Whether or not you’re in search of epic seashore adventures, scrumptious meals or something in between, this checklist of the very best issues to do in Port Stephens will preserve you busy for weeks!
In the event you’re the sort of person who loves having enjoyable on attractive seashores, and is all the time in search of one thing additional to do in your vacation moreover laying round studying a guide, Port Stephens is the place for you.
Situated solely 2.5 hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens is a well-liked trip spot for a lot of Aussies, and it’s shortly rising a popularity with worldwide travellers too.
The Port Stephens space consists of a number of completely different geographies and small cities. Nelson Bay is the primary city, and yow will discover islands, wildlife reserves, mountains, and extra all packed into the world.
You’ll be able to even discover the biggest transferring sand dunes within the Southern Hemisphere!
There’s additionally a cool native brewery you must try, wonderful seafood eating places, and nice locations to remain.
Mountains to Seashores to Sand Dunes – The Finest Issues to Do in Port Stephens
There are such a lot of issues to do in Port Stephens, and we’re glad to share a few of our favorite actions on this coastal paradise.
From Sydney Harbour, you solely need to drive a number of hours north and also you’ve reached the various and beautiful Port Stephens and Nelson Bay space!
Our private checklist of the very best issues to do in Port Stephens contains:
- Climb Tomaree Mountain for dawn
- Go whale watching
- Discover the Stockton Sand Dunes, the biggest transferring sand dunes within the southern hemisphere
- Go to an award-winning brewery for lunch and drinks
- Journey a camel on the seashore
- Benefit from the bustling meals scene of Port Stephens and Nelson Bay
- And an entire lot extra issues to do!
Let’s get into it…
READ MORE: Be sure you try our model new Port Stephens Itinerary submit to profit from your time within the area.
1) Climb Tomaree Mountain for these Legendary Views
The Tomaree Head Summit Stroll in Tomaree Nationwide Park affords the very best views of Port Stephens.
It’s steep (and slippery after the rain) so it’s possible you’ll must take your time to succeed in the summit. However anybody who can climb stairs can do that 2-kilometre return stroll, and it’s positively definitely worth the effort.
The panoramic views from up there, 161 meters above sea degree, will take your breath away.
In the event you personal binoculars, you’ll be able to take them out to attempt to spot marine life, particularly whales between Could and October.
In the event you solely have time to do one factor on this checklist of the highest Port Stephens actions, do that stroll. Tomaree Nationwide Park is just too lovely to overlook!
The view from the highest is without doubt one of the finest issues to see in Port Stephens, and doable all of New South Wales.
The best way to the summit is straightforward to seek out. Head to the automobile park on the finish of Shoal Bay Street, and it is best to see the trail going up from there.
If Tomaree Head Summit stroll sounds too difficult for you, the Nelson Head Mild is one other different for a brief and simple stroll with magnificent views of the Port Stephens waters.
It’s additionally the very best spot for a espresso break in the event you go there earlier than 4 pm.
READ MORE: Don’t miss our full information to journey to Australia!
2) Go to the Finest Seashores in Port Stephens
It comes as no shock that seashores are the preferred out of the various Port Stephens vacationer sights.
They’re a few of the finest ones on the east coast of Australia. Listed below are a few of our favourites.
Zenith Seaside
From the summit of Tomaree Head, you’ll discover a pristine seashore between the 2 conical headlands.
That’s Zenith Seaside.
It’s straightforward to succeed in from the automobile park the place you began the Tomaree Head Summit Stroll, therefore an ideal alternative for a refreshing dip after your hike.
The views from the seashore of the encircling park are beautiful.
Take a look at Eloise’s nice article on bucket checklist actions once you go to Australia.
Wreck Seaside
Wreck Seaside is the following seashore alongside within the nationwide park, and it’s an absolute magnificence.
It requires a little bit of a brief hike to get to it, however when you arrive you’ll be rewarded with epic views of the bordering headlands, Tomaree Mountain and close by islands.
It’s nice for dawn and sundown and is extra of a neighborhood favorite.
Fingal Bay
Fingal Bay is situated simply after Field Seaside, alongside the coastal stroll.
