PORT STEPHENS DAY TRIP FROM SYDNEY | DOLPHINS, KOALAS & SANDBOARDING

1. Nelson Bay Dolphin Discovery Cruise : Enjoy a 1.5-hour eco-cruise through the pristine waters of Port Stephens with high chances of spotting the bay's resident bottlenose dolphins (and a boom net experience in warmer months!).
2. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary & SKYwalk : Walk among the treetops on the elevated SKYwalk, view the state-of-the-art Koala Hospital, and learn about the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wild koalas.
3. Stockton Sand Dunes 4WD Adventure : Venture deep into the largest moving sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere aboard a purpose-built 4WD vehicle.
4. Sandboarding Thrills : Experience the rush of sandboarding down golden coastal desert slopes—safe, fun, and suitable for all ages!
5. Convenient Sydney Pick-ups : Hassle-free morning departures from major Sydney hubs: Central Station and Darling Harbour.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time.

Morning Departure Schedule:

1. 06:45 AM - Central Station Forecourt : 706 Pitt St, Haymarket NSW 2000
2. 07:00 AM - Furama Darling Harbour Hotel : 68 Harbour St, Haymarket NSW 2000
3. Evening Return Drop-off : Approx. 06:30 PM back at central Sydney CBD drop-off points.

06:45 AM – 07:00 AM | Sydney CBD Pick-Up & Departure

Depart Sydney, crossing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, and enjoy a scenic drive north along the beautiful New South Wales Central Coast (includes a short comfort stop).

10:00 AM | Nelson Bay & Dolphin Discovery Cruise

Arrive at the picturesque Nelson Bay. Board your 90-minute eco-cruise to explore the spectacular marine environment and spot the large resident population of wild bottlenose dolphins.

11:45 AM | Free Time in Nelson Bay

Enjoy free time to stroll the waterfront precinct, browse local shops, and grab lunch at a marina-view café (lunch at own expense).

12:15 PM | Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Arrive at this world-class conservation facility dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating wild koalas.

12:30 PM | Sanctuary Story Walk & SKYwalk Experience

Join a guided walk featuring interactive exhibits and visit the Koala Hospital. Then, step onto the elevated SKYwalk treetop boardwalk to spot koalas and native wildlife in the bushland canopy.

02:15 PM | Stockton Sand Dunes 4WD & Sandboarding

Arrive at the spectacular Stockton Sand Dunes. Board a purpose-built 4WD to travel deep into the coastal desert, followed by an exhilarating sandboarding session down the towering golden slopes.

03:30 PM | Return Journey to Sydney

Relax in your air-conditioned coach after an action-packed day of wildlife and adventure.

06:30 PM | Sydney CBD Drop-off

Arrive back at your central Sydney drop-off location.

Note : Children aged 3 up to 15 years pay the child price. Adult prices apply to persons 16 years and over.

1. 1.5-hour Dolphin Eco Discovery Cruise on Port Stephens.
2. Entry to Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary (including SKYwalk & hospital viewing).
3. 4WD drive experience along the Stockton Bight sand dunes.
4. Sandboarding adventure equipment and activity.
5. Air-conditioned transport to/from Sydney.
6. Friendly and informative driver-guide.
7. All tickets and admission fees for itinerary attractions.

1. Public transport or rideshare fares to/from Sydney CBD meeting points.
2. Personal expenses (Lunch, meals not specified, souvenirs).

Q: Is sandboarding safe for beginners and children?

A: Yes! Sandboarding at Stockton Sand Dunes is suitable for all ages and experience levels. It’s a fun, safe activity, and instructions are provided on-site.

Q: Do we get to hold the koalas at the sanctuary?

A: In New South Wales, it is illegal to hold koalas to ensure their welfare and reduce stress. However, the SKYwalk and Sanctuary Story Walk provide incredible, close-up viewing opportunities of koalas in their natural habitat and rehabilitation enclosures.

Q: Is lunch included on this tour?

A: Lunch is not included. You will have dedicated free time at 11:45 AM in Nelson Bay where you can purchase a delicious meal from the local cafés or restaurants overlooking the marina.