Port Stephens: Dolphin Cruise, Koala Sanctuary & Sand Dunes Day Trip

Summary

Port Stephens day trip with dolphins koalas sand dunes and local stories

You’ll join a small group for a full-day Port Stephens adventure from Sydney—spotting wild dolphins from a boat, wandering through a peaceful koala sanctuary, and racing down Stockton Beach’s massive sand dunes by 4WD and board. Enjoy lunch on deck with sea breezes and end your day sandy, happy, maybe a little sunburned—but definitely lighter inside.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so awake at 8am, but something about leaving Sydney behind—windows down, salty air sneaking in—made me forget I’d barely slept. Our guide, Sarah, was already cracking jokes before we even hit the Pacific Highway. She grew up near Port Stephens and kept pointing out little things I’d never notice on my own—like the way the light shifts over the gum trees or how you can sometimes smell eucalyptus if you breathe deep enough. I tried it. Not sure if I imagined it or not.

The dolphin cruise was next. The water looked almost fake—so blue it hurt my eyes a bit—and there were pelicans just hanging around like they owned the place. When the dolphins showed up (about ten minutes in), everyone went quiet for a second. You could hear them breathing when they surfaced right by the boat. There’s this moment where you forget you’re on a “tour” and just watch them play in the wake. Lunch happened somewhere in there too—I remember veggie wraps and someone’s kid laughing because their sandwich blew away in the wind.

After that we hit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, which felt more like wandering through someone’s backyard than an official place. Our guide walked us along this flat path with giant koala sculptures (I took a photo pretending to hug one—don’t judge). We saw a couple of real koalas snoozing up in the branches; apparently they sleep most of the day but one stretched and scratched its belly, which made everyone giggle for some reason. The new hospital building is impressive but what stuck with me was how quietly everyone spoke, as if not to disturb them.

The last stop was Stockton Beach Sand Dunes—a whole other world. The sand squeaked under my feet (never knew sand could do that) and climbing up those dunes is no joke. Our 4WD driver called them “the softest rollercoaster,” which sounded cheesy until we actually slid down on boards and got sand everywhere (I’m still finding it in my shoes). By then we were all sunburnt and tired but nobody really wanted to leave yet—you know that feeling? So yeah, Port Stephens day trip from Sydney is more than just ticking off dolphins or koalas or sandboarding; it’s these tiny moments that stick.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Port Stephens nature and adventure tour

• Travel 2.5 hours north of Sydney
• Visit traditional lands of Worimi people
• Enjoy 90-minute dolphin watching cruise
• Have lunch on the cruise
• Visit Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
• Walk Sanctuary Story Walk with guide
• Explore Koala Hospital
• Walk Sanctuary SKYwalk in treetop canopy
• Travel to Stockton sand dunes by 4WD bus
• Sandboard down Stockton sand dunes

Top questions

How long does the Port Stephens day trip from Sydney take?

It’s a full-day tour lasting roughly 10–11 hours including return coach transport from Sydney to Port Stephens.

Is lunch included during the dolphin cruise?

Yes, an Aussie-style lunch is served onboard during the dolphin cruise with vegetarian options available.

Can I see wild koalas on this tour?

You’ll visit Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary where you can often spot wild or rehabilitating koalas in their natural habitat.

Is sandboarding at Stockton Beach safe for beginners?

Yes, sandboarding is suitable for all ages—even toddlers—with safety instructions provided by your guide at Stockton Beach Sand Dunes.

Are hotel pickups included from Sydney?

The tour includes return coach transport from central Sydney; check exact pickup points when booking.

What should I bring for swimming during warmer months?

If you want to try swimming in the boom net during dolphin cruise season, bring swimwear and a change of clothes.

Are snacks provided on the return journey?

Complimentary snacks are offered on your way back to Sydney with Brighton Coach.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The Koala Sanctuary walk is flat and accessible; however, climbing dunes may be challenging for some travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes return coach transport from Sydney to Port Stephens, entry to the Koala Sanctuary with guided walk and SKYwalk access, bottled water throughout, an Aussie-style lunch served during your dolphin discovery cruise (with vegetarian options), all equipment for sandboarding at Stockton Beach Sand Dunes plus a fun 4WD ride across Birubi Beach—and snacks for your journey home.