Reliable Car Hire in Port Stephens

Dolphin and Whale Watching

Want to spot dolphins and whales in the wild? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Port Stephens is home to over 140 bottlenose dolphins that surf and frolic in the ocean along the coast. And, come whale watching season it is a magical spot to see the many species of whales that migrate along the shores to and from warmer waters. If you’re spotting from the shore, the beaches are your best vantage points to catch a glimpse, or if you want to get up close, book a cruise and head out on the ocean. Create memories that last while watching these majestic creatures, and if you want an experience like no other, some tours offer swimming with wild dolphins.

Surf the Stockton Sand Dunes

Discover the Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Located within the Worimi Conservation Lands, the dunes are a striking terrain with over 32 km of stunning sandscapes to explore. The Worimi National Park is a special Indigenous site with a rich history and breathtaking scenery featuring forest, ocean and sandy stretches. Come to the dunes for a fun day, slip and slide down the slopes, book a 4WD tour to learn more about the location, explore on quad bikes, or immerse yourself with a horse or camel ride along the shore. This is truly an exciting experience that you won’t want to miss.

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Visit some Australian icons at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary home to cute koalas living in a natural environment. The sanctuary supports the rehabilitation and conservation of koalas in the wild, and the hospital provides care for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas. When you come to the sanctuary, you’ll begin with a tour from one of the expert guides, learning about the care, rehabilitation, and koalas in the wild. From there, you’ll be free to explore the grounds. There are 3 main attractions: The Sanctuary Story Walk, an educational walk sharing the story of koalas; the Koala Hospital, where you can glimpse the first-class care inside from the viewing window; and the Sanctuary SKYwalk, which has a viewing platform close to the tree tops to spot fluffy koalas. Additionally, you can spend the night on a unique glamping adventure and listen to the sounds of these furry marsupials.

Tomaree National Park

Immerse yourself in nature at the spectacular Tomaree National Park. You won't know where to start with breathtaking views almost everywhere you look. Pack all the necessities and get ready for a day of adventure exploring the depths of the park and all it has to offer. There are stops to spot the whales migrating, magnificent lookouts, and locations of historical significance like Fort Tomaree. Did you know this is the only place in NSW where you can see outcrops of rhyodacite, an acid volcanic rock. The top things to see and do are the Tomaree Head Summit Walk, a short but challenging 2.2 km return walk with glorious views of the ocean and surrounding area; Zenith Beach, a pristine shore encased in rocky headlands; and Tomaree Coastal Walk, a 27 km walk that retraces ancient tracks that the Worimi People once used. These are only a few of the many sights and activities to do in Tomaree National Park.

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters

Get up close and personal with creatures of the sea at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters. Here, you'll be able to feed and pet beautiful rays and sharks in an activity the whole family can join. Tickets include a Shallows Encounter, where rays glide along the lagoon's shallow waters. From there, you can book a dive in the deep end with various species of sharks and rays, snorkelling and swimming alongside these marvellous animals. There are even educational experiences like the Mini Marine Biologist to learn behind the scenes of caring for the animals. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is an interactive aquarium aiming to impact the preservation and conservation of the ocean and a fantastic cause to support by visiting on your next trip to Port Stephens.

Spend the day in Nelson Bay

Known as the heart of Port Stephens, Nelson Bay is a must-visit destination during your next stay. If you're looking for things to do there is everything from trendy cafes, restaurants, the marina, and retail stores. There is also a range of fun activities and sightseeing spots that are worth checking out. Toboggan Hill Park is a fun activity for the whole family, where you can race down 1 km of track that twists and turns as you zip down on your toboggan. The park also has a tractor ride, maze, indoor rock climbing, hot ice skating, jumping castles and air hockey. Another stop is the Gan Gan Lookout for stunning panoramic views of Port Stephens and the sparkling ocean below. Nelson Bay is jam-packed with many things to do and see that you won't want to leave till you've seen it all.  

Tilligerry Habitat Reserve

Tilligerry Habitat Reserve is a beautiful wildlife habitat home to koalas, birds and other animals. This one is for nature lovers with opportunities to spot and observe furry koalas, and over 100 species of colourful birds, even endangered species like the Regent Honeyeater, have been spotted. Take a self-guided tour throughout the boardwalks or a sensory walk with stops to taste, touch and smell along the way. There are also guided tours to learn more about the flora and fauna that live within the reserve and about the history of the area.

Beach Day

A day of beach hopping is a must in a spot as gorgeous as Port Stephens. Pack your sunscreen and favourite book and prepare for some fun in the sun on the beaches of Port Stephen. Surf, snorkel or swim at One Mile Beach, Fingal Bay Beach, and Anna Bay. Each beach is posted with lifeguards and are great options for families. Anna Bay is also the entry point where you can find the iconic sand dunes. For calmer waters and fewer crowds, consider one of the coastal pockets like Corlette Beach or Dutchman's Bay Beach. With so many stunning shores and picture-perfect beaches, you're spoilt for choice, so why not visit a few?