Adventure in Port Stephens

Home to a spectacular mix of turquoise waters, giant sand dunes and a myriad of beaches, Port Stephens offers plenty for those with an adventurous spirit. Go sailing alongside bottlenose dolphins or scuba diving in crystal clear waters, hike to the summit of Tomaree Head and explore the incredible Stockton Bight Sand Dunes by 4WD or quad bike.

Giant sand dunes

The towering golden Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands offer a variety of adventure activities. Learn about the area’s Aboriginal heritage on a quad biking tour, fly down the dunes on a sandboard or visit the Tin City, a tiny village located within the dunes.

The beach in front of the dunes is the longest beach in NSW. You can explore the 32km Stockton Beach on horseback with Sahara Trails or saddle up on a camel with Oakfield Ranch. Take your own 4WD onto the dunes with 4WD Tag-Along and Passenger Tours and be guided across the sandy hills.

Nature walks & cycling

For an adventure on foot, join Escape Trekking Adventures, who offer bushwalking and camping tours of the sublime coastline. Or bring your mountain bike and explore the natural beauty of the area on a wonderful network of shared paths and coastal wilderness tracks, including in Tomaree National Park.

Aquatic adventures

Port Stephens is an aquatic playground. Learn to surf or take a stand up paddle boarding tour. Touch sharks and Australia’s largest stingrays at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters. On this incredible adventure for all ages, you’ll interact with these amazing creatures in shallow aquarium waters.

For an underwater adventure, the Fly Point – Halifax Park Aquatic Reserve is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. In the clear waters of the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park, you can easily spot sponge gardens and colourful fish such as blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse.

The Pipeline dive site at Nelson Bay is a renowned shore dive. You might spot thorny seahorse among the sponges and soft corals between the pipe and the break wall. Off Cabbage Tree Island is the 1903 shipwreck SS Oakland or dive with the resident grey nurse sharks off Broughton Island.

The beautiful marine park is also home to over 100 bottlenose dolphins. Join a dolphin-watching cruise with Imagine Cruises and Moonshadow – TQC Cruises or you can swim alongside the beautiful mammals with Dolphin Swim Australia. Learn to sail in the pristine waters of Port Stephens with Blue Water Sailing.