Nelson Bay
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Nelson Bay

Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise

Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise

Take a cruise around magnificent Port Stephens Harbour on one of the biggest boats in the bay. Keep an eye out for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins as you head out beautiful Port Stephens Marine Park. Take in the sights of Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands, Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay, and the Eastern Harbour as you sit back and relax on the deck area. If you feel like getting a bit wet, feel free to use our boomnet. Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary on board. If you feel like indulging in something a little different, there is a licensed bar on board that you can choose to purchase from. 

Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding Day Trip

Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding Day Trip

Be immersed in nature up close as you join a dolphin watching cruise, see wild Koalas in their natural habitat and take part in a 4WD and sandboarding adventure on the largest mobile sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. After a perfect day mixing nature in the wild with incredible adventure you will return knowing you have witnessed something truly unique. 7:00am – Travel across the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a scenic drive along the spectacular NSW Central Coast. Short comfort stop en route. 10:30am –Arrive on the traditional lands of the Worimi people in the tranquil coastal village of Nelson Bay. Depart on 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. 12:00pm - Enjoy an Aussie lunch, in the natural surroundings. Vegetarian option available. 1:00pm - Visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary which supports the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koala in the wild. This $ 13 million project has been 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. Brighton Tours proudly supports the conservation and preservation efforts of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary having adopted several wild koalas in their care. Our visit here today will make a direct contribution to the preservation of wild Koalas in Port Stephens. Enjoy the Sanctuary Story Walk, a flat 250m pathway with large Koala sculptures that educate about Koala and its natural habitat. 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. 2:00pm – Depart the Koala Sanctuary for the sand dunes and Port Stephens 4WD Tour Sandboarding adventure. 2:15pm – Our final stop is at the world-renowned Stockton sand dunes, a coastal desert that is 32km long and the largest mobile sand dune system in the southern hemisphere. Now it’s time for Adventure as you sand board down the huge sand dunes that make up this idyllic setting. 3:30pm – Depart for Sydney 7:00pm – Arrive back in Sydney Due to operational management reasons, hotel pickup will not be available for bookings made after 5:00 PM on the day prior to the tour. If your booking falls into this category, please kindly make your own way to the meeting point below: Meeting Point: Coach Bay 8, Western Forecourt Central Station, Sydney Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you on the tour!

Anna Bay: Irukandji Entry Pass with Shallows Encounter

Anna Bay: Irukandji Entry Pass with Shallows Encounter

Entry to Irukandji is unique, unlike the traditional aquarium viewing through glass, our guests have the ability to meet the wildlife, pet them, feed them & even share the water with them. Our Entry Pass allows guests to access the shallow water of the lagoons in bare feet, being surrounded by many curious & friendly sharks & rays guests are treated to a whole new level of excitement, fear & admiration for these misunderstood creatures and the entire ocean. Incredible Aussie shark memories All Day When you arrive at Irukandji you will be greeted by staff members who will guide you through the whole process, from learning how to interact safely with the animals to providing you with all the equipment needed to enter the water and meet the animals. Choose from the option of wearing your own clothes in the water and just getting your feet and ankles wet, getting into a wetsuit and going in deeper with the Discovery Pass upgrade. You can choose to go barefoot or cover up your toes with a pair of wear and keep souvenir socks. At the lagoons, you will be given a feeding stick and food for the sharks and rays, and then guided around to the different pools by a knowledgable fish keeper. Each of the pools is home to different species of fish with specific food and information provided at each one. You will get to reach in and interact with the animals as they swim around in their aquatic homes. Irukandji features 2 large, deep, natural-style lagoons housing a variety of different animals. In the Fingill lagoon, you’ll meet a whole bunch of friendly and curious rays who will glide over your feet and eagerly snatch the food from your sticks. Reach down to pet them and feel the different textures of their skin. Then over at the Tropical lagoon, meet a few more rays plus a variety of shark species including zebra sharks and brown-banded bamboo sharks. You can interact with them while listening to the keepers as they give educational talks about sharks, rays, and marine conservation. During our Big Shark Talk, our friendly fish keepers will invite you into the shallows as they bring up our large Tawny Nurse Sharks and Whitetip Reef Sharks. Afterwards, you can rinse off under a warm shower and towel down before heading in for a cruise around the gift shop for a large range of sustainable gifts, cute fluffy toys, snacks and cold drinks.

Nelson Bay: Dolphin Watch Cruise and Sail

Nelson Bay: Dolphin Watch Cruise and Sail

Get out on the water for an exciting sailing adventure around Nelson Bay. Look out for the abundance of bottlenose dolphins in the area. For 1.5 hours you’ll explore the beautiful waterways, looking out for dolphins. Just north of Sydney, Port Stephens is home to a large population of around 100 dolphins and other marine life between November and April each year. Head out on board a comfortable 52 foot sailing catamaran with a spacious deck for dolphin watching and 360-degree views. You can stay dry and watch from the deck or the bow-net. Alternatively, bring your swimwear and jump into the boom-net and hold on tight for a wild ride. This is an exciting opportunity to get close to the dolphins, and this cruise runs with a 99% dolphin sighting success rate plus a guarantee. If conditions allow, you’ll hoist the sails for your way back to the marina to wrap up your adventure. This experience is part of our Low-Footprint Adventures range because it is ECO certified by Ecotourism Australia.

Nelson Bay: 1.5-hour Guided Whale Watching Express Cruise

Nelson Bay: 1.5-hour Guided Whale Watching Express Cruise

We get you up close & personal with the very best of what Port Stephens has to offer. We move quickly, but safely & smoothly through the water, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the beautiful Marine Park. We’ll also be on the lookout for pods of Oceanic Dolphins, you may have the chance to see penguins, sea birds, seals and much more. Travel onboard the fast 40ft power cat Envision, focusing on a thrilling and fun ride on the water. With a small number of guests your experience will be relaxed, personalised, and crowd-free.

From Sydney: Port Stephens Day Trip

From Sydney: Port Stephens Day Trip

Embark on an unforgettable day tour from Sydney to the stunning Port Stephens, a blue water paradise on the NSW Coast. Your adventure begins with a 7 AM departure from Sydney Central. As we head towards Port Stephens, we’ll make a quick stop halfway for coffee or breakfast (at your own expense), giving you a chance to refuel before the fun begins. Our first major stop is Anna Bay, home to the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, you can choose between two thrilling activities. Opt for a sand safari and feel the adrenaline rush as you slide down the dunes on a sandboard. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, enjoy a unique camel ride along the dunes, taking in the spectacular scenery. Next, we visit Nelson Bay, the heart of Port Stephens. This picturesque coastal town is perfect for lunch, offering a variety of dining options from fast food to local cafes (at your own expense). While in Nelson Bay, you also have the option to embark on a dolphin cruise. With over 140 resident dolphins, Port Stephens is renowned for these playful creatures, and spotting them in their natural habitat is an experience not to be missed. For those who enjoy a good hike, skip the dolphin cruise and join us for a guided walk up Mount Tomaree. This hike rewards you with breathtaking views from the summit, providing the perfect opportunity for some amazing photos. After a full day of adventure and relaxation, we’ll head back to Sydney, arriving at Sydney Central around 7:30 PM.

Nelson Bay: Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran Cruise

Nelson Bay: Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran Cruise

Head to the meeting point and check in for your cruise. Then, board the 54-foot sailing catamaran and get ready for your whale-watching adventure. Set sail, heading out to sea to find the incredible migrating humpback whales. Enjoy sightings of these majestic behemoths, who often put on a show for guests, breaching, performing pectoral slaps, and evening mugging. Learn more about the whales and other wildlife from your experienced guides, who will provide informative commentary throughout the experience. And be sure to keep an eye out for Australian fur seals, dolphins, and sea birds while you sail. Your whale-watching cruise includes complimentary tea and coffee, with other drinks and snacks available to purchase from the fully licensed on-board bar.

