Things to do in Port Stephens.
From water sports to nature walks.
From water sports to nature walks.
A little less than an hour north of Newcastle City, Port Stephens is a holiday destination that sea-changers are moving to in droves. Thanks to its sunny disposition and unbeatable lifestyle. Boasting a string of seaside towns with sparkling waters, pristine wilderness and stunning beaches, Port Stephens is an outdoor enthusiasts’ dream.
Port Stephens has everything at its fingertips; foodie destinations, open-air markets, giant sand dunes, wildlife encounters, and villages that cater to everyday life. Foreshore parks, coastal walks, cycling paths, and trails that lead to beaches bounded by native bushland. It’s a dreamy destination that locals relish in, and people from far-flung places come to experience.
It’s a must-visit destination, and the list of things to do in Port Stephens is long, so pack your bag and start planning your coastal getaway.
Beach Hopping
From the calm bay beaches of Nelson Bay to the ocean swells at Anna Bay, you’re truly spoilt for choice in Port Stephens. Birubi Beach is the gateway to The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay beaches are dreamy spots for paddle boarding, kite surfing and boating, while the ocean-facing beaches of Tomaree National Park – Zenith, Wreck and Box Beach – will have you feeling worlds away from it all.
Check out the Dunes
Arguably one of the best things to do in Port Stephens is the largest moving sanding dunes in the southern hemisphere; the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. Part of the Worimi Conservation Lands, this natural wonder reaches heights of up to 40-metres and slopes of 60-degrees. Meaning adventurers are out in full force sandboarding, camel and horse riding, hiking, quad biking and four-wheel driving.
Explore Tomaree National Park
Stretching from Boat Harbour to Shoal Bay, Tomaree National Park has a lot to boast about; bushland trails, koala encounters, and stunning beaches. One of the best things to do in Port Stephens is the Tomaree Head Summit Walk. A steep but short walk with spectacular views of the region. And for a beach experience that takes you away from the summer crowds, meander through the bush trails to Wreck Beach.
Water Sports & Wildlife
Deep dive into the waters of Port Stephens and discover a wildlife sanctuary for dolphins, migrating whales and a colourful array of sea life. There is so much fun to be had off-land from paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, surfing, and boating.
Visit the Marina
Sitting alongside Nelson Bay Beach, D’Albora Marina is where the boats come and go. Waterfront restaurants serve ocean-fresh seafood, and cafes open as the sun rises over the bay. Settle in and listen to tales of seafaring adventures, climb aboard one of the many tour boats or your private vessel, and have one of your own.
Take a Walk
Tucked away along the coastline of Port Stephens, the coastal walks surrounding Shoal Bay are one of its biggest drawcards. Tomaree Head Summit Walk may be steep, but you’ll be well-rewarded with spectacular coastline views. For something a little more grounded, Wreck Beach Walk meanders through a coastal forest to a secluded cliffside beach.