Day Trip from WSA

Port Stephens

Dolphins, sand dunes, and a sheltered bay two hours north

From WSA

110-130 min

Duration

Overnight recommended; possible as long day trip

Best for

Families, Nature lovers, Couples

Port Stephens is one of New South Wales' most popular coastal destinations — a sheltered bay twice the size of Sydney Harbour, home to a resident pod of 140+ bottlenose dolphins, the Stockton Bight sand dunes (the largest coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere), and a cluster of beach towns including Nelson Bay. It's a two-hour drive from WSA and works best as an overnight trip, though ambitious day-trippers make it work with an early start.

Highlights

→Resident dolphin pod — 140+ bottlenose dolphins in the bay
→Stockton Bight: largest coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere
→Sandboarding and quad biking on the dunes
→Dolphin and whale watching cruises from Nelson Bay
→Tea Gardens and Myall Lakes National Park day trip extension
→Coastal swimming and snorkelling at Fly Point and Little Beach

Where to Eat

Crows Nest Restaurant Nelson Bay
The Anchorage Restaurant
One Mile Beach Kiosk

Where to Stay

Anchorage Port Stephens
Salamander Shores Waterfront Hotel

Getting There

Drive north via M7, M2 then Pacific Motorway (M1) to Raymond Terrace, then Nelson Bay Road. Allow 2+ hours.

Full transport guide from WSA →

Best Time to Go

September-May for weather. Dolphin watching year-round. Avoid January school holiday peak.

Rent a Car from WSA

Driving yourself gives you flexibility — especially for places like the Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands.

Compare car rentals

Booking note

Dolphin cruise bookings fill quickly on weekends. Sand dune tours require booking in advance. Depart WSA no later than 7am for a day trip.

Flying in to WSI Airport? This is 110-130 min from Western Sydney International Airport (WSA) — easy to reach by car or rideshare straight from the terminal.

Transport guide for WSI Airport →All experiences near the airport →