Things to do in Nelson Bay

Soldiers Point Bowling Club

Ingenia Holidays Middle Rock

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Taronga Zoo Sydney

The Taronga Zoo shows tourists Sydney's original scenery and brings them with a satisfying wildlife experience. With incredible lush native forest belts and harbour views, it is an ideal place to enjoy Australian animals and addicting Sydney views. △ Meet Australian native animals △ Enjoy daily animal performances △ Get up close and feed the animals

Port Stephens 4WD Tours

A family owned and operated business and we have been operating for over 22 years. We operate on the unique coastal landscape known as Stockton beach which boasts the largest moving coastal sand mass in the Southern hemisphere. Not only do we offer a fun, exciting and safe family orientated sand boarding adventures (our most popular activity!) on top of the highest dunes, but we also offer beach and dune tours, and educational tours for school students. Private charter options are available for interest groups, conference groups, seniors clubs, film crews and birthday parties, or simply for those who prefer a small private tour. Port Stephens 4WD Tours are a fully accredited 4WD tour operator and our staff are passionate about showcasing the Stockton Sand Dunes to everyone! All vehicles are accommodated by a friendly driver who is qualified and complies with Ministry of Transport requirements. The driver holds a Senior First Aid certificate, and has endless knowledge and experience with the sand dune ecosystem at Stockton Beach.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Australia

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise

The Sydney Whale Watching Cruise is a unique local experience where travelers have the opportunity to observe whales up close. From May to November each year, tens of thousands of humpback whales migrate north from Antarctic waters, passing near Sydney: late June to early July marks the peak northbound period, while after September and October, mother whales with their calves can often be seen slowly returning south along the coastline. Popular whale watching itineraries usually depart from darling harbour or circular quay. The cruise is equipped with advanced facilities, allowing you to enjoy the sea journey without missing any whale watching opportunities.

Port Stephens

Port Stephens, located in the north of Sydney, South Wales, Australia, is known as the "Blue Water Paradise", integrating fishing, whale watching, rowing, sandboarding, flying, and outdoor barbecues. It is about two and a half hours' drive from Sydney, and it is very convenient to come by car. 1. Dolphin and whale watching Dolphins and whales are the biggest highlights of Port Stephens. There are more than 90-120 bottlenose dolphins living here all year round. You can take a dolphin-watching cruise, dolphins will jump out of the water to greet you, and you can lean on the rails and play with them. Port Stephens is also a suitable home for thousands of whales. Every year from the end of May to the beginning of November, swarms of humpback whales will come and go here. They are huge, some weighing more than 40 tons. Take a seasonal whale watching cruise to see their adorable naivety! Fisherman's Bay and Anna Bay in the south are good whale and dolphin watching spots. 2. Port Attractions There are many viewing points in the port, and you can climb up and overlook any one of them, and have a panoramic view of the coastal scenery. The lighthouse in Nelson Point at the entrance of Port Stephens is still in play. The lighthouse is currently open to the public. There is a renovated small museum under the tower, as well as restaurants and canteens. Just a few minutes walk to the Flying Point Marine Conservation Area, overlooking the stretch of coastline. 3. Port Stephens Port Stephens has a vast sandy land with soft sand, making it a famous sandboarding paradise in the southern hemisphere! As far as the eye can see, the west of Anna Bay is a few kilometers of sand dunes, which are larger in the southern hemisphere. You can sign up for sandboarding, or you can take a quad bike or four-wheel drive to explore the Stockton Dunes.

Birubi Beach

Bagnall Beach

Reflections Jimmys Beach - Holiday Park

Stockton Sand Dunes

This is a sand dune area in Port Stephens, home to animals such as kangaroos, emus, and lizards, and a great place for camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking.