Port Stephens Experience : Incredible Adventure, Wild by Nature

Visting the the traditional lands of the Worimi people you will spend the day in the Port Stephens area known for its stunning beaches, pristine waters and incredible wildlife, just 2.5 hours north of Sydney’s CBD. A favourite holiday destination for Australians this location has it all: beautiful beaches, incredible wild animals and many entertaining and adventurous ways to spend the day.

Enjoy a 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. In the warmer months you might want to bring a swimming costume to take a plunge in the boom net at the rear of the boat - just make sure you have a change of clothes.

Visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary which supports the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koala in the wild. This $ 10 million project is 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. On arrival enjoy an Aussie BBQ lunch in the Sanctuary café, in a natural bushland surroundings. After lunch accompany your guide on the Sanctuary Story Walk, a flat 250m pathway, with large Koala sculptures that educate about Koala and its natural habitat. Marvel at the $ 5 million Koala Hospital which directly contributes 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.

Our final stop is at the world-renowned Stockton sand dunes, a coastal desert 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. Your sandboarding guide will give you safety instructions and tips on techniques on how to sandboard successfully. Sandboarding is suitable for toddlers to grandparents and very safe. Sandboarding is referred to as ‘soft adventure’ however it is hard core family fun.