Welcome to the heart of coastal beauty! Whether you’re a visitor seeking adventure or a local looking for hidden gems, let this guide be your compass to navigate the charm and excitement of Port Stephens. Explore, indulge, and make the most of your time in this coastal paradise!
THINGS TO DO
ATTRACTIONS
Embark on a journey of exploration as we unveil the allure of Port Stephens’ captivating attractions. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature enthusiast, or someone seeking relaxation, Port Stephens has something for every traveller.
ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES
From sandy shores to wildlife encounters, Nelson Bay offers a playground for all ages. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full family vacation, there are a myriad of activities that make Nelson Bay a perfect destination for creating cherished memories together.
ACTIVITIES FOR COUPLES
Indulge in the enchanting allure of Nelson Bay, where love meets coastal charm. Nelson Bay offers an idyllic backdrop for creating lasting memories with your special someone.
RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES
Embrace the charm of Nelson Bay even when the skies are grey! Our guide to Rainy Day Activities in Nelson Bay invites you to turn dreary weather into delightful experiences.
Sahara Trails
Sahara Trails HORSE RIDING Port Stephens, offers something for everyone! At Sahara Trails we have been providing safe and fun horse riding experiences since 1988. We provide HORSE RIDING for the whole… family, from the absolute beginner to the most experienced rider, we have a ride that will cater to your ability. Come and enjoy one of our scenic guided trails, relax and experience the peace and tranquility of our beautiful surrounds. Port Stephens has so many wonderful places to stay, play and eat it makes a wonderful holiday destination. With over 35 years of local knowledge, we can help you to not only enjoy your horse ride but experience Port Stephens as a destination. Please explore our website further for more information on Sahara Trails and it’s surrounding location. The Sahara Trails team looks forward to welcoming you!
Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides
- 0429 664 172
- Anna Bay Lower Carpark, James Paterson Street, Anna Bay NSW 2316, Australia
- www.oakfieldranch.com.au
Camel-riding trails over rolling dunes & along the shore, with an option to pre-book sunset tours.
Tea Gardens Ferry
Servicing the Port Stephens and Myall Coast community for over 30 years, The Original Tea Gardens Ferry aim to restore the iconic vessels to their heritage glory. Vessels our community can take pride in… and ensure these historic ferries are available to enjoy for generations to come.
Oakvale Wildlife Park
- (02) 4982 6222
- 3 Oakvale Dr, Salt Ash NSW 2318, Australia
- oakvalewildlife.com.au/?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=gbp-listing
Oakvale Wildlife Park is a wildlife park established by the Sansom family in Salt Ash, in the Port Stephens region of New South Wales, Australia. It is home to a variety of animals which, while primarily… native species of eastern Australia, includes some exotic species.
David Grahams Golf Complex
Welcome to David Graham’s golf set on 25 acres centrally positioned in Anna bay Port Stephens. Great affordable family fun where all ages can join in the action. Golf Course Putt Putt Birthday… Party Batting Cages Driving Range Laser Clay Shooting Frisbee Golf Soccer Golf Golf Lessons
Go Karts Go Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay’s biggest, fastest and most exciting 4-stroke go kart hire track.
Cruise with style at Moonshadow-TQC
Moonshadow-TQC, found in scenic Port Stephens, NSW Australia, is a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney and 45 minutes from Newcastle. With the largest fleet in the area, we offer custom cruises for any event. We… specialise in: Dolphin Watching Whale Watching Delicious Food Cruises Weddings Private Charters Corporate Team Building Schools Educational Programs
Savour the charm at Inner Light Tea Rooms
Inner Light Tea Rooms, a heritage-listed café in Nelson Bay, overlooks the scenic Shoal Bay. Enjoy delightful breakfasts and lunches amid sparkling waters at this perfect spot.
