Hey there. I've got a 3 week trip planned in Dec which so far includes several days in Melbourne and Sydney as well as almost a week at the Sheraton resort in Port Douglas (points!). One of the things I wanted to do was swim with Dolphins. And then also take my kids to see wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, etc.) I've read about the Temptation boat from doing a search as well as Kangaroo Island so that made me think I should be going to Adelaide. But then it seems like there should be opportunities near Sydney and/or Melbourne as well so perhaps I don't need to add the extra leg. I'm traveling with a 4 and 5 year old, so less moving around is better. So... what say you? Recommendations for swimming with Dolphins?

Hi michael

Just this morning I went on my first ever swim with dolphins trip here in Port Stephens!

Go to http://www.imaginecruises.com.au/cru...with-dolphins/ to see the details of what this company offers. They say they are the only people doing dolphin swims on the east coast of Australia.

It's not for children under 12; they can be on the vessel as spectators, but not do the actual swim.

Another alternative here is to take a trip on one of the boats that stays within the harbour - from these you can see dolphins in the water, and ride in a boom-net, but not swim as freely as in the Imagine trip.

Port Stephens is a 2 1/2 hour drive north from Sydney, so don't know if this will fit in with your limited time, but I can certainly recommend it. Cheers, Di

Thanks Di!

BTW, recommendation for place to stay in Port Stephens?

What sort of accommodation are you looking for?

If you go to www.portstephens.org.au you can see all the hotel, motel, B&B options and even book on-line.

If you prefer self contained, there are some on that listing, but I can also give you the websites of some of the local agents who handle cottages and apartments. Cheers, Di

http://www.dolphinswims.com.au/

http://www.polperro.com.au/

Hello Michael
Here are two links to companies that conduct dolphin swims at the southern end of Port Phillip Bay.
Once or twice a month I travel across the Heads on the Sorrento to Queenscliff Car Ferry and always see the dolphins following the ferry. I think that both companies are reputable (altho I have not used them myself). A colleague gave her partner a gift of a dolphin swim for his 40th birtday and he thought it was terrific.
I think that there may well be further infornmation on the "Visit Victoria" website

Michael, I have used Polperro twice (last occasion was only Feb this year) and was very happy both times. They normally take you out to the sea lions first and then go looking for the dolphins. Had a marvellous time on each occasion. Sorrento is a very easy day trip from Melbourne and there are plenty of things to do in the surrounding region if you want to make a full day of it or could be done in half a day if pushed for time.