Port Stephens: Koala Sanctuary General Admission Ticket

Port Stephens: Koala Sanctuary General Admission Ticket

Important Note: Construction of a $2M expansion to the Koala Hospital has commenced and will conclude in September / October 2024. There may be some disruptions caused by this construction that could impact your stay with us at the Sanctuary. We plan to, where ever possible, minimise construction impacts to avoid as much inconvenience caused. Spend a few hours or a whole day at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary learning about Australia’s beloved koalas and the threats they face. Walk amongst the beautiful Australian bush and see koalas in their natural environment doing what they do best – sleeping and eating.  Sanctuary Story Walk is a meandering 250-meter pathway offering an immersive educational experience of the koala and its habitat. The koalas at the sanctuary have been brought there for treatment and rehabilitation after injury, with the aim of returning them to the wild if possible. At the Koala Hospital veterinarians care for koalas requiring treatment and general check-ups. The Sanctuary SKYwalk is a 225-meter-long pathway with viewing platforms raised 10 metres into the tree canopy. The unique tree top perspective is a great photo opportunity. You may even find yourself eye-to-eye with a cuddly koala – always remember, look but don’t touch, they are wild animals. Due to the natural setting of Port Stephen’s Koala Sanctuary you may spot echidnas shuffling around on the ground around the walkways. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of an adorable brush tail possum hanging out in a tree hollow as well. After you have experienced all the attractions Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary offers, finish with a visit to Fat Possum Kiosk. Grab a snack, coffee or treat and browse a variety of souvenirs and gifts. Proceeds go towards the continued conservation effort of koalas and their threatened habitat. Visiting Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary entails a round-trip walk of about 1km in length. All pathways and elevated viewing platforms are easily accessible and designed for all ages and abilities. Some limited bench seating is provided along the Sanctuary Story Walk.

Nelson Bay: 1hr Dolphin Watch Express

Nelson Bay: 1hr Dolphin Watch Express

Port Stephens has over 100 Bottlenose Dolphins that reside inside the Bay….on our crowd-free 'Dolphin Watch Express' we'll spend time getting to know these friendly 'locals'. Our vessel, 'Envision' moves through the water quickly, but safely and smoothly - you'll want your camera handy as we cruise along beautiful Shoal Bay, past our iconic Headlands and across to 'Dolphin hot-spot Jimmy's Beach. Relaxed - Personalised - Crowd-Free! Dolphin Guarantee - Free Return if no Dolphins seen during the cruise Chat with our Friendly & Knowledgeable Crew Enjoy 360° viewing Hear some Interesting & Informative Commentary

Nelson Bay: Marine Discovery Cruise with Snorkeling

Nelson Bay: Marine Discovery Cruise with Snorkeling

Head out on a sailing adventure on the pristine waters of Port Stephens where there's lots of fun adventures and some serious relaxation to be had! The 'Imagine' is a 54ft sailing catamaran, designed as a model for eco-tourism. With a spacious, covered foredeck and a comfortable downstairs cabin, you can enjoy 360 degree viewing and plenty of space for the family to relax and have fun. As you sail through the bay, soak in the rays of the sun in the dry bow-net positioned close to the water, or go for a ride in the boom-net where you'll get wet. Make sure to keep your eyes out for dolphins - you're sure to see some throughout the day! If you're feeling more adventurous, enjoy some snorkelling in a protected cove at the stunning Cabbage Tree or Fingal Island, where a qualified dive master or snorkel guide will introduce you to the rich and ever-changing underwater world. You'll find an incredible array of marine life and vegetation - fish, sea urchins, soft corals and rays, all waiting to be discovered. Don't forget to take the time to relax, unwind and enjoy a drink from the licensed bar on board, whilst you take in some of the most scenic landscape along the NSW Coast. This experience is part of the Responsible range because they are ECO certified by Ecotourism Australia.

All activities

21 activities found
Sort by:

Go beyond Nelson Bay

Explore all

Frequently asked questions about Nelson Bay

What top attractions are a must-see in Nelson Bay?

The must-see attractions in Nelson Bay are:

See all must-see sights in Nelson Bay

Other Sightseeing Options in Nelson Bay

Want to discover all there is to do in Nelson Bay? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Nelson Bay

Overall rating

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
(1,431 reviews)
5
5 out of 5 stars

This tour was a great experience! Yan was a great a tour guide and made this experience so memorable! We were able to see numerous dolphins, awake koalas, and have lots of fun on the sand dunes. Highly recommend this tour!

5
5 out of 5 stars

Chen and John/tom were really friendly and helpful! We had the chance to saw some dolphins and koalas and create great memories!

5
5 out of 5 stars

even though we didn't spot the dolphins we enjoyed the activity and was pleased to know that we'll be getting a free ticket.

5
5 out of 5 stars

Great experience. Saw some dolphins considering the bad weather and the kids loved it. With the boat ride. Highly recommend.

5
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you so much, my partner and I did the cruise today and it was amazing.