Immerse in artistry at the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre
Port Stephens Community Arts Centre showcases incredible artworks and special crafts created by skilled local artisans. Garden Café offers tea or coffee, fresh homemade cakes, and light lunches. Entry… is free at the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre. We are open: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm The Garden Café is open every Saturday
Choose your thrill at Quad Bike King
- (02) 4965 0007
- 2130 Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown Port Stephens, NSW 2318, Australia
- quadbikeking.com.au
Discover the perfect ride for any skill level. Opt for the leisurely Scenic Safari or rev up your adventure on the renowned Safari Tour, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/hr across Stockton Beach.
Enjoy a day of fun at Port Stephens Paddlesports
Explore the waters of Port Stephens with us! Paddle through Shoal Bay or discover nearby coastlines and marine sanctuaries. Enjoy a safe beach for kayak activities and a wondrous journey with local dolphins.
Take a Waterfront stroll
Enjoy a romantic waterfront stroll from Nelson Bay to Corlette Point, known as the “Bridle Walk.” Port Stephens offers a wealth of beautiful nature, rainforest, and beach walks.
Toboggan Hill Park
Located amid natural bush off Salamander Way in Nelson Bay, Toboggan Hill Park offers family-friendly fun. Each toboggan is equipped with brakes, allowing you to control the descent speed.
Go Koala spotting
Port Stephens Council in partnership with Port Stephens Koalas Hospital have created a Koala Sanctuary for the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koalas in the wild. Opened daily,… the sanctuary lets you: Spend an hour or a night immersed in an idyllic natural koala habitat. Support the provision of long-term, first-class care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas.
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Experience the true nature of sharks, rays and the weird and wonderful world of the ocean. You can choose to enter the animal’s world by going into the water or feeding and patting them from the edges… of the pools, read below for visitor info.
Imagine Cruises
The whales have arrived and Imagine Cruises is heading offshore on our Whale & Dolphin Watch Cruises. Come and witness the majestic Humpback Whales as they travel up and down our coastline. Book now… for an experience of a lifetime!
Dare to glide at the Stockton Sand Dunes
Embark on an unforgettable sandboarding adventure at Stockton Sand Dunes. Regular tours offer a thrilling experience for the whole family. Come feel the wind in your hair, but keep your mouth closed!
Sahara Trails
Sahara Trails HORSE RIDING Port Stephens, offers something for everyone! At Sahara Trails we have been providing safe and fun horse riding experiences since 1988. We provide HORSE RIDING for the whole… family, from the absolute beginner to the most experienced rider, we have a ride that will cater to your ability. Come and enjoy one of our scenic guided trails, relax and experience the peace and tranquility of our beautiful surrounds. Port Stephens has so many wonderful places to stay, play and eat it makes a wonderful holiday destination. With over 35 years of local knowledge, we can help you to not only enjoy your horse ride but experience Port Stephens as a destination. Please explore our website further for more information on Sahara Trails and it’s surrounding location. The Sahara Trails team looks forward to welcoming you!
Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides
- 0429 664 172
- Anna Bay Lower Carpark, James Paterson Street, Anna Bay NSW 2316, Australia
- www.oakfieldranch.com.au
Camel-riding trails over rolling dunes & along the shore, with an option to pre-book sunset tours.
Tea Gardens Ferry
Servicing the Port Stephens and Myall Coast community for over 30 years, The Original Tea Gardens Ferry aim to restore the iconic vessels to their heritage glory. Vessels our community can take pride in… and ensure these historic ferries are available to enjoy for generations to come.
Nelson Bay Golf Club
Nestled near the CBD of Nelson Bay and the picturesque waterways of Port Stephens, just 40 minutes north of Newcastle and 2.5 hours north of Sydney, Nelson Bay Golf Club stands out as a premier destination.… Boasting an impressive 27-hole golf course sprawled across 175 acres of challenging tree-lined fairways, NBGC offers an idyllic setting that is also home to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and native birds. Elevate your wedding experience at this extraordinary venue, where natural beauty and elegance come together for a truly memorable celebration.
