Family-Friendly Adventures: Best Outdoor Activities in Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay always manages to surprise, irrespective of whether you are a regular visitor or a first timer. The beaches are beautiful and the ocean breeze is calming. There’s something magical about watching your kids explore the world with sand between their toes and salt water in their hair.
We’ve pulled together the best outdoor activities for families, some are local secrets, some are well-known favourites, and there a few special events happening too:
Hidden Treasures and Fresh Finds
If you’ve been to Nelson Bay a few times, you might feel like you’ve ticked off all the big-ticket items. But look a little closer, and you’ll find a heap of new or lesser-known adventures perfect for families who want something a bit different.
1. Crack the Clues in a Town-Wide Scavenger Hunt
This one’s a winner, especially if your kids love a challenge. The Nelson Bay Scavenger Hunt, in partnership with Newy Kids, turns the town centre into a giant puzzle! Grab a free activity sheet from the Port Stephens Visitor Centre and follow the clues, solve the mystery, and explore the town in a new way you’ve likely never done before. It’s self-paced, free, and it’s secretly educational.
2. Spot Wild Koalas at Tilligerry Habitat
If you want a quieter, more natural way to see koalas, head over to Tilligerry Habitat at Lemon Tree Passage. It’s a peaceful bushland reserve with easy walking tracks and, if you’re lucky, a few koalas lazing above in the gum trees. It’s the kind of walk where everyone slows down to take in their surroundings.
6. Go Karting with the Kids
Go Karts Go Nelson Bay isn’t brand new, but it often flies under the radar. They’ve got double karts for the little-uns and junior karts for the over-eight year olds. It’s outdoors, it’s fast, and it’s a great way to burn holiday energy.
Handy Tips for Tucked-Away Treasures
- Check the tide times, especially for rock pools and beach walks; low tide is your friend.
- Pack a picnic and take water with you. Tilligerry Habitat and quieter spots don’t have cafes, but they do have views.
- Dress for it. Choose closed shoes for trails, and sun hats for beach days.
- Don’t skimp on sunscreen and water. As you know, even in winter, the Aussie sun bites.
Tried, True, and Totally Worth It
Nelson Bay’s full of family-friendly activities that have stood the test of time, and whether you’re visiting for the first (or fifth) time, these are the go-to activities you’ll want on your itinerary.
1. See Dolphins and Whales
Port Stephens isn’t called the dolphin capital of Australia for nothing. Dolphin cruises run year-round, and most operators are so confident you’ll see them, they guarantee it. Visiting between May and November? That’s prime time for whale watching, the annual migration is nothing short of spectacular. Some boats even throw in boom netting or a slide off the back for extra splashy fun.
2. Do Beach Days Your Way
Nelson Bay and the surrounding areas have pristine beaches for every kind of family day:
- Little Beach is perfect for toddlers, thanks to its calm waters, little playground, and chilled vibe.
- Shoal Bay Beach brings big views and gentle waves, ideal for a swim or sandcastle building, with Shoal Bay Road right alongside for easy access to cafés, shops, and amenities.
- Fingal Bay Beach has a mix of patrolled swimming spots and surf breaks.
- Dutchmans Beach (Dutchies) is known for its crystal-clear water, great for Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) or a lazy float.
- Bagnalls Beach is dog-friendly and great for a walk or picnic, with calm waters for the kids to paddle.
- Wreck Beach is a little more tucked away, but great for adventurous families who don’t mind a short bushwalk to get there.
- Birubi Beach, patrolled in summer, has rolling dunes nearby for sand boarding and camel rides.
- Salamander Bay Beach is a sheltered and peaceful location near Soldiers Point, perfect for a quiet swim or kayak session.
- One Mile Beach has a mix of gentle waves for boogie boarding and open sand for a proper beach cricket match.
3. Paddle, Snorkel, or Dive Right In
Bring (or hire) a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm bays at your own pace. For something under the surface, Fly Point – Halifax Aquatic Reserve is a snorkelling hotspot, full of fish and coral just metres from the shore.
4. Big Smiles at SPLASH Waterpark
Open in the warmer months, SPLASH Waterpark is a floating inflatable playground right on the water at Nelson Bay. The slides, trampolines, and climbing walls will is sure to be a hit with high-energy kids (and adventurous parents).
5. Get Hands-On with Sharks and Rays
At Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters in Anna Bay, you don’t just look, you get in. Wade through shallow lagoons, feed rays by hand, and learn about some of the ocean’s most misunderstood creatures in one of the coolest places for the whole family to enjoy.
6. Toboggan Hill Park
This place is a kid magnet. The toboggan ride is the big drawcard, but there’s also a mini-golf course, a giant maze, jumping castles, tractor rides—you name it. Great for kids under 10, but honestly, fun for all ages. If you’re looking for indoor activities, there’s also indoor rock climbing available nearby.
7. Sandboarding Tours at the Stockton Dunes
Bring your sense of adventure to the Stockton Sand Dunes, the biggest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Grab a board and slide down the slopes, or hop on a quad bike tour if you’re feeling bold.
8. Meet the Locals at Koala Sanctuary & Oakvale
The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary gives you a tree-top view of these sleepy marsupials in a natural setting. Meanwhile, Oakvale Wildlife Park is a family-friendly place where kids can feed kangaroos, milk a cow, or cool off in the splash zone. It’s a proper hands-on day out.
9. Walks with Stunning Views
Keen for a hike? Tomaree Head Summit Walk has a spectacular walking trail ideal for active families. It rewards you with jaw-dropping views of the whole region. If you prefer the scenic route—without the climb, Gan Gan Lookout is an easy drive and perfect for a sunset photo.
10. Bike Rides Around the Bay
Pack the bikes or hire them locally because Nelson Bay offers family-friendly cycle paths winding through bushland and sandy beaches. The Bartlett and Fingal cycleways are great options for a cruisy ride with ocean breezes.
11. Camel or Horse Riding on the Dunes
For something memorable, saddle up. At Birubi Beach, you can ride a camel along the sand or go horseback through the bush. It’s fun with amazing scenery.
Tips for These Classic Adventures
- Book ahead in peak season, especially for cruises, wildlife parks, and guided tours.
- Enjoy a mix of water and land-based activities to keep things interesting
- Arrive early for fewer crowds, better parking, and more beach space.
- Bring snacks and water, even for short outings.
- Always check the weather and tide times, especially for hikes and snorkelling spots.
Book Your Family Holiday with Nelson Bay Accommodation
Nelson Bay’s not just somewhere you tick off the travel list – it’s where family memories are made. One day, you’re climbing into a fighter jet cockpit, the next, you’re spotting whales leaping out on the horizon. Throw in a few new experiences alongside the favourites, take a beach walk with the tides, and you’ve got yourself a trip the kids will be raving about for years.
Looking for a beachfront apartment, a unit with BBQ facilities, or something with room for the whole tribe? Nelson Bay Accommodation has you sorted.
So don’t just visit. Stay in the heart of it all. Book your family’s Nelson Bay getaway today.