Passengers embark on a 90-minute Dolphin Discovery Cruise with Moonshadow Cruises, exploring the turquoise waters of Port Stephens, a remarkable marine sanctuary.

This expansive natural harbour is home to around 140 bottlenose dolphins, renowned for their playful, intelligent behaviour. Guests can delight in watching these marine mammals frolic alongside the vessel or ride its bow waves, providing captivating photo opportunities.

The cruise also offers the chance to spot an array of other wildlife, including graceful pelicans, majestic sea eagles, and occasionally, curious seals. During the winter months, humpback whales add to the spectacle as they migrate along the coast, breaching and tail-slapping in dramatic displays.

With its abundance of marine life and breathtaking coastal scenery, this experience offers an immersive introduction to the natural beauty and biodiversity of Port Stephens, leaving passengers with lasting memories of close encounters with some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife in their pristine ocean habitat.

The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is a purpose-built facility dedicated to the long-term rehabilitation, preservation, and conservation of wild koalas.

Valued at AUD$10 million and jointly funded by the NSW State Government and Port Stephens Council, the sanctuary provides specialist care for sick, injured, or orphaned koalas, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by passionate staff before joining a guided Sanctuary Story Walk — a 250-metre accessible pathway featuring large koala sculptures and informative displays highlighting the threats to koala populations and the importance of habitat protection.

Visitors can also view the clinical services area of the state-of-the-art AUD$5 million Koala Hospital through a large glass window, gaining insight into the veterinary work supporting the species’ survival.

The experience culminates with the Sanctuary SKYwalk and viewing platform, a 225-metre elevated pathway that rises 10 metres into the treetop canopy, offering a rare opportunity to observe koalas in the wild.

Brighton Tours proudly supports the sanctuary’s mission, having adopted several wild koalas in its care, reinforcing its commitment to wildlife conservation in the Port Stephens region.

The final stop on the tour is the world-famous Stockton Sand Dunes, a breathtaking coastal desert stretching 32 kilometres and recognised as the largest mobile sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere.

For those seeking excitement, Port Stephens 4WD Tours delivers stunning landscapes, exhilarating sandboarding, and soft adventure suitable for all ages, creating an unforgettable experience.

Guests are welcomed by the friendly Port Stephens 4WD Tours team before boarding a distinctive 19-seat red 4WD bus for the short 2-kilometre journey to “The Dunes.” Once there, the adventure begins with the chance to sandboard down towering dunes in this spectacular setting.

The custom 4WD vehicles transport visitors to the high points of the dune system, offering panoramic views and the perfect starting point for thrilling downhill rides.

Expert guides provide safety instructions and tips to ensure a fun, safe, and memorable sandboarding experience on the largest coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.