Easter in Nelson Bay & Port Stephens

Ever thought of an Easter by the bay? The sun’s shining, there’s a light sea breeze, and you’ve got your toes in the sand. The kids are running around, baskets in hand, hunting for Easter eggs, while you’re kicking back with a coffee, taking it all in. It’s the kind of holiday where the stress melts away, and all that’s left is sunshine, salty air, and family fun.

Events and Things to Do

If you’re wondering what to do for the Easter long weekend, you’ve come to the right place! Nelson Bay is bringing the fun with a jam-packed lineup of events—think Easter egg hunts, live music, beachside markets, and seafood feasts. Whether you’re here for family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, or just an excuse to soak up the sunshine, there’s something for everyone.

Easter Trivia: In Australia, the Easter Bilby is often used instead of the Easter Bunny to raise awareness about the endangered species. The Easter Bilby has even become a symbol of wildlife conservation!

Easter in Nelson Bay & Port Stephens
Easter eggs in a basket

Easter Egg Hunts & Family-Friendly Fun

Easter in Nelson Bay is all about family, fun, and—let’s be honest—chocolate. There’s nothing quite like the excitement of an Easter egg hunt, with kids racing around on the hunt for those sweet little treasures. Across Nelson Bay and the surrounding areas, you’ll find plenty of Easter egg hunts popping up, so keep an eye out for the best spots to join in the fun!

And it’s not just about the eggs—Easter markets are a great place to pick up themed goodies and delicious treats, while little ones can get stuck into face painting, Easter craft workshops, and even meet some furry friends at petting zoos. You can check out Port Stephens Council for local events and other things you need to know when you get here.

Fun fact for you: The world’s largest Easter egg hunt was held in Florida, USA, with over 500,000 eggs hidden for kids to find!

Easter Feasts in Nelson Bay & Port Stephens

Let’s talk about food because—let’s be real—Easter isn’t just about chocolate eggs. It’s also about kicking back and enjoying some seriously good eats. And in Nelson Bay, that means seafood, seafood, and more seafood!

Good Friday? You can’t go past classic fish and chips by the water, or if you’re feeling fancy, a seafood platter loaded with prawns, oysters, and fresh local fish—best enjoyed with a cold drink and a killer ocean view.

And of course, Easter wouldn’t be Easter without hot cross buns. Luckily, the local cafés and bakeries have got you covered, serving up fresh, spiced buns (best slathered in butter) along with other Easter treats.

If you’re heading out for a special meal, keep an eye out for Easter menus at local restaurants—because nothing says long weekend like great food, great company, and an extra excuse to indulge!

Easter Trivia: Queen Elizabeth I limited the sale of hot cross buns to Good Friday, Christmas, and funerals. In Australia, many Aussie bakers start selling them well before Easter and they often come in unique flavours like chocolate or sultana!

Hot cross buns
Family-Friendly Activities in Nelson Bay

Outdoor Easter Adventures

Easter in Nelson Bay is also the perfect excuse to get outside and soak up some of that autumn sunshine. And if you’re into epic scenery and wildlife, you’re in for a treat.

First up—whales. Whale-watching season is just around the corner, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a few early arrivals making their way up the coast. But if not, don’t worry—there are plenty of dolphins hanging around, and a dolphin-spotting cruise is a pretty magical way to kick off your long weekend.

Feeling energetic? Heading to Tomaree National Park and hiking up Tomaree Head Summit for an Easter sunrise is 100% worth the effort. The amazing views over Port Stephens are next-level, and if you time it right, you’ll get that golden morning glow lighting up the bay.

For those who prefer their adventures in the water, snorkelling and paddleboarding are great ways to explore Port Stephens from a different angle. Choose from Nelson Bay, Fingal Bay, Anna Bay, and Shoal Bay Beach, to name a few. Calm waters, stunning marine life, and a solid excuse to cool off? Sounds like an Easter well spent!

Did You Know: In some parts of Australia, people still enjoy the tradition of rolling Easter eggs down hills, a practice borrowed from England but now with a fun Aussie spin.

Easter Church Services & Community Gatherings

Easter should also be a time for reflection, celebration, and coming together as a community. And in Nelson Bay, there are plenty of ways to do just that.

If you’re looking to attend an Easter Sunday service, local churches across Nelson Bay and Port Stephens open their doors for special Easter gatherings. Whether you’re after a traditional service or something a little more relaxed, there’s a place for everyone.

For something truly special, keep an eye out for sunrise services by the beach—because there’s nothing quite like watching the first light of Easter morning break over the ocean, surrounded by community and the sound of waves rolling in.

From church celebrations to community events, Easter in Nelson Bay is a time to pause, reflect, and connect—however that looks for you.

Easter Trivia: Did you know that Easter is the most widely celebrated Christian holiday in the world? Millions of people mark the occasion with family gatherings, special meals, and community events.

Easter church

The Point

Make It a Long Weekend – Where to Stay

That’s where Nelson Bay Accommodation comes in. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront pad, a family-friendly beach house, or a cosy little apartment just a short walking distance to town, we have got plenty of options to suit your vibe.

Easter in Nelson Bay? Great choice. But here’s the pro tip—make it a long weekend. With the extra public holidays, perfect autumn weather, and less crowds than summer, it’s the ultimate time to slow down, breathe in that salty sea air, and actually relax.

Easter Trivia: Australians eat over 200 million chocolate Easter eggs every year—so if you’re visiting Nelson Bay, make sure to pack a few extra for your beachside holiday!

Travel budget

Your Easter in Nelson Bay: The Perfect Getaway

So, what’s the best way to spend Easter in Nelson Bay? Easy—relaxing on the sand, feasting on fresh seafood, and spending quality time with the family, whether that’s hunting for chocolate eggs or just soaking up the panoramic views during a short walk by the bay.It doesn’t get much better than that, right? So, if you want to make the most of that long weekend, start planning and book your stay with Nelson Bay Accommodation early. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on the perfect spot to call home while you enjoy all the Easter magic this place has to offer.