Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise Koalas Sandboarding Japanese Tour
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Group size
- Up to 50 people
- Guide
- Japanese
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the Japanese-guided version of the Port Stephens day trip that is our pick on the Port Stephens tours page for travellers without a car. The day is the same: a 90-minute Moonshadow dolphin cruise in Nelson Bay, Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary entry, and a 4WD ride onto the Stockton dunes with sandboarding. Water and a snack are included. It rates close to 5, from about 30 reviews.
The listing gives a 7am departure and a return by 7pm. If you do not book pickup, the group meets at Coach Bay 8 on the western forecourt of Central Station, and our page notes that hotel pickup on this tour cuts off at 3pm the day before. Lunch is at your own cost in Nelson Bay. It is a long day, much of it on the road, and the dune climb is steep. The listing says it is not recommended for anyone pregnant or with spinal or heart problems.
Good for
- Japanese speakers who want a guide in their own language
- Dolphins, koalas and the dunes in one day without a car
Think twice if
- You get carsick or dislike long coach days
- You prefer an English-speaking guide. Book the main tour
Written by SydneySide Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked October 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
Explore the breathtaking Port Stephens on this full-day adventure, featuring a dolphin discovery cruise and wildlife encounters. Begin your day with a scenic drive from Sydney, followed by a 1.5-hour dolphin cruise where you can spot playful bottlenose dolphins. Visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to see these iconic marsupials up close and learn about conservation efforts. Thrill-seekers will enjoy a 4WD ride along the Stockton Bight sand dunes and the chance to sandboard down the largest mobile sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. Making this tour perfect for families and nature lovers alike.
- Full-day tour departing Sydney at 7 am and returning by 7 pm
- Experienced Japanese Speaking Tour Guide
- 1.5-hour Dolphin Discovery cruise in Port Stephens' turquoise waters
- Visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary and learn about wildlife conservation
- Enjoy sandboarding adventure on the stunning Stockton sand dunes
From the listing by Brighton Tours - Gray Line Sydney on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- Arrive on the traditional lands of the Worimi people in the tranquil coastal village of Nelson Bay. Depart on 90-minute Dolphin Discovery Cruise with Moonshadow 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 entrance 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 and of course humpback whales during the winter months. About 90 min.
- Lunch will be at your own expense in Nelson Bay, allowing you the flexibility to choose from a variety of local dining options. About 60 min.
- Depart Nelson Bay and travel to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary which supports the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koala in the wild. This $ 10 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. 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. About 30 min.
- 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 19-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. About 60 min.
What's included
- Dolphin Watching Cruise Ticket
- Sand Boarding Ticket Included
- 4WD Experience on Stockton Beach
- Koala Sanctuary Admission Ticket
- Bottle water and snack
Not included
- Personal Expenses
- Lunch
Meeting point
If pickup is not required, our group will meet you at Central Station Western Forecourt Coach Bay #8.
Google map search: Brighton Tours Meeting Point
Tour guide & Pickup time will be sent on one day prior to the tour, through email and SMS.
If pickup is not required, our group will meet you at Central Station Western Forecourt Coach Bay #8.
Google map search: Brighton Tours Meeting Point
Due to operational management reasons, hotel pickup will not be available for bookings made after 3:00 PM on the day prior to the tour.
If your booking falls into this category, please kindly make your own way to the meeting point below:
Meeting Point:
Coach Bay 8, Western Forecourt
Central Station, Sydney
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you on the tour!
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that when passenger numbers are low, the tour may operate as a bilingual tour.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our port stephens tours page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
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