Embark on an action-packed day tour of Port Stephens, starting with a scenic boat cruise watching our resident bottlenose dolphins frolic in clear waters.
Next visit Oakvale Wildlife Park for a BBQ lunch and an exclusive koala encounter, followed by feeding and interacting with a variety of native Australian animals.
Spend a full day with Australia’s wildlife on this small group tour from Newcastle to Port Stephens. We collect you from your accommodation and take care of the whole day, from a dolphin cruise on the bay to a private koala encounter and a BBQ lunch.
Dolphin Boat Cruise
Our journey kicks off with a scenic drive to Port Stephens, where the fun begins with a thrilling 1.5-hour dolphin boat cruise. Glide through crystal-clear waters as you keep a watchful eye for playful bottlenose dolphins, with over 100 of these charming creatures calling the bay home. Enjoy stunning views of Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands, and for a splash of extra excitement, take the optional boomnet ride (don’t forget your swimmers!).
Sand Dunes
After our dolphin escapade, we’ll make our way to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest moving sand dunes. Stop for a breathtaking view and snap some incredible photos against the backdrop of these stunning dunes.
Animal Encounters and BBQ Lunch
Next, we head to Oakvale Wildlife Park for an unforgettable Koala encounter. Enjoy a private 10-minute session to pat these cuddly creatures and snap plenty of photos.
Indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch, and get ready to meet an array of Australian wildlife. Hand-feed the free-roaming kangaroos with the bag of animal food we provide, then meet quokkas, farm animals, dingoes, wombats, emus and the Tasmanian devil up close. Feeling adventurous? Bottle-feed the baby goats and catch the educational presentations.
Newcastle Return
After a fun-filled day, we’ll head back to Newcastle, ensuring you arrive by late afternoon, with plenty of memories and photos to share.
Join us for a day of laughter, discovery, and unforgettable moments in Port Stephens!
Inclusions
- Hotel pick up and drop off in selected Newcastle areas.
- Dolphin boat cruise.
- BBQ lunch.
- Oakvale Wildlife Park entrance fees.
- Exclusive 10 minute koala encounter for our group.
- Bag of animal food to hand-feed the free-roaming kangaroos.
- Tour guide.
Why Newy Tour Co?
We keep our groups small so every guest gets personal attention and a relaxed, unhurried day. With only a handful of travellers, you get a friendly local experience rather than a big crowded coach tour. Discover more of our Newcastle and Port Stephens tours. Learn more about Port Stephens.
Whether you’re an animal lover, adventure seeker, or nature enthusiast, this tour is packed with unforgettable moments and hands-on experiences. Don’t miss your chance to cruise with dolphins, cuddle a koala, and explore the wild beauty of Port Stephens, all in one day.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the wildlife tour?
About 7 hours. Pick-ups start between 8am and 9am from your Newcastle address, and we return around 4pm.
What animals will we see?
Bottlenose dolphins on the 1.5-hour Port Stephens cruise, plus koalas, kangaroos, quokkas and farm animals at Oakvale Wildlife Park. The koala encounter is a private 10-minute session for our group, and you’ll get a bag of animal food to hand-feed the free-roaming kangaroos.
Is the koala encounter a hold or a pat?
A pat. Australian regulations don’t allow holding koalas, but our private 10-minute session lets you get up close, pat them and take photos with these creatures.
Is lunch included?
Yes. BBQ lunch is included, served at Oakvale Wildlife Park amid the wildlife. Vegetarian options are available on request.
Are children welcome on this tour?
Yes. Children aged 7 and over are welcome. The koala encounter, animal feeding and dolphin cruise make this our most popular family tour. Kids especially love the bag of animal food for feeding the free-roaming kangaroos.
What’s the difference between this and the Port Stephens Day Tour?
This tour focuses on wildlife, with a private koala encounter at Oakvale Wildlife Park, animal feeding and BBQ lunch all included. The Port Stephens Day Tour is more adventure-focused with the Mount Tomaree hike, beach swim and craft brewery, plus the dolphin cruise but no wildlife park visit.
Where do you pick up from in Newcastle?
We pick up from your Newcastle address (hotel, Airbnb or private residence) across Newcastle East, Newcastle West, Merewether and nearby suburbs. Tell us your address when booking and we’ll confirm.
What should I bring or wear?
Comfortable casual clothing and closed shoes for walking in the wildlife park (where there are sand and dirt paths). Hat, sunscreen, light jacket for the boat. Hand sanitiser is handy after animal feeding. Camera or phone for the koala photos.
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Destination
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Departure
Newcastle -
Departure Time
Pick ups start between 8 AM - 9 AM. -
Return Time
Approximately 4 PM. -
Included
Entry FeesFoodPersonal GuidePick Up & Drop Off