Salamander Super Strike
Have a competitive side? Longing for tenpin glory? Grab a couple of mates and head on down to Salamander SuperStrike
Oakvale Wildlife Park
- (02) 4982 6222
- 3 Oakvale Dr, Salt Ash NSW 2318, Australia
- oakvalewildlife.com.au/?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=gbp-listing
Oakvale Wildlife Park is a wildlife park established by the Sansom family in Salt Ash, in the Port Stephens region of New South Wales, Australia. It is home to a variety of animals which, while primarily… native species of eastern Australia, includes some exotic species.
David Grahams Golf Complex
Welcome to David Graham’s golf set on 25 acres centrally positioned in Anna bay Port Stephens. Great affordable family fun where all ages can join in the action. Golf Course Putt Putt Birthday… Party Batting Cages Driving Range Laser Clay Shooting Frisbee Golf Soccer Golf Golf Lessons
Go Karts Go Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay’s biggest, fastest and most exciting 4-stroke go kart hire track.
Cruise with style at Moonshadow-TQC
Moonshadow-TQC, found in scenic Port Stephens, NSW Australia, is a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney and 45 minutes from Newcastle. With the largest fleet in the area, we offer custom cruises for any event. We… specialise in: Dolphin Watching Whale Watching Delicious Food Cruises Weddings Private Charters Corporate Team Building Schools Educational Programs
Toboggan Hill Park
Located amid natural bush off Salamander Way in Nelson Bay, Toboggan Hill Park offers family-friendly fun. Each toboggan is equipped with brakes, allowing you to control the descent speed.
Go Koala spotting
Port Stephens Council in partnership with Port Stephens Koalas Hospital have created a Koala Sanctuary for the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koalas in the wild. Opened daily,… the sanctuary lets you: Spend an hour or a night immersed in an idyllic natural koala habitat. Support the provision of long-term, first-class care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas.
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Experience the true nature of sharks, rays and the weird and wonderful world of the ocean. You can choose to enter the animal’s world by going into the water or feeding and patting them from the edges… of the pools, read below for visitor info.
Imagine Cruises
The whales have arrived and Imagine Cruises is heading offshore on our Whale & Dolphin Watch Cruises. Come and witness the majestic Humpback Whales as they travel up and down our coastline. Book now… for an experience of a lifetime!
Dare to glide at the Stockton Sand Dunes
Embark on an unforgettable sandboarding adventure at Stockton Sand Dunes. Regular tours offer a thrilling experience for the whole family. Come feel the wind in your hair, but keep your mouth closed!
Sahara Trails
Sahara Trails HORSE RIDING Port Stephens, offers something for everyone! At Sahara Trails we have been providing safe and fun horse riding experiences since 1988. We provide HORSE RIDING for the whole… family, from the absolute beginner to the most experienced rider, we have a ride that will cater to your ability. Come and enjoy one of our scenic guided trails, relax and experience the peace and tranquility of our beautiful surrounds. Port Stephens has so many wonderful places to stay, play and eat it makes a wonderful holiday destination. With over 35 years of local knowledge, we can help you to not only enjoy your horse ride but experience Port Stephens as a destination. Please explore our website further for more information on Sahara Trails and it’s surrounding location. The Sahara Trails team looks forward to welcoming you!
Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides
- 0429 664 172
- Anna Bay Lower Carpark, James Paterson Street, Anna Bay NSW 2316, Australia
- www.oakfieldranch.com.au
Camel-riding trails over rolling dunes & along the shore, with an option to pre-book sunset tours.
Tea Gardens Ferry
Servicing the Port Stephens and Myall Coast community for over 30 years, The Original Tea Gardens Ferry aim to restore the iconic vessels to their heritage glory. Vessels our community can take pride in… and ensure these historic ferries are available to enjoy for generations to come.
Nelson Bay Golf Club
Nestled near the CBD of Nelson Bay and the picturesque waterways of Port Stephens, just 40 minutes north of Newcastle and 2.5 hours north of Sydney, Nelson Bay Golf Club stands out as a premier destination.… Boasting an impressive 27-hole golf course sprawled across 175 acres of challenging tree-lined fairways, NBGC offers an idyllic setting that is also home to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and native birds. Elevate your wedding experience at this extraordinary venue, where natural beauty and elegance come together for a truly memorable celebration.
