Spend a full day in Port Stephens with APSE TOURS: 4WD dune runs, sandboarding, a winery stop, and an optional camel ride capped by Nelson Bay fish and chips. Read on for what to expect, what to pack, and how to make the most of this coastal adventure.
Spend a full day in Port Stephens with APSE TOURS: 4WD dune runs, sandboarding, a winery stop, and an optional camel ride capped by Nelson Bay fish and chips. Read on for what to expect, what to pack, and how to make the most of this coastal adventure.
Book with APSE Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by APSE Tours · Barangaroo, New South Wales
Set out from Sydney and spend a full day exploring Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia, on the Camel Rides & 4WD Tours experience run by APSE TOURS. This 12‑hour outing departs from meeting points in the city (255 Pitt Street, Hilton Hotel Sydney) and Strathfield (Strathfield Train Station Bus Stand D) and carries you to wind‑sculpted coastal dunes, broad beaches, a local winery, and Nelson Bay’s celebrated fish and chips. The morning begins with a comfortable coach transfer and a wine tasting stop, then a lunchtime meal featuring award‑winning Nelson Bay fish and chips prepared from locally caught seafood. After lunch the landscape changes: vast, fine‑grained sand dunes become the stage for high‑adrenaline 4WD runs and steep sandboarding descents. Guides set up controlled lines and teach basic sandboarding technique so beginners and confident riders can both find good runs. The dune driving follows ridgelines where wind has carved sharp ripples into pale sand, creating dramatic silhouettes at low sun. An optional 20‑minute camel ride offers a slow, deliberate contrast to the adrenaline, and is available for an extra fee (Adults $45; Children $40). Camel excursions are weather‑dependent and may be cancelled in wet conditions. APSE TOURS manages the itinerary as a family‑friendly day, with boarding order and safety briefings. Expect roughly 10–12 hours including transit, dune time, and drop‑offs back in Strathfield and the city. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. What makes this outing a stand‑out for Port Stephens is the contrast between fast 4WD and sandboarding, the slow rhythm of a camel ride, and a genuine taste of coastal seafood. The dunes here are active coastal landforms, shaped by wind and tide, and guides point out dolphin activity offshore and shorebird habitat along the foreshore. Practical tips: bring sun protection, a refillable water bottle, a dry bag, and swimwear if you want to cool off. Camel tickets are purchased separately, and APSE TOURS may amend the itinerary for safety reasons. For bookings use the referral link provided with the listing or contact APSE TOURS at 9 Scotch Row, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia. Families traveling with children will appreciate the staggered boarding order and brief safety talk, while photographers should time dune runs for late afternoon light when ridgelines cast long shadows. The winery stop gives a short cultural pause, offering local varietals and views of coastal scrub. If you prefer not to join the camels, relax with afternoon tea at an Anna Bay café and watch people ride the coastline. Guides enforce sand‑boarding rules for safety, and all guests should follow directions during dune runs. The day balances exertion and downtime, making it a compelling single‑day option for visitors alike.
Pick‑ups include 255 Pitt Street (Hilton Hotel Sydney entrance) and Strathfield Train Station Bus Stand D; be ready 10 minutes before your scheduled pick‑up.
The full excursion runs about 12 hours including transfers, with roughly 1 hour on dunes and additional stops for lunch and wine tasting.
No—camel rides are optional and cost extra (Adults $45, Children $40); they are weather dependent and may be cancelled in wet conditions.
No; the coach and dune activities are not wheelchair accessible, and there is walking on soft sand.
Lunch is award‑winning Nelson Bay fish and chips prepared with locally caught seafood and is included in the tour price.
Yes—bring swimwear; there may be opportunities to cool off at a beach stop depending on the itinerary and conditions.
APSE Tours operates coach and small-group excursions across New South Wales, offering curated day trips and multi-day adventures. The company runs Cherry Picking tours with comfortable coach travel from Sydney, including morning tea at the Hydro Majestic Hotel and two hours of cherry picking in a picturesque orchard. APSE Tours also offers seasonal visits to Floriade and Tulip Top Gardens where guests enjoy live music, bakery pies, and scenic floral displays. For longer itineraries, APSE Tours arranges a two-day Hot Air Balloon and Port Stephens adventure featuring quad biking on sand dunes, winery visits in the Hunter Valley, and hot air balloon flights. The operator also runs Sydney Lavender Farm Tours that include homemade lavender ice cream, field walks, and meal stops for morning tea and lunch during a full-day schedule. A two-day Mt Kosciuszko Walk package provides guided alpine hiking to Australia’s highest peak with local township visits and scenic dining at Eagles Nest, overnight in Thredbo. APSE Tours focuses on organized logistics, clear itineraries, and accessible experiences suitable for families and groups seeking scenic, food-focused, and active outings. The business highlights comfort, local attractions, and natural scenery across all trips. Customers can expect set departure points, scheduled meal breaks, and activity durations as described in individual trip summaries. APSE Tours maintains transparent trip descriptions to help travelers choose suitable experiences. Booking information, accessibility details, exact departure times and pricing are available on each trip listing to help travelers plan with confidence, clarity, and customer support services.
Book with APSE Tours