This is one of our favourite places to visit in New South Wales. In this guide we will uncover breathtaking hikes, beautiful beaches, mesmerizing sand dunes, and hidden gems that make Port Stephens a must-visit in New South Wales.
👉Don't miss out on the waterfront cafes and staycations that add to the local experience.
👉Save this guide for your next visit and unlock the secrets of one of the most captivating places in New South Wales.
Start your journey from Sydney. The drive from to Port Stephens takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, covering about 215 kilometers via the Pacific Motorway (M1) and then the Pacific Highway (A1). Along the route you will enjoy many scenic views.
11am
After arriving in Port Stephens, we highly recommend having a delicious brunch at one of the most beautiful cafes. You can find the details below ⬇️⬇️
This charming and cozy cafe is located in the heart of Nelson Bay, one of the most popular coastal town in New South Wales. This place offer breathtaking views of the sparkling blue waters of the bay and are surrounded by lush greenery, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere for customers to relax and unwind.
Located in Salamander Bay and home to one of the largest swimming pools in Australia, this family friendly resort includes an onsite gymnasium, heated spa, Japanese steam room and tennis courts.
You can unwind by the pool, rejuvenate in the spa, or indulge in a meal at the on-site restaurant.
Oaks pacific blue resort by oaks hotels has the perfect accommodation to suit your style and budget!
✨️There is nothing better than waking up in a beautiful room and swim out to the prestine lagoon pool directly from your room.. amazing, isn't!? ✨️
📍Oaks Pacific Blue Resort, Port Stephens
Head to the famous Fingal Bay beach. There is a decent fish and chip shop close by, and a cafe and bathrooms that are easily accessible. Fingal Spit is a sand spit that extends from Fingal Bay to Point Stephens, creating a narrow strip of land between the ocean and the bay. It is definitenely one of the must visit places in Nelson Bay! (Check tide timing before travelling)
Drive or walk to Fingal Bay, which is just a short distance from Nelson Bay. Enjoy the scenic coastal views along the way.
Remember to check local tide schedules and weather conditions before embarking on your journey to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at Fingal Spit.
👉Explore Fingal Bay: Fingal Bay is known for its pristine beach and clear waters. Take some time to explore the beach and its surroundings before heading towards Fingal Spit.
👉Fingal Spit Access: Fingal Spit is accessible by walking from the southern end of Fingal Bay. Follow the shoreline until you reach the beginning of the spit.
There are two activities:
1) Dolphin swim
2) Dolphin watch
👉Dolphin swim experience: Snorkel with oceanic dolphins off the coast of beautiful Port Stephens! The dolphins are completely wild and free and each swim is dependent upon them choosing to be near in-water guests! Price - $349pp
👉Dolphin watch experience: Our wild dolphin swim tours offer the thrill of a lifetime! Visit and see the dolphins on their terms and move along with them in the water - it’s just like being a part of the pod!
Price - $89pp
Location: Dock C, d’Albora Marina, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, New South Wales. Only a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney!
Time: 6:15am to 11:00am - 4.5 hour tour (guests are requested to arrive at 6:15am for check-in and wetsuit fitting)
Inclusions: All equipment & training (wetsuit, mask & snorkel, safety harness), 4.5 hour cruise on a 52’ catamaran, a champagne brunch, tea & coffee, educational commentary, all above-water photos, and a customised underwater and above water video of your experience with the dolphins!
Nelson Bay boasts several nice cafes, offering a delightful mix of culinary experiences. One popular option is "Crest "Nice Cafe", situated in close proximity to Nelson Bay.
Known for its delicious coffee and diverse menu featuring breakfast and lunch options, "Nice Cafe" is a great choice for those seeking a pleasant cafe experience in Nelson Bay.
Gan Gan Lookout in Port Stephens offers breathtaking panoramic views and is easily accessible by car, located just a short drive from Nelson Bay.
From this elevated vantage point, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Port Stephens coastline, with the opportunity to spot dolphins and whales during migration seasons.
