Port Stephens: dunes, dolphins and Tomaree

1. Stockton dunes at Anna Bay~1 h 30 min at the stop

The largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Port Stephens 4WD Tours drives you to the slopes and hands out boards.

Tip: Meet at the lower car park on James Paterson Street (Birubi Beach) by the concrete pyramids, 20 minutes early. Unlimited sandboarding, about an hour, is A$45, 10% off online with code FUN10. Parking is paid; if the lower lot is full, use Robinson Reserve.

↓ drive · 20 min · 15 km

2. D'Albora Marina, Nelson Bay~2 h at the stop

Dolphin cruises leave from here: about 100 bottlenose dolphins live in the bay year-round. Imagine Cruises sails a 1.5-hour trip daily from November to the end of April: adult A$50, child 4–14 A$30, family A$148.

Worth knowing: About 100 bottlenose dolphins live in Port Stephens year-round.

Tip: Dock C is the far right one as you face the bay. Bring swimwear for a ride in the boom net off the bow.

3. Tomaree Head summit~1 h 45 min at the stop

A steep 2.2 km return track (1.5 to 2 hours) with lots of steps. The north platform looks over Yacaaba Head and Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah and Broughton islands; the south one over Zenith, Wreck and Box beaches, Fingal Island and the Point Stephens lighthouse.

Worth knowing: Second World War gun emplacements survive on the way down.

Tip: Mornings are cooler and quieter. Steps get slippery after rain, so wear proper shoes and bring water and a hat. From May to November take binoculars for whales.

↓ walk · 10 min · 0.6 km

4. Zenith Beach~45 min at the stop

A beach between Tomaree Head and Stephens Peak in a marine park sanctuary zone: no collecting or fishing, but dolphins are often seen. There are no lifeguards and the rips are dangerous.

Tip: Don't swim here: the beach is unpatrolled and people have drowned. Enjoy it from above or from the sand and swim at Fingal Bay, the nearest patrolled beach. Car parks are at the end of Shoal Bay Road; arrive early in summer.

↓ drive · 10 min · 5 km

5. Fingal Bay~1 h at the stop

A sheltered bay with a long patrolled beach, picnic areas and a view of Fingal Island and its 1862 Point Stephens lighthouse. A calm place for a swim before driving back to Sydney.

Tip: Swim between the flags near the village. Never cross the sand spit to Fingal Island if there is any water over it: people have drowned. The only safe way to the island is a boat tour.