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Hello everyone! I’m back with another recommendation for your next incredible trip.
This time, I want to introduce a truly special experience in Sydney: The Port Stephens Full Course Tour (Oakvale Zoo / Sandboarding / Dolphin Cruise / Winery Lunch).
If you’re planning a trip to Sydney, you probably already know about iconic spots like the Opera House and Bondi Beach.
But trust me, if you want a taste of Australia's true nature and adventure, you absolutely cannot miss Port Stephens.
It’s a destination that perfectly combines wildlife, desert landscapes, and stunning coastal views, all in one action-packed day.
I truly hope this guide helps you create safe and joyful memories during your journey.
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Are you planning your trip?
Many people visit Sydney for short trips, maybe 3 or 4 days.
When you only have a few days, it’s really hard to fit in everything you want to see and do.
You want to see the city landmarks, but you also want to experience Australia’s unique wildlife and natural beauty.
Driving out to these places on your own can be stressful and time-consuming.
That's exactly why this Port Stephens tour is perfect.
It gathers all of Port Stephens' best attractions—sand dunes, kangaroos, koalas, and dolphins—into a single, hassle-free day trip.
Instead of spending hours planning logistics, you just hop on the bus and let the experts take care of everything.
It’s the most efficient way to maximize your experience, especially if you have limited time.
This tour allows you to capture the essence of Australia beyond the city limits.
Click here to compare various Port Stephens tour options on MyRealTrip.
Why is this tour special?
What sets this tour apart from others is how well it combines diverse activities into a seamless experience.
You start your day by meeting some truly unique Australian animals, transition to an exciting desert adventure, and then find yourself on a relaxing dolphin-watching cruise, all while enjoying delicious food in between.
The guides on this tour are exceptional.
Many travelers have commented that the guides are incredibly knowledgeable and also excellent at optimizing the itinerary based on the day's conditions, such as weather or crowds.
They often adjust the schedule on the fly to ensure everyone has the best possible experience.
For example, if it's going to be really hot in the afternoon, they'll often suggest starting with sandboarding in the morning, which is a brilliant move.
This level of care and flexibility makes a huge difference, especially when you're traveling long distances.
It really takes the stress out of planning and lets you simply enjoy the moment.
Detailed Itinerary Breakdown
This tour packs a punch, starting with an early morning departure from Sydney.
The first stop is Oakvale Wildlife Park.
This isn’t your typical zoo with animals locked in small cages; here, kangaroos and wallabies roam freely.
The highlight is getting up close with koalas and feeding the kangaroos.
Multiple reviews mention starting early allows for an open run, where you get to enjoy the park before the crowds arrive.
Next up, we head to B Farm by Murray's.
This is where you’ll enjoy a delicious casual dining experience along with wine tasting.
Many reviews rave about the quality of the food and the picturesque setting of the winery.
After lunch, you have the option for a dolphin-watching cruise or free time at Nelson Bay.
The cruise boasts a high probability of spotting wild dolphins, which is truly magical.
Finally, we hit the sand dunes for the main event: sandboarding!
The vast, golden dunes stretch out like a real desert, providing a stunning backdrop for photos.
While climbing up the dunes can be challenging, sliding down is incredibly exhilarating.
Recommended Schedule
The tour schedule is carefully designed to make the most of your day, but here's a rough flow based on a typical experience.
You'll start early (around 7 AM) from Sydney to reach Port Stephens by mid-morning.
The order of activities can be flexible, as many reviews point out that guides like Jayden and Kim Tae-young often adjust based on weather conditions.
A common and highly recommended flow is to visit Oakvale Wildlife Park first, followed by the winery lunch.
After lunch, you head to Nelson Bay for the dolphin cruise (or free time).
The day typically culminates with the high-energy sandboarding activity, taking advantage of the afternoon's warmth and light for great photos.
If you choose to skip the dolphin cruise, you get about 1.5 hours of free time at Nelson Bay.
You can use this time to explore the lookout point, relax by the beach, or grab a coffee at a local cafe, just like some other travelers have done.
Location Guide
Port Stephens is located approximately 2.5 hours north of Sydney by car.
It's known as the Dolphin Capital of Australia due to the large pod of bottlenose dolphins that live there year-round.
