Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

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.

Copyright: John Spencer OEH/Destination NSW for Port Stephens

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 …

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Copyright: Destination NSW for Port Stephens

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 …

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Copyright: Destination NSW for Port Stephens

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, …

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Copyright: Destination NSW for Port Stephens

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 …

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Copyright: Destination NSW for Port Stephens

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 …

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Copyright: Stockton Beach/Destination NSW for Port Stephens

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 …

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Copyright: Sail Port Stephens/Destination NSW for Port Stephens

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 …

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