Port Stephens

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Port Stephens

Blessed with 26 white sandy beaches, a vast blue bay and many tranquil inlets, Port Stephens is an idyllic destination about 2.5 hours north of Sydney. With a marine park rich in diversity, the area is famous for its resident dolphins, crystal clear waters and towering sand dunes. Daily dolphin-watching cruises depart from Nelson Bay and the ocean is great for watching whales during their annual migration. Charming towns are framed by bushland, wetlands and volcanic peaks. Enjoy fresh seafood and local wines in delightful settings.

Top Things to Do Towns of Port Stephens Cafés, Restaurants & Bars Accommodation

Top Things to Do

Discover wonderful beaches and frolicking dolphins in Port Stephens, where you can enjoy exhilarating water sports such as sailing, kayaking, surfing and snorkelling. Choose from various dolphin-watching cruises departing from Nelson Bay. Other exciting activities include quad-biking and sand-boarding on the towering Stockton sand dunes, and horse riding through the surf at Anna Bay. Explore the many walking trails in magnificent national parks.

Towns of Port Stephens

Dotted along the stunning coast of Port Stephens are charming towns. The bigger towns of Port Stephens are Tea Gardens, Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay. Of the smaller towns, Anna Bay is the gateway to the famous Stockton Beach sand dunes and the oasis of One Mile Beach. Fingal Bay is a fishing destination in the Tomaree National Park. Lemon Tree Passage guards Tilligerry Creek point and is home to beautiful native flora walks. Salamander Bay is home to Holberts' delicious oysters. Soldiers Point enjoys a state-of-the-art marina, and Tanilba Bay is where visitors flock to see koalas in their natural habitat.

Cafés, Restaurants & Bars

Port Stephens is a haven for fresh seafood and seasonal produce. The waters are teeming with fish, and the region is home to many talented growers, producers, and winemakers. Talented chefs craft innovative menus showcasing the area’s culinary freshness. Whether you’re enjoying freshly caught seafood paired with local wines and splendid water views, relaxing at a beachside café, or savouring a meal in a chic bistro, the experience is sure to delight. The region also offers excellent wineries and breweries to explore.

Accommodation

Port Stephens is a popular holiday destination and offers a range of accommodation to suit your budget, from camping areas to luxury resorts. You can choose from a traditional camping holiday by the bush and the beach, to glamping, sophisticated townhouses, a renovated lighthouse, holiday houses and luxury hotels.

Do & See Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Port Stephens’ natural wonders and idyllic climate make it a prime spot for outdoor adventures. Beyond swimming and surfing, you can try parasailing, jet-skiing, kayaking, sailing, and game fishing. Camp in a national park, spot koalas, or hike to mountain peaks for stunning coastal views and dolphin or whale watching. Scuba dive through sea caves, sponge gardens, and shipwrecks at Fly Point Marine Park, or explore crystal-clear rock pools teeming with life. Enjoy an unforgettable round of golf or even pet a friendly shark — Port Stephens truly has it all.

Tomaree Head Summit Walk

Take the invigorating short hike to the summit of Tomaree Head, 161 metres above the entrance to Port Stephens. Along the track, enjoy unmatched views of Port Stephens and its coastline. From the top, you can see as far as Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands, the only nesting sites for the endangered Gould's petrel. At …

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters

Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters lead the way in marine education, conservation, and fun. This unique experience allows visitors to interact with marine life during guided shark encounter tours, where they can pet and feed these creatures under the careful supervision of experienced …

Gan Gan Lookout

The highest lookout in Port Stephens offers spectacular views, especially at dusk. On a clear day you can see all the way down the peninsula to the Newcastle docks, and north-west over Hawks Nest to the gigantic headlands of Nelson Head and Nelson Bay. The drive up Lily Hill road to Gan Gan Lookout, …

Great Lakes Marine Park

The Great Lakes Marine Park stretches from Stockton Beach to Forster, encompassing Port Stephens, the Karuah and Myall Rivers, Myall and Smiths Lakes, and extending three nautical miles offshore. On land, the surrounding bushland is rich with Indigenous cultural and spiritual sites. Offshore, submerged cliffs create a haven for divers. As an official marine …

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

The award-winning Hunter Region Botanic Gardens spans over 30 hectares of tranquil, landscaped gardens showcasing the beauty and diversity of Australian native flora. The gardens also include a large expanse of natural bushland with several walking tracks, offering opportunities to spot local wildlife such as birds, goannas, possums, wallabies and …

Stockton Beach

Stockton Beach stretches 32 kilometres, making it Australia’s largest moving coastal sand mass. The gigantic dunes behind Birubi Beach at Anna Bay attract sand boarders, 4WD, and quad bike enthusiasts. The beach is also ideal for swimming, surfing lessons, fishing and diving. After your adventures, relax with a picnic or barbecue in the park …

Sail Port Stephens

If one event captures the spirit of Port Stephens, it’s this regatta. Each April, one of Australia's fastest-growing sailing events takes to the glistening waters of the marine park, navigating around islands and back. This stunning race course is set to gain international recognition. But it's not just about sailing — there's plenty of …

Shopping

A natural paradise, Ports Stephens is blessed with a glorious bounty of delicacies and treats. Pick yourself up some fresh rock oysters, avocados, macadamias, figs, olives, or seafood for the barbecue. Along with freshly caught and harvested seafood and seasonal fresh produce, the area offers gorgeous local arts and boutiques.