Port Stephens is a highlight of Australia’s east coast, famous for its abundant marine life, expansive sand dunes, and scenic coastline. What sets it apart from other coastal destinations is its remarkable variety of outdoor activities that combine wildlife encounters, adrenaline rushes, and relaxing sightseeing. Whether you’re eager to watch dolphins in their natural habitat, conquer towering sand dunes in a 4WD, or learn to surf on One Mile Beach, Port Stephens offers something memorable for everyone. We especially love the Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise because it delivers a relaxed yet engaging experience with live commentary and the chance to see the resident bottlenose dolphins, which are truly a sight to behold. For a full thrill, the Unlimited Sandboarding & 4WD Sand Dune Tour offers endless fun sliding down massive dunes, all in one action-packed trip.
Quick Overview
In this guide, you’ll find a balanced selection of marine wildlife cruises, adrenaline-filled sand dune adventures, and scenic 4WD tours. Highlights include the Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise, a serene journey to see dolphins and marine life; the Port Stephens: Unlimited Sandboarding & 4WD Sand Dune Tour, perfect for thrill-seekers; and the Port Stephens 3 Hour Whale and Dolphin Watch Cruise, ideal for those wanting a deeper connection with the ocean’s giants. Below, each experience is broken down with details on what makes them worth your time and money.
1. Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise
At number 1, the Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise provides a gentle, scenic trip around the harbor where bottlenose dolphins are a common sight. For just $28 per person, you get 1.5 hours of cruising with live commentary from the captain. The boat glides past Tomaree and Yaccaaba Headlands, offering views of the rugged coastline and marine biodiversity. It’s a calm, accessible option for families or anyone wanting a relaxing wildlife experience. The highlight, of course, is spotting dolphins swimming close to the boat—an experience that often leaves visitors smiling long after the trip ends. The boat even features a boom net, so you can feel the ocean in action. Reviewers love the friendly crew and the chance to see multiple dolphins during the cruise—”excellently organized and great value,” says one.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a laid-back introduction to Port Stephens’ marine life, especially if you’re traveling with kids or want a simple, scenic cruise with educational commentary.
2. Port Stephens: Unlimited Sandboarding & 4WD Sand Dune Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Unlimited Sandboarding & 4WD Sand Dune Tour, which offers a rapid-fire dose of adventure on Stockton Beach’s largest dunes. For $28 per person, this 1.5-hour tour combines thrilling 4WD rides across the dunes with unlimited sandboarding. The tour is highly rated (4.5/5 from 446 reviews) because of its straightforward fun, with many guests describing it as “a blast” and “worth every penny.” The guided 4WD drives take you through the impressive dunes, and then you can slide down again and again—no limits. It’s ideal for adrenaline junkies or families looking for active fun. The guides are praised for making everyone comfortable and safe.
Bottom Line: A no-brainer for families and thrill-seekers wanting a quick, exhilarating day with unlimited sandboarding and scenic dune riding.
3. Port Stephens 4WD Beach Sand Dune Adventure
Holding a perfect 5.0 rating from 107 reviews, the Port Stephens 4WD Beach Sand Dune Adventure takes you on a 1-hour adrenaline rush along Birubi Beach. Starting at Anna Bay, your guide will navigate large dunes in a funky 4WD truck, taking you to the epic Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest mobile dunes in the southern hemisphere. The tour includes a stop for sandboarding, with the opportunity to speed down the dunes, and also allows time for exploring the local ecology and searching for pipis on the beach. Reviewers love the “friendly staff,” “beautiful scenery,” and the “great fun” they had. The tour’s short duration makes it perfect for those short on time but eager for a memorable adventure.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for those seeking a quick, high-energy experience with fantastic views, wildlife spotting, and sandboarding.
4. Port Stephens, Beach and Sand Dune 4WD Tag-Along Tour
Number 4 features the Port Stephens, Beach and Sand Dune 4WD Tag-Along Tour, rated 5.0/5 from 88 reviews. This 3-hour self-drive tour allows groups of up to 8 to operate their own 4WD vehicle under guided instruction. You’ll visit pristine beaches, wildflower meadows, and the Stockton Sand Dunes, with chances to see koalas in Tomaree National Park and wildlife like whales. It’s a flexible, personalized experience, ideal for those who want a hands-on adventure. Guests mention the “friendly, knowledgeable guides,” and the “amazing views” from the dunes. Since it’s a guided self-drive, you get the sense of real exploration with the safety of a guide leading the way.
Bottom Line: Best suited for confident drivers or groups who want to actively participate in their adventure, with a personalized touch and excellent wildlife viewing.
5. Unlimited Sandboarding
Coming in fifth, the Unlimited Sandboarding tour offers the freedom to slide down Stockton Beach’s dunes as many times as you like. For $29.15 per person, you get a 1-to-3-hour experience with round-trip 4WD transport to the dunes. The tour is praised for its easy access to the dunes and flexible timing, with many reviewers raving about the “great guides,” “happy kids,” and “big, safe dunes.” The unlimited pass means no rush—just endless sliding. Water is provided, making it a comfortable outing even on hot days.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families or groups wanting unlimited fun on the dunes, with excellent value for flexible timing and friendly guides.
