From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin, Koalas, 4WD & Sandboarding
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 275 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin, Koalas, 4WD & Sandboarding worth booking?
From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin, Koalas, 4WD & Sandboarding is a 12-hour experience in Sydney, Australia, from $145 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 275 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (275)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $145 per person
Experience nature at its best on this full day tour to picturesque Port Stephens, a coastal paradise known for its stunning beaches, pristine waters and incredible wildlife, just 2.5 hours north of Sydney’s CBD. Be immer
What you get
About this experience
Experience nature at its best on this full day tour to picturesque Port Stephens, a coastal paradise known for its stunning beaches, pristine waters and incredible wildlife, just 2.5 hours north of Sydney’s CBD. Be immersed in nature up close as you join a dolphin watching cruise, see wild Koalas in their natural habitat. Next 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.
What's included
Included
- Dolphin Discovery Cruise with Moonshadow Cruises on Port Stephens Marine Park
- Return Coach Transport from Sydney to Port Stephens
- Bottled water
- Sandboards are provided at the Stockton Beach Sand Dunes.
- Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary admission
- 4WD experience on Birubi Beach
- Sand Boarding on Stocktons sand Dunes
- Snacks
Not included
- Personal Expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
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. Enjoy the lunch on cruise with beautiful surroundings. Vegetarian option available.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Nelson Bay
Lunch will be at your own expense in Nelson Bay, allowing you the flexibility to choose from a variety of local dining options.
60 minutes here
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
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. 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.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Stockton Sand Dunes
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.
75 minutes here · Admission included
Sydney
Arrive back at Sydney. Drop off at Central Train Station or Furama Darling Harbour
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sydney
Address: 68 Harbour Street Haymarket Must depart at 7am SHARP. Please be waiting when the bus arrives. Guide name & contact number sent 1day before departure
Meeting point
Sydney
Sydney Central Railway Station Western forecourt bus parking area Bay 8 across from to the clock tower. Meet at the bus station outside platform No 1 at Central Station. The bus will be waiting at 6.30am for a 6.45 am departure. Guide name & contact number sent the day before departure
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
English Speaking
Duration: 12 hours Air Conditioned Comfy Coach Pickup included
Mandarin Speaking
Duration: 12 hours Aussie Local Food as Lunch Coach/bus
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Brighton Tours - Gray Line Sydney
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 274 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
274 verified traveler reviews for From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin, Koalas, 4WD & Sandboarding. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great exp
It was an excellent experience for my family with the friendly and helpful tour guide Gordon and Sota. I have no doubt to recommend them. We saw dolphin and they swam with the boat with us!
via Tripadvisor
Superb dolphin & Sand tour
Nice tour guide Sota and Gordon. They are really helpful and nice sharing experience. We are well care and i can see many dolphins swimming with us finally. The sanding is super funny. Stongly recommended if you travel to Sydney. Suitable for small kids just 6 years old.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
Gordon and Shota are amazing guides. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Dolphins and Koalas and Sanboarding - Oh My!
We packed a lot into one day on this adventure! The dolphin cruise was gorgeous, and we loved our visit to the koala sanctuary. The highlight was sandboarding where the desert meets the ocean. Once in a lifetime experience.
via Viator
Good Journey
Good Journey with fun activities
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $145 to $199
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 96
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin, Koalas, 4WD & Sandboarding: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sydney.
How much does From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin, Koalas, 4WD & Sandboarding cost?
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Prices start at $145 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sydney usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin, Koalas, 4WD & Sandboarding take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sydney is not rushed.
Is From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin, Koalas, 4WD & Sandboarding worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 275 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sydney, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin, Koalas, 4WD & Sandboarding?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin, Koalas, 4WD & Sandboarding suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin, Koalas, 4WD & Sandboarding?
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Around 96 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sydney can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sydney and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin, Koalas, 4WD & Sandboarding start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sydney within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sydney?
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On Outty we rank every Sydney experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive, Depart Syd: Blue Mountains Best All Inclusive with Local Guide, Blue Mountain Small Group Tour All Inclusive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sydney?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sydney?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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