Dolphins or dunes? In Port Stephens, you can do both in a day.
Nelson Bay is the perfect base for exploring Port Stephens and beyond. These are the day trips and tours our guests rave about most – most of them start within a short walk or drive of Peninsula Nelson Bay.
Quick answer: If you only do one tour, book a dolphin watching cruise (or whale watching from May to November). If you do two, add a sandboarding or 4WD tour on the Stockton Beach sand dunes at Anna Bay.
On the bay
Dolphin & whale watching cruises
Depart Nelson Bay Marina, 10 minutes’ walk from us. Choose a short dolphin cruise, a whale watching trip in season, or a catamaran cruise with swimming and lunch.
Broughton Island
Boat trips head to this rugged island north of Port Stephens for snorkelling, birdlife and secluded beaches.
Ferry to Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest
A relaxed river and bay ferry ride from Nelson Bay to the twin towns across the water – ideal for lunch and a walk.
On the sand
Stockton Beach sand dunes
Sandboarding, quad bike and 4WD tours, and camel rides on the Worimi Conservation Lands at Anna Bay, about 25 minutes’ drive.
Tomaree Coastal Walk
Spend a day walking sections of the 27 km Tomaree Coastal Walk between Tomaree Head and Birubi Point.
Wildlife & food
Koalas and wildlife
Visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary at One Mile, or Oakvale Wildlife Park at Salt Ash, for close encounters with native animals.
Hunter Valley wineries
Australia’s oldest wine region is about 1.5 hours’ drive away – a popular full-day tour from Nelson Bay.
Murray’s Brewery & Port Stephens Winery
A closer option at Bobs Farm for craft beer, local wine and lunch.
| Day trip | Travel from us | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dolphin cruise | 10 min walk | Everyone |
| Stockton sand dunes | 25 min drive | Adventure, families |
| Tomaree Head | 5 min drive | Views, fitness |
| Koala Sanctuary | 10 min drive | Kids, wildlife lovers |
| Hunter Valley | ~1.5 hr drive | Food and wine |
Make Nelson Bay your base
Come back each evening to Peninsula Nelson Bay on Shoal Bay Road – with an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, free parking and rooms from King rooms to 3 bedroom apartments. Book direct with code BOOKDIRECT to save 12%.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Nelson Bay?
A dolphin or whale watching cruise from Nelson Bay Marina, followed by the Stockton Beach sand dunes at Anna Bay.
How far are the Stockton sand dunes from Nelson Bay?
About 25 minutes’ drive to Anna Bay, where most sandboarding, 4WD and camel tours depart.
Can you do the Hunter Valley as a day trip from Nelson Bay?
Yes. The Hunter Valley wineries are about 1.5 hours’ drive away and many tours run full-day trips.
Can you see dolphins all year in Port Stephens?
Yes. Port Stephens has a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, so sightings are very likely year-round.
