3 Days of Adventure in Port Stephens

Whether you're chasing adrenaline on the dunes, exploring pristine waterways, spotting dolphins from the bow of a boat, or wandering our through lush bushland trails, Port Stephens delivers it all. Here's a handful of adventurous activities, from high-octane thrills all the way through to serene hinterland escapes, that you can mix and match for an adventure of up to 3 days.

  • Where to Stay

    Base yourself for the full 3-day adventure at one of these spectacular accommodation options:

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    1. Stay Port Stephens 

    A curated range of properties across the region, find your perfect home away from home here before you plan anything else.

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    2. Nelson Palms

    Relaxed boutique accommodation in the heart of the action, equal distance from buzzing town villages, Nelson bay & Shoal Bay, everything is at your fingertips. 

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    3. Aimee's At Anna Bay

    Perfect for large groups and families, and positioned right near the dunes so the adventure starts at your doorstep.

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  • Explore the Dunes

    The largest moving coastal dune system in the southern hemisphere, 32 kilometres of nature's own adventure park.

    1. Quad Bike Tours

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    Sand Dune Adventures - A quad bike experience with real depth. Learn about the Worimi people, the traditional custodians of this extraordinary landscape, as you explore the dunes.

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    Quad Bike King - Race down hills at your own pace and follow tracks along the water's edge where the dunes meet the sea on this guided quad bike tour. The landscape here is genuinely unlike anywhere else.

    2. Sandboard Activities

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    Port Stephens 4WD Tours - A combination of beach driving and sandboarding fun - hit the sand in a 4WD then grab a board and go. The best of both worlds!

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    4WD Tours R Us - Climb to the top of the dunes, jump on your sandboard, slide all the way down, then repeat. Simple, exhilarating and completely unforgettable.

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    Sand Dune Safaris - A personal 4WD adventure among the dunes,  park up and enjoy as much sandboarding as your heart desires. Take your time as you enjoy uninterrupted sand board adventure time! 

  • On the Water

    Dolphins, humpbacks, coral gardens and open waterways, all right on your doorstep!

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    1. d'Albora Marina, Nelson Bay

    A vibrant hub of activity on the Nelson Bay waterfront. Browse boutique shops, grab a coffee, catch live music or the daily fish feeding, then head out on the water from here for cruises, boat hire and more.

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    2. Whale Watching

    Between May and November, humpback whales migrate through the Port Stephens' Great Lakes Marine Park. Head offshore and watch them breach alongside fur seals and oceanic sea birds.

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    3. Dolphin Watching Cruises

    Port Stephens is often referred to as the dolphin capital of Australia. And, with approximately 140 dolphins calling these waters home, it's easy to see why! Cruises depart daily from Nelson Bay Marina.

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    4. Snorkelling & Diving

    Port Stephens is home to some of NSW's most accessible and rewarding snorkel and dive sites. A great place to start is Fly Point at Little Beach - just off the rocks sit coral gardens teeming with exotic marine wildlife unique to the area.

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  • Land Adventures

    Coastal trails, bushland rides, wetland birdlife and hinterland escapes.

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    1. Toboggan Hill Park

    A 1km toboggan ride set amongst natural bushland and for back-up weather plans, the indoor activity zone has rock climbing, bowling, skating and more to keep the adventure going.

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    2. Wild Birdwatching 

    Port Stephens is home to an extraordinary abundance of birdlife. Spot the rare Gould's Petrel offshore, white-bellied sea eagles soaring above the Tomaree Coastal Walk or the Stockton Sand Dunes, or venture to Seaham Swamp's dedicated bird hide to discover the region's unique wetland species.

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    3. Tomaree Coastal Walk

    A spectacular multi-beach coastal trail through Tomaree National Park - wild headlands, turquoise coves and a very real chance of spotting whales from the clifftops in season.

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    4. Sahara Trails

    Ride through the lush bushland on horseback with Sahara Trails a completely different side of Port Stephens, serene and adventurous all at the same time.

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    5. Hinterland Road Trip

    Explore Port Stephens beyond the bays, where coastal villages, riverside towns and peaceful hinterland landscapes invite you to venture beyond the well-trodden path.

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