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Hunter Region, NSW
Port Stephens
Dolphin capital & the biggest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere
About this place
About 2.5 hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens is famous for two things that delight visitors of all ages: reliable wild dolphin encounters (over 140 bottlenose dolphins live in the bay year-round) and the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes — the largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere, where you can sandboard down 30-metre slopes. Add snorkelling at Fly Point, fishing in Nelson Bay, and a slower pace than the Hunter wineries for a perfect family-friendly weekend.
Highlights
Dolphin-watching cruises
Stockton Bight sand dunes (sandboarding)
Snorkelling at Fly Point
Nelson Bay fishing village
Attractions
What to see, how long to spend, and roughly what it costs.
Dolphin-watching cruise (Moonshadow TQE)
2.5 hrsFrom $42 AUD (adult); children cheaper
Dolphin Watch on the M.V. Kingdom runs 2.5-hour cruises departing Nelson Bay with bottlenose dolphin sighting rates around 99%. Some cruises combine with whale spotting May–Nov.
Stockton Bight sand dune sandboarding
1.5 hrs (incl. transfer)From $45 AUD (per person; varies by operator)
The largest moving coastal dune system in the southern hemisphere, up to 30m high. Tours include 4WD transfer up + sandboard hire. The selfie from the top is the postcard shot.
Fly Point snorkel
1–2 hrsFree
A 15-minute walk from Nelson Bay marina — clear shallow water with weedy sea dragons, rays, and blue gropers. Bring your own snorkel gear (no on-site hire).
Plan your trip
How many days do I need in Port Stephens?
2–3 days (weekend with dolphin cruise + dunes)
When is the best time to visit Port Stephens?
Sep–May for warm water; year-round for dolphins
How do I get to Port Stephens from Sydney?
Drive via M1 (2.5hrs). No direct train — coach from Newcastle or car only.
Getting there
Drive via M1 (2.5hrs). No direct train — coach from Newcastle or car only.
Best time to visit
Sep–May for warm water; year-round for dolphins
Suggested stay
2–3 days (weekend with dolphin cruise + dunes)
More places to explore
Keep reading
Related guides
Plan your Sydney trip
Plan a Port Stephens weekend from Sydney — overnight, two meals, the main thing you came for, and a Sunday-morning walk back.
Read guide →Getting around
Opal cards, train timetables, and car-hire tips for regional trips.
Read guide →Budget for the trip
Daily costs for couples, solo travellers, and families across NSW.
Read guide →