Salamander Super Strike
Have a competitive side? Longing for tenpin glory? Grab a couple of mates and head on down to Salamander SuperStrike
Oakvale Wildlife Park
- (02) 4982 6222
- 3 Oakvale Dr, Salt Ash NSW 2318, Australia
- oakvalewildlife.com.au/?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=gbp-listing
Oakvale Wildlife Park is a wildlife park established by the Sansom family in Salt Ash, in the Port Stephens region of New South Wales, Australia. It is home to a variety of animals which, while primarily… native species of eastern Australia, includes some exotic species.
David Grahams Golf Complex
Welcome to David Graham’s golf set on 25 acres centrally positioned in Anna bay Port Stephens. Great affordable family fun where all ages can join in the action. Golf Course Putt Putt Birthday… Party Batting Cages Driving Range Laser Clay Shooting Frisbee Golf Soccer Golf Golf Lessons
Go Karts Go Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay’s biggest, fastest and most exciting 4-stroke go kart hire track.
Cruise with style at Moonshadow-TQC
Moonshadow-TQC, found in scenic Port Stephens, NSW Australia, is a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney and 45 minutes from Newcastle. With the largest fleet in the area, we offer custom cruises for any event. We… specialise in: Dolphin Watching Whale Watching Delicious Food Cruises Weddings Private Charters Corporate Team Building Schools Educational Programs
Choose your thrill at Quad Bike King
- (02) 4965 0007
- 2130 Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown Port Stephens, NSW 2318, Australia
- quadbikeking.com.au
Discover the perfect ride for any skill level. Opt for the leisurely Scenic Safari or rev up your adventure on the renowned Safari Tour, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/hr across Stockton Beach.
Enjoy a day of fun at Port Stephens Paddlesports
Explore the waters of Port Stephens with us! Paddle through Shoal Bay or discover nearby coastlines and marine sanctuaries. Enjoy a safe beach for kayak activities and a wondrous journey with local dolphins.…
Take a Waterfront stroll
Enjoy a romantic waterfront stroll from Nelson Bay to Corlette Point, known as the “Bridle Walk.” Port Stephens offers a wealth of beautiful nature, rainforest, and beach walks.
Salamander Super Strike
Have a competitive side? Longing for tenpin glory? Grab a couple of mates and head on down to Salamander SuperStrike
March – 2025
2025 Sail Port Stephens Passage Series
- 31 Mar 2025 – 05 Apr 2025
Please note our all-important dates for the 2025 Sail Port Stephens Passage Series – Monday MARCH 31 to Saturday APRIL 5. Book your berths, book your accomm and start counting the days! We’d love to see… you back here.
