Port Stephens may have a reputation for being Sydney's laid-back cousin, but look beyond its tranquil surface and you'll find that this place is packed with high-octane land adventures & thrilling boat tours! With its iconic mix of turquoise waters, sprawling beaches, gigantic sand dunes and legendary marine life, Port Stephens offers more than just a seaside retreat.
Sure, Port Stephens is the kind of place where time slows down — where it’s all about simply lounging on the beach, basking in the sun and watching the day go by. But if you're itching for a little more adventure, then this blog is just what you need! Read on to uncover some of the most exciting Port Stephens adventure activities.
Sandboarding, 4WD tours & more
The legendary Stockton Bight Sand Dunes of Port Stephens, in the Worimi Conservation Land, aren’t just the largest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere — they’re nature’s playground for adventure! This vast expanse of sand demands high-octane thrills, and racing down from its summit at breakneck speeds on a sand board is the best way to get a taste of it (literally). It’s easily one of the top things to do in Port Stephens.
Turn up the thrill-o-meter with a thrilling 4WD drive across the dunes! Or better yet, add a bit of ‘intrigue’ into the mix and visit ‘Tin City’, an off-the-grid shack village, which you might have seen in the Sci-fi blockbuster Mad Max (1979). Trust us, you won’t believe there’s a place like this in Australia till you see it!
Chase the ocean’s biggest stars
The local Bottlenose Dolphins and the seasonal Humpback Whales are all part of Port Stephens seaside community. Join a dolphin watching cruise and watch these brilliant creatures ride the waves and swim alongside you like old friends. Or, take it up a notch and snorkel alongside them, it’s just like being part of their fun little pod!
But that’s not all! Visit between May to November and enjoy front-row access to one of Earth’s greatest marine shows! Port Stephens is arguably one of the best places in Australia to spot whales off the coast. Witness colossal Humpback Whales breach, lob-tail and pec-slap, right before you! And, between chasing the Humpbacks, some Skippers will take you close to Cabbage Tree Island, where you’ll find one of the only nesting grounds of the highly threatened Gould’s petrel!
NOTE: If you plan to do the Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises in Port Stephens, it is best to plan ahead and book early. Check out our website for departure times and availability.
Broughton Island kayaking
You’ll think kayaking is a peaceful pastime, until you paddle your way to Broughton Island. Kayaking to Broughton Island is a test of grit and endurance through crystal-clear waters, past rugged cliffs and hidden sea caves, all leading to the remote island. Here, camping is not only permitted, but also encouraged by the NSW National Parks! Snorkel the kaleidoscopic coral reefs teeming with marine life, explore untouched beaches, keep an eye out for fairy penguins and stargaze into the night.
Conquer an iconic summit
Most locals you meet in Port Stephens are gonna ask if you’ve conquered the Tomaree Head Summit. If you’re after a view that makes every step worthwhile, this is where it’s at. The short, but steep, walk rewards you with panoramic vistas of Shoal Bay, the rugged beauty of Zenith Beach and the seemingly endless Pacific Ocean.
The hike’s no cakewalk but still doable for beginners and there’s plenty of time to stop in between and soak up everything Port Stephens has to offer. Reaching the summit is an exhilarating moment — get ready for that classic mix of ‘Wow, I did it!’ and Wow, what a view!’
Go underwater at Fly Point
Adventure doesn’t stop at the shoreline — Fly Point is your gateway to a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life including colourful coral gardens and swirling schools of tropical fish.
No matter if you've done it before or it's your absolute first time, expect to share the water with sea turtles, giant cuttlefish and the occasional Wobbegong Shark. Glide through the clear-blue, feel the weightlessness and let the ocean pull you into its spell. There are incredible Port Stephens boat tours that let you snorkel off the boat! Check them out if you’re interested.