It’s well-known for its postcard-perfect C-shape seashore, and is without doubt one of the finest locations to log on if that’s your curiosity in what to do in Port Stephens.
It’s additionally well-known for the Fingal sand spit throughout to Shark Island, that has sadly shocked some guests over the previous few years.
Whereas it’s tempting to attempt to stroll over to the island, the gentle sand does make it appear like a transparent path, it’s really fairly harmful, with ocean currents and swells making the crossing treacherous at even the very best instances.
READ MORE: Get your seashore repair with our information to the seashores of Port Stephens!
3) Go Whale Watching or Dolphin Cruising
Port Stephens is without doubt one of the finest locations in Australia to identify bottlenose dolphins.
It’s also known as the Dolphin Capital of Australia, so it’s not stunning to see this exercise excessive on the checklist of the very best issues to do in Port Stephens.
With greater than 100 bottlenose dolphins residing within the Port Stephens waters all 12 months spherical, native cruise operators announce a 99% success fee at recognizing them throughout their excursions.
The bigger species of extra widespread wild dolphins stay simply exterior the bay.
In the event you’re in search of a once-in-a-lifetime expertise, guide a tour that means that you can stand up shut to those clever and delightful creatures.
An area tour firm in Port Stephens affords the distinctive alternative to be dragged by a ship to swim with a pod of dolphins.
Whereas a dolphin watching cruise is the simplest method to encounter dolphins, you can too typically spot them from the shore as they arrive very near the seashore. It’s no marvel Port Stephens is the dolphin capital of Australia!
Not like wild dolphins, humpback whales are seasonal guests.
You’ll be able to spot them within the Port Stephens waters from Could to October as they migrate alongside Australia’s east coast.
It’s all the time enjoyable to see them from the shore, however there’s nothing like a whale watch cruise to get a way of their dimension and be impressed by these giants of the ocean.
One of the best cruise firm in Port Stephens to go whale watching with is Moonshadow TQC.
They’ve the biggest fleet and spend an enormous period of time out in search of the whales.
We went with them this 12 months and completely beloved our time with them. Extremely really helpful.
4) Quad Biking, Sandboarding and Cultural Excursions in Worimi Nationwide Park
In the event you thought that taking part in within the sand was just for children, a go to to Port Stephens will change your thoughts.
In Worimi Nationwide Park you’ll discover Stockton Sand Dunes, Australia’s largest sand dunes, and the biggest transferring dunes within the Southern Hemisphere!
There’s no scarcity of superior actions you’ll be able to attempt in the primary launching factors at Stockton Seaside, Anna Bay and Birubi Seaside.
When you have a 4WD, seashore driving could be a enjoyable method to discover the Port Stephens dunes (permits required).
Simply be sure to be respectful, because the Worimi Nationwide Park is extraordinarily vital to the native Worimi indigenous folks, and there are many historic and cultural websites discovered across the place.
In the event you don’t have a 4WD, there are a few methods you’ll be able to nonetheless get on the market to discover the sand dunes.
Quad biking is maybe probably the most enjoyable, and the legends at Sand Dune Adventures organise a improbable quad biking expertise.
This non-profit firm not solely places collectively nice ATV and Aboriginal excursions, however additionally they put their a reimbursement into the conservation of the location and make use of native indigenous folks as nicely.
The dunes of Worimi Nationwide Park are additionally a fashionable place to attempt sandboarding. You’ll be able to slide together with your bodyboard in the event you personal one, or hire a sandboard.
This Port Stephens dunes are one of many prime sights within the space, so don’t miss this opportunity to attempt it out!
5) Verify Out the Oakvale Wildlife Park
In the event you desire extra intimate encounters that contain petting and picture alternatives, head to the Oakvale Wildlife Park.
They’ve a formidable checklist of animals within the exhibit and provide distinctive encounters with a dingo, wombat, snakes and a koala.
Oakvale Farm is situated in Salt Ash, which is a 25-minute drive from Nelson Bay in central Port Stephens.
6) Search for Koalas in Tilligerry Habitat
Koalas are often noticed round Port Stephens, so preserve your eyes up once you’re round eucalyptus bushes.
