As you depart the Sydney CBD you will be amazed by the stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the worlds's most beautiful harbour, Sydney Harbour. Now its time to sit back and relax as we travel north along the M1 Freeway through the pictureque Hawkesbury River catchment towards Port Stephens a marine wonderland of Dolphins and spectacular sand dunes. 

As we leave the M1 freeway and enter the Port Stephens local government area, we are entering the traditional lands of the local indigenous people the "Worimi". Ok now its time to board your boat to experience a marine wonderland with Moonshadow TQC cruises, the largest dolphin cruise company in NSW. Port Stephens is home to 160 bottle nose dolphins, one of the most beautiful marine mammals on the planet. There are heaps of other marine wildlife to see on the cruise from pelicans to seaeagles and even the occassional seal. You will experience 90 minutes of the blue blue waters of Port Stephens with expert commentary from Moonshadow's skippers. In the warmer months you can take a pluge in the boomnet at the rear of the boat. Make sure take plenty of photos to capture these magic moments. At the conclusion of your cruise you will enjoy an Aussie favorite lunch of fish and chips included as part of the tour on board your boat. 

After lunch we travel 10 minutes down the road to the  world famous Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. This is a multi-million dollar rehabilitation facility for Koalas that are injured in their own habitat. Once the koalas are fully recovered and able to fend for themselves they are released back into the wild. 

Our last experience  in Port Stephens is at the Stockton Beach sand dunes for sandboarding with Port Stephens 4WD Tours. The Stockton Beach sand dunes are the largest mobile sand dunes in the southern hemishere. Sandboarding is suitable for all ages from toddlers to grandparents. It is refered to as 'soft adventure however it is hardcore family fun. 

Now its time to hop back on board your coach and relax on your journey back to Sydney. I'm sure when you arrive back in Sydney you will go "Wow, that was one perfect day!"

6.45am – Depart Sydney and travel across the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a scenic drive along the spectacular NSW Central Coast. Short comfort stop en route.

10:00am –Arrive on the traditional lands of the Worimi people in the tranquil coastal village of Nelson Bay. Depart on 90-minute Dolphin Discovery Eco Cruise with Moonshadow -TQC Cruises on the turquoise blue waters of Port Stephens, a veritable marine wonderland. This extraordinary natural harbour is home to some 140 bottle nose dolphins who will en-trance you by their playful and intelligent nature as they frolic around the boat or surf the bow waves. Be mindful to also look out for other wildlife including pelicans, sea eagles, the occasional seaL During the warmer months you swim in Moonshadow's  boomnet at the rear of the boat. Stay onboard at the conclusion of the cruise for an Aussie Lunch of fish and chips included as part of your tour.

12:15pm - Depart Nelson Bay and travel to the world reknown Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary which supports the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koalas in the wild. This $13 million project has been jointly funded by the NSW State Government and the Port Stephens council to provide care for sick, injured or orphaned Koalas with the aim of releasing them back into the wild. 

Brighton Tours proudly supports the conservation and preservation efforts of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary having adopted several wild koalas in their care. Our visit here today will make a direct contribution to the preservation of wild Koalas in Port Stephens.

12:30pm – Accompany your guide on the Sanctuary Story Walk, along a flat 250m pathway with large Koala sculptures that educate about Koala and its natural habitat.  Clients can take a look into the $ 5 million Koala Hospital which is making a direct contribution to the long-term survivability of the wild Koala population in the Port Stephens region. The final attraction is the Sanctuary SKYwalk a 225mtr elevated pathway with viewing platforms in the tree top canopy where you have the rare opportunity of seeing one of Australia’s most iconic marsupials in the wild.  

2:00pm – Depart the Koala Sanctuary for the sand dunes and a 4WD adventure.

2:15pm – Our final stop is at the world-renowned Stockton sand dunes, a coastal desert that is 32km long and the largest mobile sand dune system in the southern hemisphere.  Meet your friendly drivers from Port Stephens 4WD Tours, and board a 21-seater 4WD Red bus for the 2km drive to “The Dunes”. Now it’s time for Adventure as you sand board down the huge sand dunes that make up this idyllic setting. Sandboarding is suitable for all age from toddlers, mum and dad to grandparents. It is refered to as 'soft adventure' however it is 'hard core' family fun. 

3:30pm – Depart for Sydney

6.30pm – Arrive back in Sydney (timings are approximates depending on traffic flows).

• 1.5-hour Dolphin Eco Discovery cruise on Port Stephens
• Lunch on board the boat after the cruise- Aussie Fish N Chips
• See wild Koalas rehabilitating at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary 
• 4WD drive along the Stockton Bight sand dunes
• Unlimited Sandboarding Adventure
• Return transport from Sydney to Port Stephens on a luxury coach 
• Expert commentary 
• Bottled water and a snacks
• Tips for driver and guide

• Comfortable casual clothing & footwear
• Sunglasses, hat & sun cream are recommended
• Camera
• Swimming costume (and a change of clothes) in summer if you want to try boom netting onboard the dolphin cruise
• Dress warmer for winter months