Must-Do Activities in Port Stephens

Aquamarine Adventures offers more than just a boat trip, it’s your gateway to the spectacular marine world of Port Stephens. Step aboard the fast and fun 40-foot power cat Envision and set out across sparkling blue waters, where every seat offers uninterrupted, front-row views of the bay.

Whether you’re chasing playful dolphins on the Dolphin Watch Express, cruising the “Humpback Highway” on the Whale Watch Express, exploring secluded island waters on a Port Stephens Island Snorkel Adventure, or discovering rugged coastline and history on the Fingal Island Eco-Walk & Lighthouse Tour, every experience blends excitement with natural wonder.

Designed for families, small groups and curious travellers, these personalised eco-cruises are led by friendly, knowledgeable crew who share insights about local wildlife, sea-life behaviour, and the rich natural environment of the Port Stephens Marine Park.

Best of all, your adventure with Aquamarine Adventures doesn’t just create unforgettable memories, it fosters appreciation for marine conservation and the incredible biodiversity of Port Stephens.

Port Stephens 4WD Tours has been sharing the excitement and natural beauty of the Stockton Beach sand dunes for years, offering unforgettable beach and dune adventures on the largest moving coastal sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. Based in Anna Bay, New South Wales, our locally operated 4WD tour company specialises in safe, fun-filled off-road experiences for families, couples, solo travellers and groups.

Every tour is led by our highly knowledgeable, qualified drivers who know the dunes like the back of their hand, combining expert commentary with exhilarating 4WD action through wild landscapes. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding thrills or a relaxed way to explore one of Australia’s most iconic natural playgrounds, we create moments that stay with you long after your visit.

Looking for excitement and adrenaline for your holiday or weekend getaway? Look no further than Port Stephens 4WD Tours, offering you stunning scenery, sandboarding thrills, and adventure for the whole family…and an experience you won’t forget!

Tomaree Coastal Walk is one of the NSW Great Walks – a series of multi-day hikes that highlight some of the state’s most spectacular and diverse natural landscapes.

Located on the traditional lands of the Worimi people, the 27km Tomaree Coastal Walk traverses an ancient volcanic landscape rich in culture and nature, starting at Tomaree Head at Shoal Bay and finishing at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place at Anna Bay.

Choose your own adventure and explore the walk your way over 2 or 3 days. The track retraces ancient routes used by the Worimi People and you’ll finish at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place where you can learn the stories of this land through cultural artwork. If you’re keen to stay longer and explore the largest moving sand dune in the southern hemisphere visit Worimi Conservation Lands and try guided camel rides, quad biking, sandboarding, and more.

Dolphin Swim Australia’s tour takes place in the open ocean off Port Stephens for 4 hours of adventure! Our swimmers enter the water and can get up close and personal with inquisitive and energetic oceanic dolphins.

The dolphins come so close to the swimmers it is like being a part of their pod! Swimming with wild dolphins truly is a ‘bucket list’ experience and Dolphin Swim Australia provides this adventure like no other!

The season runs from 1 October to 30 April and departs at 7am, returning at 11am. A customised video of your experience is included in the price.

Dolphin Swim Australia is NSW’s first and only permitted WILD dolphin swim. Dolphin Swim Australia provides all training, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, wetsuits, photos and a light breakfast on the boat. Guests wear a safety harness and are attached to the vessel at all times.

Experience the magic of connecting with recovering wild koalas while supporting their protection for future generations at our 8-hectare sanctuary in Port Stephens, NSW.

Learn fascinating koala facts as you wander through native eucalyptus groves on the Story Walk. See the Port Stephens Koala Hospital where dedicated staff work to protect and care for koalas. Explore the Skywalk, an elevated platform that brings you eye-to-eye with our wild recovering koalas.

Play a part in the rehabilitation, preservation, and conservation of koalas in the wild. Whether you visit for an hour or stay overnight, immerse yourself in the serene natural habitat of the world-class Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.

4WD Tours R Us is a family-owned adventure tour operator based in Anna Bay, Port Stephens, offering exciting experiences across the spectacular Stockton Beach Sand Dunes. Since 2015, the team has been delivering safe, fun and memorable 4WD tours through the largest moving coastal sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere, sharing the natural beauty and history of the Worimi Conservation Lands.

Guests can enjoy thrilling sandboarding, guided 4WD beach and dune tours, and visits to the iconic Tin City settlement. With experienced local drivers and tours running almost year-round, 4WD Tours R Us also offers flexible adventure packages, making it a must-do experience for visitors to Port Stephens.

Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, a school group or corporate team, the focus is always on safety, friendly service and creating unforgettable moments. From adrenaline-filled dune runs to relaxed scenic explorations, 4WD Tours R Us provides an authentic outdoor adventure that showcases the very best of Port Stephens.

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters in Port Stephens is more than just a day out. From the moment you arrive, you’re invited to step beyond the shoreline and into immersive lagoons where sharks, rays, sea turtles and a vibrant array of tropical fish glide gracefully around you.

Unlike a traditional aquarium, Irukandji offers a truly interactive experience. Guests can wade into shallow, tropical-style lagoons and encounter marine life up close in a safe, controlled environment. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights, bust common myths, and help you see sharks and rays in a whole new light.

Designed for families, school groups, marine enthusiasts and curious travellers of all ages, each visit blends excitement with meaningful education. Children and adults alike leave with a greater appreciation of marine ecosystems and a stronger connection to ocean conservation.

It’s adventure, education and conservation combined — an experience that inspires wonder while making a real difference beneath the surface.

Set on 25 acres of scenic farmland in Port Stephens, Oakvale Wildlife Park is 100% Australian-owned and operated. Our park is home to a wide array of Australian native wildlife, domestic farm animals, and a selection of exotic species, including koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, goats, alligators, and ostriches—plus many more.

At Oakvale, we pride ourselves on offering a value-for-money experience, making it a perfect family day out. Guests of all ages can get up close to our friendly, free-roaming animals, hand-feed kangaroos, interact with adorable joeys, or take part in our engaging Keeper Talks and Feeding Shows. For a fun way to explore the park, hop on a Tractor Trailer Ride that takes you across our well-maintained, accessible pathways. We cater to all needs, with pram, wheelchair, and mobility scooter-friendly routes, as well as accessible toilets, showers, and a fully supported JennSwing in our playground.

Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council proudly own and operate Sand Dune Adventures, working closely to preserve, protect and share the stories, culture and heritage of Worimi Country. Everything they do is guided by a commitment to keeping culture strong and ensuring the history and significance of the land is respectfully shared with visitors.

Sand Dune Adventures provides an authentic Indigenous tourism experience that connects both Australians and international visitors to Country. With exclusive access to Aboriginal land, guests gain a rare and meaningful insight into the richness of Worimi culture, traditions and stories.

The experience combines culture with adventure, as visitors ride 400cc quad bikes across the largest coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Through this journey, guests explore the cultural landscape through a “Cultural Lens,” learning about the history, stories and traditions of the Worimi people.

Join us on beautiful Birubi Beach (end of James Paterson St, Anna Bay) for a relaxing camel ride. The day ride goes out along the small sand dunes and back along the beachfront. Walk in for a ride any time between 10:00am and 3:30pm. Our 20 minute day rides depart approximately every half hour.

Rod Sansom, the founder of Oakfield Ranch, found his love for animals after growing up around Oakvale Farm. A long-time camel and animal trainer, Rod works with horses, carriages, camels and hire for any occasion such as movies, commercials, weddings, school formals, anniversaries, birthdays, engagements. We now provide a wide range of animals for virtually any occasion you can think of.

Sahara Trails HORSE RIDING Port Stephens, offers something for everyone!

At Sahara Trails we have been providing safe and fun horse riding experiences since 1988. We provide HORSE RIDING for the whole family, from the absolute beginner to the most experienced rider, we have a ride that will cater to your ability. Come and enjoy one of our scenic guided trails, relax and experience the peace and tranquility of our beautiful surrounds.

Port Stephens has so many wonderful places to stay, play and eat it makes a wonderful holiday destination. With over 35 years of local knowledge, we can help you to not only enjoy your horse ride but experience Port Stephens as a destination.

Squids Dive Co is your go-to for small group ocean adventures in beautiful Port Stephens, NSW.

Led by local passionate freedivers and ocean lovers, we offer guided snorkel tours, freediving courses, and spearfishing experiences designed for all skill levels—from absolute beginners to ocean explorers.