Reading this far, do you still think Port Stephens is just a sleepy coastal town? We thought so too! Whether you’re tackling legendary dunes, chasing ocean giants or scaling coastal peaks, the only thing you won’t find here is a dull moment. So, those with that extra adventurous spirit, pack your bags and visit Port Stephens today!
Sure, Port Stephens is the kind of place where time slows down — where it’s all about simply lounging on the beach, basking in the sun and watching the day go by. But if you're itching for a little more adventure, then this blog is just what you need! Read on to uncover some of the most exciting Port Stephens adventure activities.
Sandboarding, 4WD tours & more
The legendary Stockton Bight Sand Dunes of Port Stephens, in the Worimi Conservation Land, aren’t just the largest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere — they’re nature’s playground for adventure! This vast expanse of sand demands high-octane thrills, and racing down from its summit at breakneck speeds on a sand board is the best way to get a taste of it (literally). It’s easily one of the top things to do in Port Stephens.
Turn up the thrill-o-meter with a thrilling 4WD drive across the dunes! Or better yet, add a bit of ‘intrigue’ into the mix and visit ‘Tin City’, an off-the-grid shack village, which you might have seen in the Sci-fi blockbuster Mad Max (1979). Trust us, you won’t believe there’s a place like this in Australia till you see it!
Chase the ocean’s biggest stars
The local Bottlenose Dolphins and the seasonal Humpback Whales are all part of Port Stephens seaside community. Join a dolphin watching cruise and watch these brilliant creatures ride the waves and swim alongside you like old friends. Or, take it up a notch and snorkel alongside them, it’s just like being part of their fun little pod!
But that’s not all! Visit between May to November and enjoy front-row access to one of Earth’s greatest marine shows! Port Stephens is arguably one of the best places in Australia to spot whales off the coast. Witness colossal Humpback Whales breach, lob-tail and pec-slap, right before you! And, between chasing the Humpbacks, some Skippers will take you close to Cabbage Tree Island, where you’ll find one of the only nesting grounds of the highly threatened Gould’s petrel!
NOTE: If you plan to do the Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises in Port Stephens, it is best to plan ahead and book early. Check out our website for departure times and availability.
Broughton Island kayaking
You’ll think kayaking is a peaceful pastime, until you paddle your way to Broughton Island. Kayaking to Broughton Island is a test of grit and endurance through crystal-clear waters, past rugged cliffs and hidden sea caves, all leading to the remote island. Here, camping is not only permitted, but also encouraged by the NSW National Parks! Snorkel the kaleidoscopic coral reefs teeming with marine life, explore untouched beaches, keep an eye out for fairy penguins and stargaze into the night.
Conquer an iconic summit
Most locals you meet in Port Stephens are gonna ask if you’ve conquered the Tomaree Head Summit. If you’re after a view that makes every step worthwhile, this is where it’s at. The short, but steep, walk rewards you with panoramic vistas of Shoal Bay, the rugged beauty of Zenith Beach and the seemingly endless Pacific Ocean.
The hike’s no cakewalk but still doable for beginners and there’s plenty of time to stop in between and soak up everything Port Stephens has to offer. Reaching the summit is an exhilarating moment — get ready for that classic mix of ‘Wow, I did it!’ and Wow, what a view!’
Go underwater at Fly Point
Adventure doesn’t stop at the shoreline — Fly Point is your gateway to a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life including colourful coral gardens and swirling schools of tropical fish.
No matter if you've done it before or it's your absolute first time, expect to share the water with sea turtles, giant cuttlefish and the occasional Wobbegong Shark. Glide through the clear-blue, feel the weightlessness and let the ocean pull you into its spell. There are incredible Port Stephens boat tours that let you snorkel off the boat! Check them out if you’re interested.
Reading this far, do you still think Port Stephens is just a sleepy coastal town? We thought so too! Whether you’re tackling legendary dunes, chasing ocean giants or scaling coastal peaks, the only thing you won’t find here is a dull moment. So, those with that extra adventurous spirit, pack your bags and visit Port Stephens today!
