Private Port Stephens Tour from Newcastle: Dolphins & Hike

Private Port Stephens Day Tour: Dolphins & hiking

$218 per person

Experience an exhilarating day of exploration as we take you on a journey through the captivating wonders of Port Stephens.

We will pick you up at your Newcastle based accommodation and show you the best of what Port Stephens has to offer. After a full day of adventure, we will drop you back at your Newcastle based accommodation.

What’s Included

Hike up Mount Tomaree

2.2km to panoramic views over the coastline and islands, with a flat alternative if you would rather.

1.5 hour dolphin cruise

Around 100 bottlenose dolphins live in the bay year round, seen from a catamaran.

Beach time and a swim

Time on one of the Port Stephens beaches, with shade and amenities.

Fresh seafood lunch At own cost

Up to five kinds of locally caught fish, plus squid, prawns and calamari. You buy your own meal on the day.

The day finishes with a craft beer tasting at B Farm, and there are non-alcoholic options there too.

Why guests love this day

Stress-free travel

We collect you from your Newcastle accommodation and drop you home after.

Just your group

Private to your booking, so the day runs at your pace and nobody else’s.

Expertly guided

An eco-certified operator, and a day that teaches as well as entertains.

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Details

The day starts with a guided hike up Mount Tomaree, where the summit opens up to sweeping views of the bays and nearby islands. From there you board a catamaran to cruise the waterways in search of the resident bottlenose dolphins, with around 100 calling the bay home year-round.

After the cruise, enjoy locally caught fish and chips (at your own cost), with a choice of up to five fish plus calamari, prawns and squid. There is time to relax with a swim at a pristine beach before finishing the day at B Farm, exploring the local craft beer scene. As a private tour, the whole day can be shaped around your group. Discover more of our Newcastle and Port Stephens day tours.

Visiting between May and November? Our private Port Stephens tour with whale watching runs the same private format with a humpback cruise in place of the dolphin cruise. Happy to share the day with others? The small-group Port Stephens tour covers the same highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Private Port Stephens Day Tour different to the public tour?
The private version is fully tailored to your group. You choose your group size, departure time, lunch venue and pace. The public Port Stephens Day Tour has a fixed itinerary, set 7:30am pickup and a small-group cap of 11 guests. Private tours are ideal for milestone occasions, family groups, corporate days and groups who want full flexibility.

How long is the tour?
About 8 hours. We pick up from Newcastle at 7:30am and return around 4:30pm. The drive each way is approximately one hour. We can adjust the start time to suit your group’s needs.

What’s the price per person?
Pricing for private tours is on a sliding scale based on group size. Smaller groups see a higher per-person rate, larger groups see better value per head. Get in touch with your dates and group size and we’ll send a quote.

Are children welcome on this tour?
Yes. Children aged 7 and over are welcome. Private tours work especially well for families because we can adapt the Mount Tomaree hike, plan extra beach swim time, or skip stops to suit the group’s energy.

Is the Mount Tomaree hike difficult?
Mount Tomaree is a short but moderately steep climb to the summit, with stairs and uneven terrain in places. There’s a flatter alternative loop for guests who prefer not to climb. As a private tour, we can also skip the hike entirely and spend the time elsewhere if your group prefers.

What’s included in the price?
All entry fees (including the dolphin cruise), Newcastle door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, and a local guide for the full day. Lunch is at your own cost, typically locally caught fish and chips at a Port Stephens favourite.

What should I bring or wear?
Casual, athletic clothing. Pack hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket, swimmers and a towel for the beach stop. We’ll be moving between hike, boat and beach across the day, so layered clothing works best.

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.

8 hours

7+ Age

Port Stephens

Beaches

Hiking Adventures

Nature

Destination

Port Stephens
Departure

Newcastle
Departure Time

7:30 AM.
Return Time

Approximately 4:30 PM.
Dress Code

Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, light jacket, swimmers, towel, sunscreen.
Included

Entry Fees

Personal Guide

Pick Up & Drop Off
Not Included

Breakfast

Hotel (2 nights)

Lunch

Private Transfer from Sydney

Our gallery

Beautiful coastal scenery at Port Stephens with clear blue waters and rugged cliffs.

Excursion boat with tourists enjoying whale and dolphin watching cruises in Newcastle, Australia. Ocean adventure tour with scenic waters, marine wildlife, and coastal views, operated by Newy Tour Co.

Boating adventure with Newy Tour Co. exploring beautiful coastal landscapes and scenic islands in Newcastle, Australia. Experience memorable boat tours and water activities.

Dolphins swimming near boat with children enjoying water activities in Australia.

Sunset guided nature tour at Newy Tour Co. with a group of hikers enjoying scenic views, lush greenery, and coastal landscapes in Newcastle, Australia, highlighting adventure and eco-tourism experiences.

Fish and chips served with fresh lemon wedges, crispy golden batter, and seasoned fries, perfect for a classic seaside meal in Port Stephens.

Mountain Hike

Take a short but exhilarating guided walk up Mount Tomaree. Be prepared to be mesmerised by unparalleled views of the stunning coastline. Feast your eyes on the vistas of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah, and Broughton Islands. As you absorb scenery, marvel at the fact that these nature reserves are the exclusive nesting grounds for the endangered Gould's petrel. Please note this hike can be a little challenging, there is an alternate flatter option available.

Dolphin Cruise

Let's spot some dolphins with an unforgettable adventure aboard a catamaran. Spend quality time with some of our resident dolphins while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the Bay. With a friendly and knowledgeable crew, you can be sure that you'll be taken care of throughout your journey. Whether you want to relax in the dry bow-net or hold on tight for an exhilarating ride in the boom-net, the crew will ensure that you have the time of your life. If weather conditions permit, they'll hoist the sails, allowing you to experience the thrill of cruising on their beautifully designed boat.

Fresh seafood lunch

During our tour, we offer you the opportunity to tantalise your taste buds with a delicious lunch of locally caught fish & chips (lunch at your own cost). You can choose from up to 5 different kinds of fish, ensuring that there is something to satisfy every palate. In addition to the variety of fish options, we also offer a range of other fresh seafood delicacies such as squid, prawns, and calamari. Treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal, savouring the flavours of the sea amidst the stunning backdrop of the Bay.

Swimming at pristine beach

We will go to Little Beach, a sparkling blue beach with calm waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. The beach has plenty of sand, grassy areas for eating lunch, a playground, and shower facilities.

Family friendly craft brewery

Visit B Farm estate in the vineyards of Port Stephens with numerous family-friendly activities for creating special memories with friends and loved ones. Explore the onsite craft brewery, distillery, winery tasting room, multiple dining options, artisanal pantry and picturesque gardens.

Pick up & drop off to your door.

We pick you up and drop you back to your specified Newcastle address - hotel, airbnb, private residence. Pick up areas accepted are: Newcastle East/ West, Merewether, Cooks Hill, The Hill, Bar Beach, Adamstown, Hamilton, Kotara, Charlestown, Highfields, Lambton, New Lambton, Mayfield, Waratah, Shortland, Fern Bay, Stockton & Fullerton Cove. For other Newcastle locations please contact us prior to booking.