Whether or not you’re on the lookout for epic seaside adventures, scrumptious meals or something in between, this listing of the most effective issues to do in Port Stephens will preserve you busy for weeks!
If you happen to’re the type of individual that loves having enjoyable on beautiful seashores, and is all the time on the lookout for one thing further to do in your vacation apart from laying round studying a e-book, Port Stephens is the place for you.
Positioned solely 2.5 hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens is a well-liked trip spot for a lot of Aussies, and it’s rapidly rising a fame with worldwide travellers too.
The Port Stephens space consists of a number of totally different geographies and small cities. Nelson Bay is the principle city, and you could find islands, wildlife reserves, mountains, and extra all packed into the realm.
You’ll be able to even discover the most important shifting sand dunes within the Southern Hemisphere!
There’s additionally a cool native brewery you need to take a look at, superb seafood eating places, and nice locations to remain.
Mountains to Seashores to Stockton Sand Dunes – The Greatest Issues to Do in Port Stephens
There are such a lot of issues to do in Port Stephens, and we’re pleased 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 varied and beautiful Port Stephens and Nelson Bay space!
Our private listing of the most effective issues to do in Port Stephens consists of:
- Climb Tomaree Mountain for dawn
- Go whale watching
- Discover the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, the most important shifting sand dunes within the southern hemisphere
- Go to an award-winning brewery for lunch and drinks
- Journey a camel on the seaside
- 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 take a look at 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 presents the most effective views of Port Stephens.
It’s steep (and slippery after the rain) so chances are you’ll have to 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.
If you happen to personal binoculars, you possibly can take them out to attempt to spot marine life, particularly whales between Could and October.
If you happen to solely have time to do one factor on this listing of the highest Port Stephens actions, do that stroll. Tomaree Nationwide Park is simply too stunning to overlook!
The view from the highest is without doubt one of the finest issues to see in Port Stephens, and attainable all of New South Wales.
The way in which to the summit is simple to search out. Head to the automotive park on the finish of Shoal Bay Street, and you must 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 most effective 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 Greatest Seashores in Port Stephens
It comes as no shock that seashores are the preferred out of the numerous Port Stephens vacationer sights.
They’re among 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 seaside between the 2 conical headlands.
That’s Zenith Seaside, a gem of Port Stephens.
It’s simple to succeed in from the automotive 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 seaside of the encompassing park are beautiful.
Take a look at Eloise’s nice article on bucket listing actions once you go to Australia.
Wreck Seaside
Wreck Seaside is the subsequent seaside 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 an area 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 seaside, and is without doubt one of the finest locations to go online 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, which has sadly stunned some guests over the previous few years.
Whereas it’s tempting to attempt to stroll over to the island, the tender sand does make it seem like a transparent path, it’s truly fairly harmful, with ocean currents and swells making the crossing treacherous at even the most effective instances.
READ MORE: Get your seaside 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 listing of the most effective issues to do in Port Stephens.
With greater than 100 bottlenose dolphins dwelling within the Port Stephens waters all yr spherical, native cruise operators announce a 99% success price at recognizing them throughout their excursions.
The bigger species of extra frequent wild dolphins stay simply exterior the bay.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a once-in-a-lifetime expertise, e-book a tour that lets you stand up shut to those clever and delightful creatures.
An area tour firm in Port Stephens presents the distinctive alternative to be dragged by a ship to swim with a pod of dolphins.
Whereas a dolphin watching cruise is the best approach to encounter dolphins, you too can typically spot them from the shore as they arrive very near the seaside. It’s no surprise Port Stephens is the dolphin capital of Australia!
In contrast to 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 most important fleet and spend an enormous period of time out on the lookout for the whales.
We went with them this yr and completely beloved our time with them. Extremely beneficial.
4) Quad Biking, Sandboarding and Cultural Excursions in Worimi Nationwide Park
If you happen to thought that enjoying within the sand was just for youngsters, 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 most important shifting dunes within the Southern Hemisphere!
There’s no scarcity of superior actions you possibly can attempt in the principle launching factors at Stockton Seaside, Anna Bay and Birubi Seaside.
In case you have a 4WD, seaside driving is usually a enjoyable approach to discover the Port Stephens dunes (permits required).
Simply be sure you be respectful, because the Worimi Nationwide Park is extraordinarily vital to the native Worimi conservation lands and indigenous folks, and there are many historic and cultural websites discovered across the place.
If you happen to don’t have a 4WD, there are a few methods you possibly can nonetheless get on the market to discover the sand dunes.
Quad biking is probably probably the most enjoyable, and the legends at Sand Dune Adventures organise a unbelievable 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 positioning and make use of native indigenous folks as properly.
The dunes of Worimi Nationwide Park are additionally a widespread place to attempt sandboarding. You’ll be able to slide together with your bodyboard in the event you personal one, or lease 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) Examine Out the Oakvale Wildlife Park
If you happen to desire extra intimate encounters that contain petting and photograph alternatives, head to the Oakvale Wildlife Park.
They’ve a formidable listing 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 repeatedly noticed round Port Stephens, so preserve your eyes up once you’re round eucalyptus bushes.