The tour covers several key areas within Port Stephens.
Oakvale Wildlife Park is located in Salt Ash, offering an immersive wildlife experience.
The winery lunch takes place at B Farm by Murray's, known for its scenic setting and local wines.
The dolphin cruise departs from Nelson Bay, a charming coastal town.
The sandboarding takes place on the massive sand dunes of Anna Bay, which truly feel like a desert landscape right next to the ocean.
While it’s a long journey from Sydney, the diverse experiences offered make it worthwhile.
This tour essentially acts as your personal chariot, taking you from Sydney to all these unique locations without any hassle.
Travel Tips & Preparations
Since this is a full-day tour with diverse activities, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure comfort.
First, wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
For sandboarding, specifically, many people noted that sand gets everywhere, so wear shoes you can easily shake off, or better yet, go barefoot.
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable for sun protection, especially in the open sand dunes.
If you're prone to motion sickness, consider bringing medication, particularly for the drive and the dolphin cruise.
Finally, take advantage of the guide's expertise!
Many reviews highlight how guides like Jayden and Kim Tae-young are excellent photographers and will help you capture incredible shots, so don't be shy about asking.
They're also full of local tips for the rest of your Sydney trip.
Recommended Tour Options
This tour focuses on the full course experience, but you can customize it by choosing to opt out of certain activities like the dolphin cruise.
If you're short on time but want to see the key highlights, this full-day package is unbeatable.
For those looking to add more value to their Sydney trip, this tour package often includes additional benefits.
Check out the provided free City Youth Walking Tours—both morning and sunset options.
These walking tours offer a fantastic way to explore Sydney's landmarks with a local guide, completely free of charge (tips optional).
It's a great bonus that adds depth to your city exploration, connecting your Port Stephens adventure with the urban culture of Sydney.
Booking this tour not only gives you a great day out but also enhances the overall value of your Sydney vacation.
Conclusion
As a power blogger, I’ve seen countless tours, but this Port Stephens tour truly stands out for its variety and value.
It’s a perfect microcosm of Australia: wildlife, vast landscapes, beautiful coastline, and adventure.
It’s a long day, starting early and getting back late, but every minute is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a family, or with friends, this tour offers something for everyone.
It's more than just a tour; it's an immersive experience that will redefine your perception of Sydney and its surrounding nature.
I highly recommend it as a must-do activity for anyone visiting this part of the world.
Review Spotlight
I just got back from this incredible Port Stephens tour, and I have to say, it exceeded all expectations! From the moment we set off, I knew this was going to be special. My guide was fantastic; he was so friendly and kept the energy up during the whole drive, cracking jokes and giving us interesting tidbits about Australia.
The first stop, Oakvale Wildlife Park, was definitely a highlight. We got there early, almost like an open run, and were able to take our time feeding the kangaroos and wallabies. I even got to stroke a koala! It wasn't just a quick photo op; it felt like a genuine, close-up encounter with these amazing animals. The open space really let the animals move around freely, and I found it much more fulfilling than a regular zoo experience.
Next, we went for lunch at B Farm Winery. The setting was so lovely, and the hamburger I had was delicious—definitely better than typical tour food. The wine tasting was also great, and I ended up buying a bottle of white wine to take home because it was so good!
I chose to skip the dolphin cruise and opted for some free time at Nelson Bay. It was such a relaxing decision. I found a lovely spot by the water, enjoyed a coffee, and just soaked in the beautiful scenery. It was a perfect break before the final adventure.
And oh boy, the sandboarding! Climbing up the dune was definitely a workout, but the view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. Sliding down was so much fun and surprisingly not as scary as I thought it might be. My guide took so many awesome pictures for everyone, including some great action shots that I'll cherish forever.
Honestly, if you're traveling to Sydney, especially if you're short on time, this tour is a non-negotiable. It's a long day, but it’s packed with so many varied experiences that you won't feel like you wasted a single moment. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic Australian adventure!
Tags: [Sydney Tour], [Port Stephens], [Sandboarding], [Dolphin Watching], [Oakvale Wildlife Park], [Sydney Day Trip], [Winery], [Koala Feeding], [Kangaroo Feeding], [Australia Travel]