Take your camera as the views are particularly outstanding - especially on a sunny day when the blue of the water looks good enough to dive into! 😊
Add to
Details
7:30pm - Dinner at Nelson Bay
You can find the options above
Alternate activity to do on Day 2 if you skip Dolphins swim and watch.
👉🏻Enjoy immersive experiences with koalas in a natural and idyllic bushland setting.
👉🏻Explore the Sanctuary Story Walk, a meandering 250m pathway offering an immersive educational experience of the koala and its habitat.
👉🏻Visit koala inpatients at the Koala Hospital and peek through the hospital viewing window.
👉🏻Gain unique perspectives into the koala’s natural habitat at the Santuary SKYwalk and elevated viewing platform.
Add to
Details
Day 3
8am - Breakfast
We recommend having a light breakfast and carry some food & drinks with you while you head to next stop i.e. hike to Tomaree Head Summit Walk
10am -Tomaree Head Summit Walk
Soaring 161m above sea level, the magnificent Tomaree Head creates a striking scene and offers unparalleled beauty of Port Stephens.
To experience stunning vistas of the bay and coastline, embark on the 2.2km round-trip Tomaree Head summit walk, situated near Shoal Bay within Tomaree National Park. The summit serves as an excellent observation point for whale watching from May to November, offering breathtaking views over the bay and coastal scenery.
The Tomaree Head Walk is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia.
✨️ With its stunning vistas and natural beauty, the Tomaree Head Walk is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Nelson Bay ✨️
📍Mt Tomaree Headland
From fun adventure to ancient heritage, the Worimi Conservation Lands at Anna Bay and Williamtown offer amazing experiences. You can spend rest of the day here and also watch the beautiful sunset from Stockton Beach.
👉🏻There are various 4WD, quad biking and sand-boarding tours. Or saddle up on a horse or on a camel and discover the extraordinary natural beauty
👉🏻 It's the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere stretching over 32km!
How to reach there?
To reach the sand dunes in Anna Bay, Port Stephens, you can drive or take public transportation. If you're driving, follow Nelson Bay Road to Anna Bay, where you'll find signs directing you to the dunes. Alternatively, public buses or tours may offer transportation to this popular destination. Be sure to check local transportation options and schedules for the most convenient and enjoyable journey to the stunning sand dunes in Anna Bay.
Add to
Details
Quad biking
Quad biking in Anna Bay offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience amidst nature.
With exclusive access to the Southern Hemisphere's highest coastal sand dunes, which are not open to the public, this is the only way to explore these impressive landscapes. No prior experience is required.
👉🏻Duration: Quad biking experiences can vary, but they often last around 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing participants to explore the scenic landscapes and sand dunes.
👉🏻Experience Needed: No prior quad biking experience is usually required. Tours are designed to cater to all skill levels, with introductory sessions provided to ensure participants are comfortable with the quad bikes and safety measures.
Before embarking on the adventure, it's advisable to book the quad biking tour in advance, confirm the duration and skill level of the experience, and check if transportation is provided.
Sandboarding
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sandboarder, Anna Bay's dunes offer an exciting adventure for all levels.
Opt for a guided tour that includes sandboarding, or if you prefer self-guided fun, rent sandboards from a local provider.
Head to the designated sand dune area. In Anna Bay, the dunes are known for their impressive height. Climb to the top for the best and longest rides. This is definitely one of the most thrilling experiences you must do when you visit Port Stephens.
Hello everyone, We are Dishant & Shruti -, the dynamic travel duo based in Sydney, on a mission to elevate your travel & food experiences! 🌏 Embark on unforgettable journeys with our ultimate travel guide, revealing the best spots to eat, cozy staycations, couple-friendly activities, hidden gems, day trip ideas and customised itineraries. Our travel itineraries are well suited for tourists who are visiting Sydney for the first time and also for families engaged in their 9-5 jobs 😊
Follow our adventures on Instagram and TikTok under @aussies.upclose for a sneak peek into our explorations.
Subscribe to our guide and get up close with us for an immersive experience. Let's make every trip a cherished memory together! ✈️
