Newcastle: Animal Tour with Dolphin Cruise & Koala Encounter

Summary

Dolphin cruise, wild kangaroos and koalas on a real Aussie day out

You’ll watch wild dolphins leap beside your boat in Port Stephens, wander barefoot across giant coastal dunes, share a private koala encounter at Oakvale Wildlife Park, and laugh while feeding kangaroos and baby goats by hand. With hotel pickup, BBQ lunch included, and local guides sharing stories along the way, this Newcastle animal tour leaves you sun-warmed and grinning long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

Hands still a bit salty from leaning over the rail, I watched the water break into little diamonds as our boat left Newcastle for Port Stephens. The guide — I think her name was Mel — kept pointing out these dark shapes in the bay, then suddenly there they were: bottlenose dolphins, just sort of gliding alongside us like it was no big deal. Someone laughed when a spray caught them in the face (not me this time). I didn’t expect how quiet it would feel out there, except for the engine and the gulls overhead.

We stopped at these sand dunes that looked like something out of another country. The wind whipped my hat off — twice — and everyone tried to take photos but mostly just ended up squinting and laughing at each other. Mel told us it’s the largest moving dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. It felt like standing on the edge of a desert, but you could still smell salt from the sea. There was a weird kind of peace to it, even with all our shoes filling up with sand.

After that we went to Oakvale Wildlife Park for the part I’d secretly been waiting for: meeting a koala. They’re softer than I thought (and sleepier). We got this private session where you could pat one gently and try not to look too dorky in your photos. Lunch was classic BBQ — smoky sausages, veggie options too — and then we wandered around feeding kangaroos who seemed way too comfortable stealing from my hand. I tried to say “quokka” properly; Li laughed and said I sounded French instead of Australian. Feeding baby goats with a bottle was messier than expected, but honestly? Kind of pure joy.

I keep thinking about that moment with the dolphins — how close they came — and how by late afternoon everyone was sun-tired but smiling anyway as we headed back to Newcastle. Sometimes you don’t realize you needed a day like that until you’re already on your way home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wildlife and coastal adventure

• Depart Newcastle accommodation
• Enjoy 1.5-hour dolphin boat cruise
• Stop at largest moving sand dunes
• Private koala encounter at Oakvale
• Have BBQ lunch
• Feed kangaroos, quokkas, and farm animals
• Bottle-feed baby goats and see Tasmanian Devil

Top questions

How long is the Newcastle animal lovers tour?

The tour is a full-day trip departing from Newcastle with multiple stops including Port Stephens dolphin cruise, sand dunes visit, and Oakvale Wildlife Park.

Is hotel pickup included on this Newcastle animal tour?

Yes, round-trip transport from your Newcastle accommodation is included in the booking.

Do you actually get to touch or feed animals?

Yes, you can pat koalas during a private encounter and feed kangaroos, quokkas, emus, farm animals, and bottle-feed baby goats at Oakvale Wildlife Park.

What’s included for lunch on this day trip?

A BBQ lunch is provided at Oakvale Wildlife Park; dietary needs are catered for if requested.

Are drinks or water provided during the tour?

A water bottle is included as part of your tour package.

Can children join this Port Stephens animal tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; children are welcome under supervision.

How many dolphins can be seen during the cruise?

The bay has over 100 resident bottlenose dolphins; sightings are common but not guaranteed.

Is entry to Oakvale Wildlife Park included?

Yes, entry fees to Oakvale Wildlife Park are covered in your tour price.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip pickup from your Newcastle accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees for all activities including Oakvale Wildlife Park with private koala encounter and animal feed provided, a 1.5-hour dolphin-watching boat cruise at Port Stephens (with optional boomnet ride), plus a classic BBQ lunch with water before heading back in comfort at sunset.