If you wish to enhance your probabilities, Tilligerry Habitat is especially identified to be the koalas’ favorite spot within the area, and offers a possibility to be taught extra concerning the different native fauna and flora.
Tilligerry Habitat is situated in Tanilba Bay, free to go to and run by pleasant volunteers.
Even in the event you don’t spot any koalas, strolling via the contemporary air and having fun with the serenity of the world is value it.
7) Swim with Sharks and Rays on the Irukandji Centre
The Irukandji Centre needs to coach, elevate consciousness and make a distinction to guard the ocean.
Their interactive aquarium permits anybody to expertise shut encounters with rays and sharks, even those that can’t swim, so folks be taught to like them and take motion to guard them.
It’s positively among the best actions in Port Stephens when it’s raining.
Irukandji Shark and Ray Centre is situated in Anna Bay.
8) Attempt to Discover the Soldier Crabs
1000’s of soldier crabs come out at low tide and within the night on the seashores round Port Stephens.
Discover a spot on the arduous sand and cease transferring: you’ll shortly be surrounded by a regiment of crabs!
9) Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Across the Bay
Port Stephens has a few of New South Wales’ finest scuba diving and snorkelling websites.
One of the best shore dives and snorkelling are Fly Level and Pipeline, each within the city of Port Stephens between Nelson Bay and Little Seaside.
However you’ll need to plan this exercise at excessive tide due to the sturdy present.
It’s heaven for these serious about macro, however that’s not all you get. You can even see wobbegong sharks, colossal sea hares and sometimes sea turtles.
In the event you’re among the many luckiest, it’s possible you’ll even spot a dolphin.
Divers may also be part of a ship journey to dive with gray nurse sharks, Port Jackson sharks and even seals close to on the completely different islands close by.
You’ll discover dive centres to organise your gear or a guided tour for scuba diving, making it good for the very best issues to do in Nelson Bay.
10) Have a Drink on the Well-known Murray’s Brewery
In the event you come to Port Stephens and don’t seize a drink at Murray’s, did you actually go to?
Situated on Nelson Bay Street simply exterior of city, Murray’s Brewery is finest identified for his or her Whale Ale, however that’s not all they do.
Their IPAs, ciders and different beers are all critically tasty, so seize a tasting tray and get caught into them. Excellent to clean down the wood-fired pizzas they make on-site.
They’ve a public brewery tour day by day at 2.15 pm in the event you’re serious about studying about their course of, and you may even guide a bus shuttle, so that you don’t need to drive again to your resort.
In the event you’re extra into wine than beer, you can too do a wine tasting on the identical place, organised by the oldest winery of the area. And there’s a small winery a bit additional up on the hill.
- Location: 3443 Nelson Bay Rd, Bob’s Farm
- Opening hours: each day from 10 AM – 6 PM
11) Eat All of the Recent Native Seafood
A listing of the very best issues to do in Port Stephens wouldn’t be full with out mentioning the meals and a go to to a seafood restaurant.
Nelson Bay marina eating places obtain contemporary seafood day by day and serve it in a beautiful setting close to the water. For a flowery meal with improbable views of Nelson Bay, attempt Catch at Shoal Bay or The Anchorage in Corlette.
Kookaburra Restaurant in Bobs Farm is reputed for its contemporary Barramundi: they’ve their very own Barramundi and hydroponic vegetable farm on-site!
Attempt to plan your lunch so you’ll be able to take a tour of their farm at 11 am or 2 pm.
In the event you love oysters, or in the event you’re curious and need to be taught extra about them, head to the Holbert’s Oyster Farm. From the shopper space, you’ll be able to watch the skilled oyster shuckers at work.
A go to to the true oyster farm could be organised for teams.
Simply close to the store, you’ll be able to style the oyster whereas having fun with the attractive views of the bay. Holbert’s Oyster Farm is situated in Salamander Bay.
12) Stand-Up Paddleboarding
There are lots of methods to benefit from the lovely waters of Port Stephens Bay.
You’ll be able to go crusing on a luxurious yacht with a glass of champagne, fishing out within the bay, jet snowboarding, kayaking across the coves, or do our private favorite Port Stephens exercise.