6. Port Stephens 3 Hour Whale and Dolphin Watch Cruise
At number 6, the Port Stephens 3 Hour Whale and Dolphin Watch Cruise boasts a perfect 5.0/5 from 51 reviews. For $57.63, this cruise takes you offshore in a comfortable catamaran to see whales, dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds. The vessel provides ample shelter, blankets, and refreshments, making it suitable year-round. Guests note the chance to witness Humpback whales and playful dolphins—”exhilarating” and “well-organized” are common words in reviews. The cruise runs in whale season but is equally rewarding for dolphin sightings year-round. The commentary adds context and makes the experience educational as well as fun.
Bottom Line: A top choice for wildlife lovers wanting a comfortable, in-depth look at marine creatures, especially during whale migration season.
7. Port Stephens: 2.5-Hour Whale Watching & Outer Island Cruise
Number 7 offers a 2.5-hour whale watching and outer island cruise rated 4.6/5 from 156 reviews. For $53 per person, the cruise provides breathtaking coastal scenery and the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, and seals. The boat has two levels for optimal viewing, and the crew shares insightful commentary. Reviewers love the diversity of wildlife and the relaxed pace of the tour, making it perfect for travelers wanting a shorter but comprehensive experience. During peak whale season, sightings are frequent and rewarding.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a shorter, scenic cruise with good wildlife viewing opportunities.
8. Unlimited Sandboarding Adventure
Rated 4.5/5 from 130 reviews, the Unlimited Sandboarding Adventure is a 1 to 2-hour tour costing $29.49 per person. It includes transport, sandboarding instruction, and unlimited riding. Guests frequently mention the “spectacular dunes” and the friendly staff who help all skill levels. The experience is designed to be accessible to families and beginners, with safety and fun in mind. The guides ensure everyone gets plenty of sliding time, and the scenic drive in 4WD to the dunes is an adventure itself.
Bottom Line: Great for families and beginners wanting an easy, fun introduction to sandboarding with plenty of opportunities to improve.
9. Port Stephens, Beach and Sand Dune 4WD Passenger Tour
With a 5.0/5 rating from 30 reviews, this Passenger Tour offers a 3-hour exploration of the area in a comfortable 4WD. For $90.32 per person, expect to visit beaches like Samurai and Birubi, with chances to see wildlife such as koalas. The guided tour includes scenic drives along the coast and the dunes, with stops for photos and wildlife viewing. Reviewers appreciate the “knowledgeable guides” and the relaxing pace, making it suitable for those less interested in active pursuits but still wanting a rundown.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, guided exploration of Port Stephens’ beaches and dunes without the physical effort of self-driving.
10. Port Stephens Unlimited Sandboarding and Sand Surfing
This 2-hour tour rated 4.5/5 with a price of $27.16 per person offers sandboarding and sand surfing with gear and instruction included. Guests mention the “spectacular dunes” and the friendly staff helping ease beginners into sliding down the slopes. The tour’s emphasis on learning different sandboarding styles, plus the convenience of transport in 4WD vehicles, makes it a popular choice for families and solo travelers alike.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting to try both sandboarding and surfing techniques in a short, fun session.
11. Small Group Port Stephens + Dolphins + 4WD/sandboarding ex Sydney
Number 11 offers an 11-hour full-day trip rated 4.5/5 from 18 reviews at $155.51 per person. It combines dolphin and whale watching, a guided 4WD tour, and sandboarding. Starting from Sydney, it’s an efficient way to cover both marine wildlife and dune adventures in one day. Reviewers highlight the “well-paced itinerary” and the expert guides. It’s ideal for travelers who want an all-in-one experience with minimal planning.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers willing to dedicate a full day for a comprehensive, guided adventure covering the best of Port Stephens.
12. Port Stephens + Whale Watching + 4WD/Sandboarding ex Sydney
Rated 5.0/5 from 2 reviews, this full-day trip costs $182.60 and includes whale watching, 4WD adventures, and sandboarding. It’s perfect for those who want to see whales in season and enjoy land-based activities without the hassle of organizing logistics. Reviewers mention the “stunning scenery” and “easy transport” as highlights. This tour is suited for active travelers looking to maximize their time.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a full immersion into Port Stephens’ marine and land adventures, with all logistics handled.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a relaxed introduction, the Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise offers a gentle wildlife experience. If you crave adrenaline and action, the Unlimited Sandboarding & 4WD Sand Dune Tour is hard to beat. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Port Stephens 3 Hour Whale and Dolphin Watch Cruise provides a more in-depth look at ocean life. Those wanting a full-day experience can opt for the Full-Day Whale and Dolphin Cruise with 4WD and Sandboarding.
Think about your fitness level and adventure appetite—some tours involve driving or physical activity, while others are more relaxed. Booking early during peak seasons (like whale migration in winter) is wise to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Port Stephens offers such a diverse lineup of tours that it’s hard to go wrong. From tranquil dolphin cruises to adrenaline-pumping sandboarding, there’s something for every traveler. If you’re traveling as a family, the sand dunes tours and wildlife cruises are perfect for active kids. For wildlife lovers, the whale watching cruises are truly spectacular—especially during migration season. Budget travelers can enjoy the affordable dolphin cruise or the unlimited sandboarding for hours of fun.
For those eager to make the most of their trip, booking your tours early ensures you won’t miss out during busy periods. Whether you choose a gentle cruise, a full-day adventure, or a self-driven 4WD tour, Port Stephens promises a memorable experience that combines scenic beauty and excitement.