Things to do in Nelson Bay
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Nelson Bay
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises offers an exciting marine eco-experience designed for travelers eager to connect with nature. Located along a picturesque coastline, this cruise gives travelers the opportunity to observe playful dolphin pods in open waters. The cruise features comfortable amenities and professional guides, ensuring a safe and unforgettable journey for all. During the voyage, travelers can watch dolphins frolicking alongside the boat while learning about their fascinating behaviors and conservation efforts. Guides share insights about the marine ecosystem, making the trip both educational and engaging. In addition to dolphins, travelers may also spot other marine life, such as seabirds and occasional whales, adding even more excitement to the experience.Nelson Bay · 206m from downtown
Dolphin and Whale Watch Booking Agency Nelson Bay / Port Stephens
Port Stephens is known as a "blue water paradise" because of the immaculate marine environment that surrounds it. Watching dolphins on a cruise ship here has become an unmissable activity. In Port Stephens, you don't have to be afraid of the surging waves, because the boat is more stable than the car, and there are about 180-200 wild dolphins in Port Stephens. So seeing dolphins is a breeze.Nelson Bay · 506m from downtown
Sand Dune Safaris
Sandboarding is an exhilarating activity specially designed for adventure-seeking travelers. The Sand Dune Safaris take place at Anna Bay, which belongs toin the Port Stephens areaThis breathtaking bay features an extraordinary landscape with a long coastline bordered by azure seas on one side, golden deserts on another, and lush forests on yet another - a truly spectacular sight that lifts your spirits to the utmost. Special red buses will take you on an adventure to explore the stunning sand dunes for sandboarding. As you ride across the dunes, you'll discover the indescribable beauty of Stockton's 2,500-hectare dune system. When you slide down from dunes 40–50 meters high, you'll feel the majestic power of these sandy slopes from your hair tips to your chest.Anna Bay · 9.3 km from Nelson Bay
4WD Tours R US Sandboarding
Anna Bay is located in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia. It has an amazing natural landscape, half of which is the vast sea and half of which is rolling sand dunes, providing unique conditions for 4WD sandboarding. When you participate in the Anna Bay 4WD sandboarding activity, you will first take a 4WD off-road vehicle deep into the dune area. The 4WD vehicle will bump through the sand dunes, allowing you to feel the excitement of adventure in advance. Once you arrive at the sandboarding point, you can see a variety of sandboards to choose from. Standing on the top of the sand dune, you can see the golden sand sea in front of you and the blue sea in the distance. The scenery is beautiful. After getting ready, sit or lie on the sandboard, support your hands on the sand surface, and slide down faster and faster. The wind whistles in your ears and the sand splashes. You can rush from the top of the slope to the bottom of the slope in just a few seconds. The feeling of speeding makes people excited. The slides here have different slopes. The gentle slope is suitable for first-time experience or younger tourists who prefer mild stimulation; the steep slope is a challenge for the brave and can bring a stronger speed impact.Anna Bay · 8.5 km from Nelson Bay
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Located in Queensland, Australia, the Irukandji Aquarium is an interactive marine-themed experience where visitors can observe various sharks and rays up close, discovering the mystery and charm of ocean life. The aquarium features multiple themed zones like Shark Bay, Ray Reef, and Coral Garden, each meticulously designed to replicate natural ecosystems, immersing guests in an authentic underwater world. Additionally, the aquarium offers unique activities such as diving experiences, feeding interactions, and educational guides, allowing visitors to enjoy a visual feast while gaining deeper insights into marine life behaviors and conservation. Whether you're a family or a marine enthusiast, everyone can find their own enjoyment here.Anna Bay · 9 km from Nelson Bay
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
Support the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koala in the wild. Spend an hour or a night immersed in an idyllic natural koala habitat at the world-class Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Port Stephens Council in partnership with Port Stephens Koala Hospital have created a Koala Sanctuary to ensure first-class care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas. Opened daily, the Koala Sanctuary offers visitors a unique opportunity to see koalas in their natural habitat.One Mile · 5.6 km from Nelson Bay
Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides
Anna Bay · 9.4 km from Nelson Bay
Toboggan Hill Park
Nelson Bay · 3.2 km from downtown
Gan Gan Lookout
Nelson Bay · 1.6 km from downtown
Tomaree Head Summit walk
Shoal Bay · 3.7 km from Nelson Bay
Experiences you can't miss in Nelson Bay
Featured Day tours in Nelson Bay
View all Day tours
4.9/5
· 87 reviews· 390 bookedFree cancellation
97.7% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$140.59US$147.99
![Sydney Port Stephens one-day tour[Sandboarding/Moon Shadow Dolphin Cruise/Koala Sanctuary]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0582u12000r2v47mw22C7_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
35 booked
Free cancellation
FromUS$147.99
![Sydney round-trip - Port Stephens day tour [Dolphin watching cruise + sandboarding on the dunes]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0355k12000ndg1wvbAB43_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
FromUS$148.29
5.0/5
· 1 reviewFree cancellation
FromUS$139.87
4.6/5
· 128 reviews· 72 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
21 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$30.61US$32.23
4.9/5
· 35 reviews· 21 bookedFree cancellation
35 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$33.27US$35.03
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$59.23US$62.35
4.7/5
· 18 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$56.75US$59.74
Featured Food & drink in Nelson Bay
View all Food & drink![1-day tour of Sydney's Hunter Region [Winery Tasting/Including Lunch/Gourmet Wine & Food Experience]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0581v12000n3r4qrrD416_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
1-day tour of Sydney's Hunter Region [Winery Tasting/Including Lunch/Gourmet Wine & Food Experience]
4.6/5
· 9 reviews· 191 bookedFree cancellation
90 travelers saved
FromUS$146.79
![Sydney Hunter Region 1-day Tour [Chinese/English Tour | Multiple Packages | Wine Tasting]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0580112000qlgxjlnF0E7_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
1.0/5
· 1 review· 24 bookedFree cancellation
FromUS$146.04
![Sydney Hunter Region Winery Tasting Day Tour [Includes Lunch | Visit 3 Wineries | Premium Small English Group]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0356q12000r4sjsjgE09F_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
FromUS$175.10
![Round-trip 1-day tour to Hunter Region from Sydney [includes winery tasting, lunch & chocolate]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0350y12000t64hwymCCD1_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
FromUS$158.77
4.7/5
· 202 reviewsFree cancellation
93.1% of travelers recommend
FromUS$178.01
FromUS$177.79
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$56.75US$59.74
Featured Outdoor experiences in Nelson Bay
View all Outdoor experiences
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$36.60US$38.53
![Sydney Port Stephens dolphin watching cruise on Moon Shadow [optional sandboarding/lunch | Departing from Port Stephens]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351l12000rxzcuoe932C_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
4.5/5
· 2 reviews· 248 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$27.89
5.0/5
· 1 review· 122 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$34.57
More things to do
Free things to do in Nelson Bay
What travelers say about Nelson Bay
E36***81November 26, 2025
4.0
Dolphin views are from far but the cruise trip is enjoyable.
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises
138***77April 12, 2026
4.0
There were too few dolphins.
Dolphin and Whale Watch Booking Agency Nelson Bay / Port Stephens
zhweieiNovember 9, 2019
4.0
Anna Bay is a scenic spot with half sea and half beach, so you can play sandboarding here. It is to take a skateboard and control it by hand to slide down the sloping sand slope. It is controlled by hand, which is definitely a handbrake! It is a bit scary, but it is actually very fun and not dangerous at all. It is just that you have to climb to the top of the sand slope every time you slide, which is a bit tiring. The main problem is that the beach is not covered at all. If you encounter very hot weather, you will feel like you will be sunburned.
4WD Tours R US Sandboarding
Anonymous userJune 16, 2026
5.0
Awesome place. My kids enjoyed it so much and learned so much about sharks, rays and stingrays. The staff were very friendly and passionate. Thank you for the great experience!
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
_FB***29April 4, 2021
1.0
Poor overall experience. My mother ended up in the hospital with torn ligaments that she still has not recovered from. Staff was rude to my children. Left injured and let down. Dangerous and poorly staffed.
Toboggan Hill Park
