens by luxury coach
• Bottled water and a snack
• Tips for driver and guide

• Comfortable casual clothing & footwear
• Sunglasses, hat & sun cream are recommended
• Camera
• Swimming costume (and a change of clothes) in summer if you want to try boom netting onboard the dolphin cruise
• Dress warmer for winter months