5 great day trips from Sydney

Port Stephens is located in the North Coast region, and at 180 km away, it's slightly further afield than other Sydney day-trip destinations. Still, tens of thousands of visitors make the journey here each year to enjoy the marine life of the bay, which is twice the size of Sydney Harbour.

More than 150 bottlenose dolphins inhabit the area and you can book a dolphin-watching cruise to see them up close. Dolphin Swim Australia, which is licensed by the Marine Park Authority, offers a four-hour Wild Dolphin Swim tour. All cruises depart from Nelson Bay and they tend to leave at about 6 a.m.

Dolphin Swim Australia, Nelson Bay, NSW; +1300 721 358