Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise in Sydney
Sydney, Australia

Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise

Outty Ranking 62 5.0 · 3 traveler reviews11 hoursFrom $230

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$230
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Outty Ranking

62/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise worth booking?

Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise is a 11-hour experience in Sydney, Australia, from $230 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
62 / 100
Rating
5/5 (3)
Duration
11 hours
From
$230 per person

Cross over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge before heading a few hours north out of Sydney to visit the spectacular Port Stephens. The Bay is home to over 160 resident bottle nosed dolphins, ensuring a high success rate

What you get

    About this experience

    Cross over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge before heading a few hours north out of Sydney to visit the spectacular Port Stephens. The Bay is home to over 160 resident bottle nosed dolphins, ensuring a high success rate in sightings! Hop abroad a triple-deck catamaran with expansive open decks, as well as all-weather indoor viewing. Bring your swim suit and pile into the boom-net, which sits off the side of the catamaran and dip in and out of the waves on the ride of your life! Discover the white sandy beaches, the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere and the lovely seaside town of Nelson Bay. If you're feeling adventurous, opt for an optional 4WD tour sand boarding adventure on the sand dunes of Stockton Beach (own expense). Enjoy the sights from Gan Gan Lookout, and commanding views of the whole of Port Stephens, right through to Newcastle in the south and the Myall Lakes to the north. After your big day out, sit back and relax on your drive back to Sydney.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Bottled water
    • Dolphin Cruise
    • Expert Driver/guide

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Optional activities
    • Gratuities
    • Excess Baggage

    What you'll see and do

    1. Sydney Harbour Bridge

      Experience the thrill of crossing over the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge!

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

      Pass by the home to the filming of "Skippy the Bush Kangaroo"

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Hawkesbury River

      Cross over the gorgeous Hawkesbury River, home to the famous Sydney Rock Oysters

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Gan Gan Lookout

      Enjoy a sweeping view of Port Stephens harbour from this lovely vantage point

      10 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Stockton Sand Dunes

      Take a sandboarding adventure down the massive Stockton Sand Dunes, home to the filming of many an Australian commercial and movie.

      30 minutes here · Admission not included

    6. Nelson Bay

      Enjoy a fabulous harbour cruise to see the myriad of bottle-nosed dolphins that ply the tranquil waters here.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Runaway Tours Sydney

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Optional activities are subject to availability on the day of travel
    • N.B. Port Stephens is about a 3 hour drive from Sydney
    • Moonshadow Catamaran is a public cruise boat
    • Infant seats available if you notify us in advance of the age/s of the children
    • Due to Government regulations, seatbelts must be worn at all times.

    Photos

    Cruise Port Stephens with the Dolphins!Visit the picture perfect Port StephensSandboarding adventures at Stockton Beach, Port Stephens.Dolphins ahoy!The stunning Port StephensStep onto the Stockton Beach sand dunes

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Small groups

    3 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    1 mention

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    3
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Kailash_R · June 2023

    Port Stephens Private Day Tour

    Awesome experience at Port Stephens, Steve and Jonathan were awesome guide and kept us engaged throughout the tour

    via Viator

    Kailash R · June 2023

    Port Stephen Private Tour

    Awesome experience throughout the tour.. Steve and Jonathan were awesome guide , Steve took us to a hidden gem place which gave us experiwnce of whales..love it

    Response from the operator: Hi Kailash Thank you for taking the time to write a great review about your private Port Stephens tour with Jonathan and myself. It was a fantastic day out and you and your family and friends were lovely to show around. We're also very pleased we saw some dolphins and whales at our new secret location! We hope you have a great time out with Andrew on your private Blue Mountains tour today. Safe travels Steve Arnerich Owner, Runaway Tours, Sydney

    via Tripadvisor

    Jing_M · December 2022

    Chris is wonderful

    Chris, our guide is wonderful. He is very knowledgeable and attentive. Sandboarding is the best part. Kids had so much fun. The trip is private and tailored to our needs. so we don’t have to travel with large groups. thank you

    Response from the operator: Hi Jing Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review about your private Port Stephens dolphin watching and sandboarding experience. Chris is certainly a great guide and he loved showing you a great time at Port Stephens! We hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Australia! Cheers, Steve Arnerich Owner, Runaway Tours

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    11 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $230 to $1620
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 62

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)83
    Review evidence (18% weight)20
    Booking momentum (14% weight)11
    Value for money (12% weight)97
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sydney.

    How much does Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise cost?

    +

    Prices start at $230 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 Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise take?

    +

    Plan for about 11 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 Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise?

    +

    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 Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise?

    +

    Around 1 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?

    +

    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 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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