April – 2025
May – 2025
Bay Series – Sportsboat & J70s
- 02 May 2025 – 04 May 2025
Bay Series – Sportsboat & J70s The Bay Sailing Centre at Salamander Bay is hosting a regatta for sports boats, trailer sailers, off-the-beach classes and Windsurfers under the ‘Bay Series’… banner. The weekend of 2-4 May 2025 has been set aside, with the dinghies and sailboards to sail 3-4 May. Registration Times Thursday 1 May – 4.30pm to 5.30pm Friday 2 May – 7.30am to 9.00am Briefings from approximately 9.00am
Bay Series – Off the Beach
- 02 May 2025 – 04 May 2025
The Bay Sailing Centre at Salamander Bay is hosting a regatta for sports boats, trailer sailers, off-the-beach classes and Windsurfers under the ‘Bay Series’ banner. The weekend of 2-4 May 2025 has… been set aside, with the dinghies and sailboards to sail 3-4 May. Registration Times Friday 2 May – 4.30pm to 5.30pm Saturday 3 May – 7.30am to 9.00am Briefings from approximately 9.00am
Bay Series – Windsurfing
- 02 May 2025 – 04 May 2025
The Bay Sailing Centre at Salamander Bay is hosting a regatta for sports boats, trailer sailers, off-the-beach classes and Windsurfers under the ‘Bay Series’ banner. The weekend of 2-4 May 2025 has… been set aside, with the dinghies and sailboards to sail 3-4 May. Registration Times Friday 2 May – 4.30pm to 5.30pm Saturday 3 May – 7.30am to 9.00am Briefings from approximately 9.00am
July – 2025
Port Stephens Winter Whale Festival
- d’Albora Marina Nelson Bay, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay NSW, Australia
- www.pswinterwhalefest.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJHJd5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRHIDphAB3bjl5qIwRoT1PWdvKC6w3WOFmpWVv54GqJ3VGQ86XnNsaFV_A_aem_cCkr6NV1oaKAhyrzIO2uiQ
- 12 Jul 2025 – 20 Jul 2025
Join us for the annual Port Stephens Winter Festival, held over 9 packed days from the popular Port Stephens Car Show, the annual Human Whale event, to our popular Taster’s Trails. Full of family activities,… food, festival fun and more! Plus great foodie options for the adults only.
Port Stephens Car Show
- 13 Jul 2025
Who’s ready for the 2025 Port Stephens Car Show! SAVE THE DATE ~ Sunday 13th July 2025*more details to come e.g website dropping, ticket sales and much more! Keep your eyes peeled
Blue Taster’s Trail
- Sirena Seaside, Upper Level, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay NSW, Australia
- www.pswinterwhalefest.com
- 16 Jul 2025
- 3:45 pm to 7:00 pm
Join us on our BLUE Taster’s Trail on Wednesday 16th July. Enjoy an entrée, two mains and dessert at Sirena Seaside, The Wood Oven, Hog’s Breath Nelson Bay & Mavericks on the Bay. Entree – Sirena… Seaside Main #1 – The Wood Oven | Lasagne (Pasta di Porto pasta), Chips & Salad Main #2 – Hog’s Breath Nelson Bay | 18-hr slow cooked Prime Rib Steak served with Creamy Mash Potato (Steak cooked Medium) Dessert & Last Venue – Mavericks on the Bay **All venues include a complimentary drink** Tickets go on sale from 1st April Bookings are essential – please leave your email address when booking to receive notifications from the event organiser. **Name badges and coloured wrist bands will be issued on arrival at the first venue. Host details will be provided closer to the date and notified via email**
Red Taster’s Trail
- Jumbo Palace Restaurant, Stockton Street, Nelson Bay NSW, Australia
- www.pswinterwhalefest.com
- 16 Jul 2025
- 3:45 pm to 7:00 pm
Join us on our RED Taster’s Trail on Wednesday 16th July throughout Nelson Bay CBD. Enjoy an entree, two mains and dessert at the following restaurants. Entree – Jumbo Palace | Mixed Entree of 1x Curry… Puff, 1x Spring Roll, 2x Deep Fried Dumplings with Sweet & Sour Sauce Main #1 – Sunan 9 Thai | Alternate Drop of Massaman Beef Curry with Rice OR Chicken Cashew Nut with Rice Main #2 – The Only Place Indian | Sample of Butter Chicken & Beef Korma with Basmati Rice & Naan Bread Dessert – Essence Cafe – Cake Tasting Plate Last Venue – Seabreeze Hotel | 1x Complimentary drink + $15 Cocktails Bookings are essential – please leave your email address when booking to receive notifications from the event organiser. **Please note, dietary requirements cannot be catered for, please factor this into your choice of Taster’s Trail** **Name badges and colored wrist bands will be issued on arrival at the first venue. Host details will be provided closer to the date and notified via email**
Purple Taster’s Trail