If you wish to improve your probabilities, Tilligerry Habitat is especially recognized to be the koalas’ favorite spot within the area, and supplies a chance to study 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 by way of the contemporary air and having fun with the serenity of the realm is price it.
7) Swim with Sharks and Rays on the Irukandji Centre
The Irukandji Centre in Port Stephens desires to teach, elevate consciousness and make a distinction to guard the ocean.
Their interactive aquarium hosts shark and ray encounters so folks study to like them and take motion to guard them.
It’s positively among the finest 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
Hundreds of soldier crabs come out at low tide and within the night on the seashores round Port Stephens.
Discover a spot on the onerous sand and cease shifting: you’ll rapidly 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 excited about macro, however that’s not all you get. You may as well see wobbegong sharks, colossal sea hares and sometimes sea turtles.
If you happen to’re among the many luckiest, chances are you’ll even spot a dolphin.
Divers also can be part of a ship journey to dive with gray nurse sharks, Port Jackson sharks and even seals close to on the totally 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 most effective issues to do in Nelson Bay.
10) Have a Drink on the Well-known Murray’s Brewery
If you happen to come to Port Stephens and don’t seize a drink at Murray’s, did you actually go to?
Positioned on Nelson Bay Street simply exterior of city, Murray’s Brewery is finest recognized for his or her Whale Ale, however that’s not all they do.
Their IPAs, ciders and different beers are all severely tasty, so seize a tasting tray and get caught into them. Good to scrub down the wood-fired pizzas they make on-site.
They’ve a public brewery tour every day at 2.15 pm in the event you’re excited about studying about their course of, and you’ll even e-book a bus shuttle, so that you don’t need to drive again to your lodge.
If you happen to’re extra into wine than beer, you too can do a wine tasting on the similar place, organised by the oldest winery of the area. And there’s a small winery a bit additional up on the hill.
11) Eat All of the Contemporary Native Seafood
An inventory of the most effective 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 every day and serve it in a beautiful setting close to the water. For a flowery meal with unbelievable 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 possibly can take a tour of their farm at 11 am or 2 pm.
If you happen to love oysters, or in the event you’re curious and wish to study extra about them, head to Holbert’s Oyster Farm. From the client space, you possibly can watch the skilled oyster shuckers at work.
A go to to the actual oyster farm will be organised for teams.
Simply close to the store, you possibly can style the oyster whereas having fun with the gorgeous views of the bay. Holbert’s Oyster Farm is situated in Salamander Bay.
12) Stand-Up Paddleboarding
There are a lot of methods to benefit from the stunning 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 special occasion out on the water.
If the climate is sweet, 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 on the lookout for a simple scenic experience or extra severe 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 principally quiet streets, biking right here is protected and enjoyable.
You’ll be able to select a scenic coastal experience with superb views from Corlette to Nelson Bay to Port Stephens, Shoal Bay or Fingal Bay.
You may as well 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 possibility!
14) Seize Breakfast at a Good Cafe
If there’s one factor Port Stephens does properly, it’s breakfast. There are such a lot of superb cafe choices within the Port Stephens space that’s will be onerous to decide on the place to eat.
Fortunately, you actually can’t go incorrect!
The Little Nel is a extremely popular spot, with vivid and ethereal outside 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 embody Internal Mild Tea Rooms for a soothing 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 most important variety of camels on the earth?
And proper right here in Port Stephens, you possibly can truly experience a camel on the seaside!
One of the distinctive issues to do within the space is soar on a camel at Birubi Seaside, and experience by way of the Port Stephens Stockton sand dunes and proper as much as the ocean.
Get in contact with the fellows at Oakfield Ranch to e-book your camel driving in Port Stephens.
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 enormous stretch of sand will get good rolling swells coming in, making it nice for longboarders as properly.
You’ll be able to lease a board from subsequent to the caravan park in the event you don’t have one.
Port Stephens Surf College additionally presents classes in the event you’ve by no means surfed earlier than and also you’re eager to study.
17) Admire the Views at Gan Gan Lookout
If you wish to benefit from the limitless Port Stephens views, however don’t really feel like climbing Tomaree Mountain, then Gan Gan Lookout is your finest guess.
This stunning viewpoint will be accessed by automotive through Lily Hill Street, and presents 360-degree views over the entire space.
You’ll be able to overlook the Port Stephens Boat Harbour and the whole thing 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 will not be disconnected underwater or in a park, she loves sharing her journey tips about her weblog MyFavouriteEscapes.com and galvanizing her readers to maintain our stunning planet. She considers each weekend as a two-day vacation break. Her method: you don’t all the time have to go far to journey. Nonetheless, she additionally enjoys exploring the world and discovering new cultures. Observe her adventures on Fb and Instagram!
The place to Keep in Port Stephens
There are many nice choices for Port Stephens lodging, from caravan parks to resorts and little mattress and breakfasts.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for an superior place to remain within the space, we personally love utilizing Airbnb. If you happen to’ve by no means used the platform earlier than, enroll utilizing this hyperlink to get USD$35 off your first reserving.
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