Port Stephens

Sand Dune Adventures (SDA) offers clients an exclusive 'Cultural Quad Bike Riding' experience like no other; traversing the majestic and traditional landscape of the Worimi Sand Dunes / Port Stephens in NSW, recorded as the largest coastal moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. Customers ride safely from bush to beach on a 400cc quad bike and take in the glorious views of the sweeping coastline (no experience necessary) with experienced Aboriginal guides. Customers receive hands-on introductions to authentic Aboriginal culture and history, visiting ancient campsites and learning about the local bush foods, medicines and the secrets of finding fresh water. SDA tours cater from beginners to the experience and offer the thrill of riding sand dunes that climb as high as 100 feet. So if it is adrenalin or just cruising; SDA offers the greatest adventure on one of Australia's greatest kept secrets, the Worimi Sand Dunes!

Take the invigorating short walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, 161 metres above the Port Stephens entrance. As you hike the track, you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of idyllic Port Stephens and its coastline. From the top, you can even see as far as Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands – these nature reserves are the world’s only nesting sites for the endangered Gould's petrel. When you reach the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah and Broughton Islands from the north platform. From the south platform, views of Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, Fingal Island and Point Stephens Lighthouse will be sure to impress. Be sure to check out the historic World War II gun emplacements. Take your binoculars as you might be lucky to see some dolphins. There’s a picnic table at the lookout, so if you have time, take a picnic lunch or some morning tea to enjoy as you take in the view. On the way back down, don’t forget to try Fort Tomaree walk.

Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters are leaders in marine educations, conservation and fun. This unique experience is unmatched by any other location in the country. Visitors interact with marine life during a guided shark encounter tour; joining them in their world, petting and feeding them all under the ever-watchful eyes of the experienced guides. Irukandji is a massive family, fish and staff alike, as they set out to reveal the true character of some of the worlds most beautiful, intelligent, elusive creatures, at the same time they educate visitors about Australia's delicate ocean ecosystems, ocean pollution and conservation. Located in the beautiful Port Stephens on the mid north coast: one of the best holiday destinations in Australia.

The highest lookout in Port Stephens offers spectacular views, especially at dusk. On a clear day you can see all the way down the peninsula to the Newcastle docks, and north-west over Hawks Nest to the gigantic headlands of Nelson Head and Nelson Bay. The drive up Lily Hill road to Gan Gan Lookout - through an abundance of Gymea lilies, which grow to five metres - is gorgeous.

The 98,000 hectare Great Lakes Marine Park extends from Stockton Beach to Forster - including Port Stephens, Karuah River, Myall River, Myall and Smiths Lake - and three nautical miles out to sea. On shore, the bushland has many indigenous cultural and spiritual sites. Offshore, deep submerged cliffs create a water heaven for divers. An official marine conservation area, the park is home to dolphins, turtles, fish, seabirds and seaweeds, along with threatened species such as grey nurse sharks and green turtles.

The award-winning Hunter Region Botanic Gardens feature more than 30 hectares of tranquil landscaped gardens displaying the beauty and diversity of Australian native flora. The gardens also feature are large expanse of natural bushland with several walking tracks. The walks provide an opportunity to see local plants and wildlife including birds, goannas, possums, wallabies and koalas.

Stockton Beach stretches 32 km and is a sweeping expanse of sand and sand dunes and Australia’s largest moving coastal sand mass. The gigantic dunes, behind Birubi Beach at Anna Bay, are a magnet for sand boarders, 4WD and quad bike enthusiasts. The beach is also great for swimming and learning to surf. Rich with marine life, fishing and diving is also popular at Stockton. After your adventures, enjoy a picnic and barbecue in the park next to the beach.