- Mod Thai, Stockton Street, Nelson Bay NSW, Australia
- www.pswinterwhalefest.com
- 18 Jul 2025
- 3:45 pm to 7:00 pm
Join us on our PURPLE Taster’s Trail on Friday 18th July. Enjoy an entree, two mains and dessert at the following restaurants. Entree – Mod Thai Nelson Bay | Mixed Entree of 1x Spring Roll, 1x Curry… Puff, 1x Satay Chicken Skewer & 1x Fish Cake Main #1 – Nigroni’s Restaurant | Alternate Drop of Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Rice OR Slow Cooked Lamb with Rich Tomato Orzo Pasta Main #2 – Sienna’s Restaurant | Lasagne with Slice of Garlic Bread Dessert – Flames & Flavour at the Buoys | Homemade Apple & Rhubarb Crumble with Seasonal Berries, Vanilla Bean Custard & Ice Cream Last Venue – Seabreeze Hotel | 1x Complimentary drink + $15 Cocktails Bookings are essential – please leave your email address when booking to receive notifications from the event organiser. **Please note, dietary requirements cannot be catered for, **Name badges and colored wrist bands will be issued on arrival at the first venue. Host details will be provided closer to the date and notified via email**
Orange Taster’s Trail
- 21 Stockton Street, Nelson Bay NSW, Australia
- www.pswinterwhalefest.com
- 19 Jul 2025
- 3:45 pm to 7:00 pm
Join us on our ORANGE Taster’s Trail on Saturday 19th July. Enjoy an entree, two mains and dessert at the following restaurants. Entree – Dumpling Mamas | Trio of Signature Pan-fried Pork Dumplings… w/ Smashed Cucumber Salad Main #1 – Cafe KIN | Scallop & Prawn Sliders Main #2 – Sandpipers Restaurant | Atlantic Salmon fillet Broccolini, Green Soybean & Pumpkin Puree Dessert – Essence Cafe | Cake Tasting Plate Last Venue – Seabreeze Hotel | Complimentary drink & $15 cocktail Bookings are essential – please leave your email address when booking to receive notifications from the event organiser. **Please note, dietary requirements cannot be catered for, please factor this into your choice of Taster’s Trail** **Name badges and colored wrist bands will be issued on arrival at the first venue. Host details will be provided closer to the date and notified via email**
Port Stephens
Port Stephens is possibly the most ideal family-friendly vacation spot in New South Wales. Situated just two and a half hours north of Sydney, this destination provides a diverse range of holiday accommodations tailored to fit every budget.
Spanning an impressive two and a half times the size of Sydney Harbour, Port Stephens is a sprawling waterway adorned with numerous offshore islands and abundant fishing grounds.
For boating enthusiasts, it’s nothing short of a paradise, boasting extensive miles of navigable waterways, convenient access for trailer boats, and an abundance of marinas catering to larger vessels and provisioning needs.
History of Port Stephens
The Port Stephens area was initially inhabited by the Worimi Tribe, characterised by Charles Grimes as a taller and stouter people with a distinct language compared to those near Sydney.
Upon white settlement, around 400 Aborigines resided in the Port Stephens estuary. However, by 1873, the tribe had dwindled to only 50 members, and by 1900, few tribal Aborigines remained. Observers from that era provided glimpses of a way of life that has largely vanished.
The region harbours numerous Aboriginal relic sites, notably the “Canoe Trees” at Little Beach. The specific locations of these sites are confidential. From Wallis Lakes to Newcastle, there are 37 recorded ceremonial sites (stone arrangements, bora grounds, carved trees, and burial sites), 115 campsites (mia mia, scarred trees, open campsites, shelters with deposits, wells, fish traps, abraded grooves, and quarries), and 97 middens. Yacaaba Head hosts four middens and a burial site, while middens are found at Fingal Spit, Anna Bay, Schnapper Point, Boat Harbour, Skate Bay, and Fishermans Bay. Skate Bay also features a burial site, and grinding grooves are present at Morna Point.
Port Stephens gained European attention in May 1770 when Captain James Cook documented it as “an opening forming a bay.” He went on to describe, “Wind southerly in the day and the night westerly, a gentle breeze and clear weather. At 4 pm past, at a distance of one mile a low rocky point which I named Point Stephens… on the north side of this point is an inlet which I called Port Stephens that appears from the masthead to be sheltered from all winds”.