When questioning what are the issues to do in Shoal Bay, don’t miss out on stand-up paddleboarding, and the native legend Rod from Shoal Bay SUP is the man to see for all of your paddleboarding wants.
Give him a name, inform him NOMADasaurus despatched you, and he’ll take care of you for a big day out on the water.
If the climate is good, request a sundown paddleboard. Watching the solar drop over the horizon whereas out on the water is an expertise you’ll always remember.
13) Seize a Bike and Go Biking
Whether or not you’re in search of a simple scenic trip or extra critical mountain biking, you’ll discover a bike path to please you in Port Stephens.
With round 50 km of shared cycleways introduced by the Council and largely quiet streets, biking right here is secure and enjoyable.
You’ll be able to select a scenic coastal trip with wonderful views from Corlette to Nelson Bay to Port Stephens, Shoal Bay or Fingal Bay.
You can even go wild and discover the park trails with a mountain bike: it’s extra bodily, however you’ll get an opportunity to identify wildlife.
You’ll be able to rent a motorbike on the town, so in the event you’re questioning what to do in Nelson Bay (there’s even a motorbike rent station opened 24/7), that’s a prime choice!
14) Seize Breakfast at a Good Cafe
If there’s one factor Port Stephens does nicely, it’s breakfast. There are such a lot of wonderful cafe choices within the Port Stephens space that’s could be arduous to decide on the place to eat.
Fortunately, you actually can’t go improper!
The Little Nel is a highly regarded spot, with shiny and ethereal out of doors seating and a quaint indoor space.
Once you come by for breakfast, you completely need to attempt their fritters – they’re in contrast to something you’ll ever attempt once more! Divine.
Different top-notch cafes embrace Interior Mild Tea Rooms for a calming cup of tea, or Essence Espresso in Nelson Bay, for a scrumptious cup of espresso. Lengthy Boat Cafe in Fingal Bay is one other native favourite.
15) Camel Driving at Birubi Seaside
Do you know that Australia is residence to the biggest variety of camels on the earth?
And proper right here in Port Stephens, you’ll be able to really trip a camel on the seashore!
One of the distinctive issues to do within the space is bounce on a camel at Birubi Seaside, and trip via the Port Stephens sand dunes and proper as much as the ocean.
Get in contact with the fellows at Oakfield Ranch to guide your camel using.
It’s $35 per grownup ($30 for teenagers) for a 20-minute trip, or $90 per grownup ($70 for teenagers) for a 60-minute sundown sand dune trip.
16) Go Browsing
There are many nice surf seashores in Port Stephens, however in the event you’re a newbie to intermediate and questioning the place to go, then positively head to One Mile Seaside.
This large stretch of sand will get good rolling sells coming in, making it nice for longboarders as nicely.
You’ll be able to hire a board from subsequent to the caravan park in the event you don’t have one.
Port Stephens Surf College additionally affords classes in the event you’ve by no means surfed earlier than and also you’re eager to be taught.
17) Admire the Views at Gan Gan Lookout
If you wish to benefit from the countless Port Stephens views, however don’t really feel like climbing Tomaree Mountain, then Gan Gan Lookout is your finest wager.
This lovely viewpoint could be accessed by automobile through Lily Hill Street, and affords 360-degree views over the entire space.
You’ll be able to overlook the Port Stephens Boat Harbour and everything of Nelson Bay.
This weblog submit is a collaboration between NOMADasaurus and Eloise from My Favorite Escapes.
Eloise lives in Brisbane (Australia), however you received’t discover her typically within the metropolis. When she is just not disconnected underwater or in a park, she loves sharing her journey recommendations on her weblog MyFavouriteEscapes.com and provoking her readers to care for our lovely planet. She considers each weekend as a two-day vacation break. Her strategy: you don’t all the time must go far to journey. Nonetheless, she additionally enjoys exploring the world and discovering new cultures. Comply with her adventures on Fb and Instagram!
The place to Keep in Port Stephens
There’s loads of nice locations to remain within the space, from caravan parks to resorts and little mattress and breakfasts.
In the event you’re in search of an superior place to remain in Port Stephens, we personally love utilizing Airbnb. In the event you’ve by no means used the platform earlier than, join utilizing this hyperlink to get USD$35 off your first reserving.
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