Our tours are all about creating safe, inclusive, and unforgettable marine experiences. We keep our groups small to ensure personalised guidance, plenty of time in the water, and minimal impact on the environment. You’ll explore iconic local spots like Fly Point Marine Sanctuary, Shoal Bay, and beyond—rich with marine life including turtles, rays, cuttlefish, and seahorses.

We also offer youth programs, gear hire, and private sessions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re learning to hold your breath, chasing your first fish, or just want a relaxed snorkel with friends, we’ve got you covered.

Based in Shoal Bay, we’re a locally-owned business driven by ocean education, adventure, and community.

Fish Port Stephens Estuary Charters is Port Stephens only dedicated estuary fishing Charter boat. It is owned and operated by Paul Lennon who has spent lifetime fishing these waters and unlocking there secrets.

The fishing in Port Stephens is a ever changing with just about every month seeing different species show up just as another species slows down. Depending on time of year we could be Targeting Bream, Flathead, Whiting, Luderick, Mulloway, Kingfish, Tailor, Salmon and even Long Tail Tuna as well as throwing a trap or two in for a blue swimmer or mud crab!

Port Stephens is one of the largest and most beautiful estuary systems in NSW. The stunning backdrops and incredibly rich bird and marine life make it a very special place to fish. The main basin of the estuary provides an oceanic estuarine environment of shallow weed-beds, sand bars mud flats, rock-walls,oyster racks, wrecks as well as deep holes and troughs with some plummeting to over 40m in depth.

Our SUP school is located on the beach 100m west of the Shoal Bay boat ramp, towards Tomaree Headland. This location has been especially chosen for our paddleboard school as it is less crowded and is the most sheltered part of shoal bay. The area around our site is also a designated 8 knot zone which ensures your paddleboarding experience isnt disturbed by the waves or wake of jet skis or other boats travelling at speed.

If you are visiting Port Stephens and Standup Paddleboarding is on your list of things to do, make sure you visit us at Shoal Bay SUP. We will make sure you get onto the water doing it the right way and have fun at the same time. down near the boat ramp is very sheltered except from the summer prevailing north east winds. This area is also an 8 knot zone so very safe to learn to paddleboard.

All our paddleboard hires come with a introductory lesson for beginners included in the hire fee. Your lesson is prior to your hire and is not included in your hire time allowing you to learn the basics of Stand Up Paddleboarding before you get out o the water.

Horizons Golf Resort is an award winning 72 par championship golf course located in Salamander Bay, Port Stephens. Designed by renowned golf architects, Graham Marsh and Ross Watson, Horizons comprises of 18 magnificent holes with a world class layout.

This Watson-Marsh course was created from swampland with absolute dedication to a challenging design utilising natures countless offerings – lakes, bushland and wetland. The manicured bent grass greens are rated with the best in the country. The course features expansive lakes and undulating fairways, all surrounded by natural bushland and an abundance of wildlife.

Lights, popcorn… action! For more than 50 years, Nelson Bay Cinema has been the go-to spot for big screen magic on the Tomaree Peninsula. We’re proudly independent, proudly local, and proudly keeping the choc-top tradition alive.

School holidays? We’ve got the blockbusters the kids won’t stop talking about. Weekend staycation? Nothing says “relax” like a movie and popcorn in hand. Date night? We’ll set the mood (you just have to pick the rom-com). Group catch-up, birthdays, or community nights out? We’ve been hosting them all for decades.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, a trip to Nelson Bay isn’t complete without a stop at the cinema. Think of us as the town’s longest-running love story, still rolling after half a century.

Salamander Super Strike is Port Stephens’ go-to destination for fun and entertainment, offering the ultimate ten-pin bowling experience in Salamander Bay. With 12 lanes featuring the latest bowling technology, including glow-in-the-dark cosmic bowling, bumper bowling for kids and a lively arcade area, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, family outing or group event, we offer exciting party packages, regular tournaments and bumper bowling for younger players. Our venue also features a snack bar, café, licensed bar and a lively arcade area for added entertainment.

At Salamander Super Strike, we’re all about great experiences — from competitive team bowling and social leagues to cosmic bowling nights set to music and lights. Come strike up some fun with friends, family or colleagues!