Nelson Bay
The heart of Port Stephens is undoubtedly Nelson Bay. It has always been an incredibly popular holiday destination for families and offers a wide range of houses, duplexes, townhouses and units available for holiday accommodation.
There are many Nelson Bay activities and things to do. Nelson Bay CBD offers a range of restaurants, cafes and numerous shops to keep the shop-a-holic busy as well as an incredibly popular golf course, bowling club, Wests Diggers club and world-class marina complex with its collection of shops and restaurants.
Shoal Bay
Shoal Bay is perhaps the ideal holiday spot for those who want to lie on the gorgeous beach all day and party all night at either the Country Club or Wests Diggers Club (both within walking distance). Shoal Bay offers a variety of accommodation choices to suit all budgets.
Surf beaches can be found on the Eastern side of Shoal Bay accessed via Tomaree National Park and the walking trail up Tomaree headland is also very popular with the more energetic tourists.
Fingal Bay
A quiet little suburb throughout most of the year, Fingal Bay comes alive in summer with the onslaught of tourist season. Little wonder too, Fingal Bay has an incredibly popular beach offering protected areas ideal for small children yet just further along the beach are some out-of-the-way board riding spots very well known amongst locals.
Fingal Bay Beach is patrolled by volunteer lifeguards (check at the clubhouse for patrol times) so it is perhaps the ideal beach to suit all the family members (including the fishermen). Fingal Bay has a couple of shops just a block back from the beach offering takeaway food and general store items.
Fingal Bay offers predominantly duplexes and houses for holiday accommodation with a handful of small units and townhouse blocks close to the beach.
Corlette
Accommodation in Corlette features proximity to the pristine sands of Bagnall Beach, which is a pet-friendly “off-leash” beach and just a 3-minute drive to Nelson Bay or a 2-minute drive to Salamander shopping centre. Corlette is the ideal place for swimming, dolphin spotting or just simply relaxing with a coffee overlooking the boats at “The Anchorage”.
Salamander Bay
Long stretches of sandy beaches with unsurpassed views are the theme for your accommodation at Salamander Bay. The safe beaches for children, boating and all aquatic pastimes are either right outside or very close to your accommodation. Shopping and restaurants are within close walking distance of most accommodation.
Soldiers Point
Located right on the end of the Tomaree Peninsula, Soldiers Point is an ideal spot for families seeking a beachside holiday without too much hustle and bustle. All holiday accommodation properties at Soldiers Point are either on or very close to the waterfront.
Anna Bay
Located roughly 10 minutes from Nelson Bay, Anna Bay gives access to Birubi Beach as well as the famous Stockton Beach. Numerous shops are located at Anna Bay and properties close to the water are very popular holiday accommodation choices. For those with 4WD vehicles, Stockton Beach is an experience not to be missed (permits are required and available at Anna Bay Newsagency).
Boat Harbour
Virtually surrounded by National Park and ocean, Boat Harbour has become incredibly popular over the last few years. Boat Harbour has a small child-friendly beach which also allows the launching of small boats from the beach as well as access trails down to One Mile Beach and Kingsley Beach. Boat Harbour has tennis courts that can be hired and is just a few minutes’ drive from Anna Bay and about 10 minutes from Nelson Bay.
Taylors Beach
Taylors Beach is a small coastal town located in Port Stephens on the Tomaree Peninsula with a population of around 120 people. The shoreline is dotted with tall pine trees and there is a public jetty which is ideal for fishing, a boat ramp and BBQ and picnic facilities on the foreshore with public amenities including disabled toilets. You will feel like you are miles away from the hustle and bustle in this peaceful waterside town but still, less than ten minute’s drive to Salamander Bay Square Shopping Centre, eight minute’s drive to restaurants and shops at Old Salamander Village or fourteen minutes drive into Nelson Bay Town Centre.
