Things To Do in Port Stephens

Port Stephens is ideal if you enjoy beaches and prefer to engage in activities during your holiday.
Port Stephens, located 2.5 hours north of Sydney, is a popular vacation destination for Australians and international travellers.
The Port Stephens area is composed of various geographical features and small towns. Nelson Bay is the central town; within the area, you can discover islands, wildlife reserves, mountains, and other diverse attractions.
The giant moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere can also be found.
Additionally, there are local breweries, seafood restaurants, and accommodations worth visiting.

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You can climb Tomaree Mountain for incredible views

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The Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park provides excellent views of Port Stephens.
The trail to the summit can be steep and slippery after rainfall, so it is advisable to proceed cautiously. However, this 2-kilometre round-trip hike is manageable for anyone capable of climbing stairs, and the view at the top is worth the exertion.
The panoramic views from the elevated height of 161 meters above sea level are breathtaking.
If you have binoculars, you can use them to observe marine life, particularly whales, from May to October.
If you have limited time, prioritise doing this walk from the list of top Port Stephens activities. Tomaree National Park offers stunning natural beauty that should be noticed.
The view from the top is considered one of the top attractions in Port Stephens and possibly all of New South Wales.
To find the way to the summit, go to the car park at the end of Shoal Bay Road, where you will find the path leading up from there.
For those who need help finding the Tomaree Head Summit walk, the Nelson Head Light offers a shorter and easier walk with stunning views of the Port Stephens waters.
Additionally, it is a convenient location for a coffee break if visited before 4 p.m.

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Explore the top beaches in Port Stephens

Unsurprisingly, beaches are the most popular tourist attractions in Port Stephens.
These are some of the top attractions on the east coast of Australia. Here are a few of our favourites.
Zenith Beach
From the summit of Tomaree Head, a pristine beach can be observed between the two conical headlands.
That’s Zenith’s
The beach is conveniently located near the car park where you begin the Tomaree Head Summit Walk, making it a great spot to cool off after your hike.
The views from the beach of the surrounding park are visually impressive.
Wreck Beach
Wreck Beach is the next beach in the national park and is known for its natural beauty.
A brief hike is necessary to reach the destination, but the reward is breathtaking views of the surrounding headlands, Tomaree Mountain, and islands.
The location is popular among locals for its beautiful sunrise and sunset views.

Fingal Bay
Fingal Bay is situated adjacent to Box Beach, along the coastal walk.
Port Stephens is known for its picturesque C-shaped beach and is a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts.
The Fingal sand spit across Shark Island is a well-known feature of the area, which has unfortunately surprised some visitors in recent years.
Although walking over to the island may appear tempting due to the soft sand resembling a clear path, it is essential to note that this is quite dangerous. Ocean currents and swells make the crossing treacherous, even during favourable conditions.

Experience the thrill of whale watching or dolphin cruising

Port Stephens is known for being a prime location in Australia to observe bottlenose dolphins.
Port Stephens is often called the Dolphin Capital of Australia, so it is not surprising that dolphin watching is a popular activity.
Local cruise operators in Port Stephens have a high % success rate of 99% in spotting the over 100 bottlenose dolphins that reside in the area throughout the year.
The larger species of wild dolphins can be found outside the bay.
If you want a unique and memorable experience, consider booking a tour to observe and interact with these intelligent and beautiful creatures.
A local tour company in Port Stephens offers the opportunity to swim with a pod of dolphins while being towed by a boat.
Dolphin-watching cruises are a popular way to see dolphins, but you can also frequently see them from the shore as they often come close to the beach. This is why Port Stephens is known as the dolphin capital of Australia.
Humpback whales are seasonal visitors, unlike wild dolphins.
From May to October, it is possible to observe them in the waters of Port Stephens as they migrate along Australia’s eAustralia’sObserving whales from the shore is enjoyable. Still, a whale watch cruise offers a proper understanding of their immense size and awe-inspiring presence.
Moonshadow TQC is the top cruise company in Port Stephens for Whale watching.
They have a large fleet and spend significant time searching for whales.
We had a positive experience with them this year and would recommend them.

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Worimi National Park has quad biking, sandboarding, and cultural travel

Visiting Port Stephens will challenge your perception that playing in the sand is only for kids.
Worimi National Park is home to Stockton Sand Dunes, the most giant dunes in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere.
Many activities are available at the main launching points at Stockton Beach, Anna Bay, and Birubi Beach.
Driving on the beach can provide an enjoyable opportunity to explore the Port Stephens dunes, but it is important to note that a 4WD vehicle and permits are required.
Visitors should respect the Worimi National Park, which is essential to the local Worimi indigenous people and contains numerous historical and cultural sites.
If you don’t have a doughnut, alternative methods exist to explore the dunes.
Quad biking is considered a delightful activity, and Sand Dune Adventures is known for its excellent organisation of quad biking experiences.
This non-profit company offers ATV and Aboriginal tours while investing in site conservation and employing local indigenous people.
The dunes of Worimi National Park are a popular location for sandboarding. Visitors have the option to use their bodyboard or rent a sandboard.
The Port Stephens dunes are a popular attraction in the area, so it is worth trying them out.

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Please consider visiting Oakvale Wildlife Park

For those seeking a more personal experience with opportunities for petting and photo opportunities, Oakvale Wildlife Park is a recommended destination.
The exhibit features a diverse range of animals, including a dingo, wombat, snakes, and a koala, providing unique encounters for visitors.
Oakvale Farm is located in Salt Ash, approximately a 25-minute from Nelson Bay in central Port Stephens.

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Visitors can search for Koalas at Tilligerry Habitat

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Koalas can often be seen near Port Stephens, so it is advised to remain vigilant around eucalyptus trees.
Tilligerry Habitat is recognised as a popular spot for koalas in the region and offers the chance to learn about native fauna and flora.
Tilligerry Habitat is located in Tanilba Bay and is open to the public. Volunteers manage it.
Visiting the area and enjoying the fresh air and serenity is worth it, even if you don’t see any don’ta bears.

You can swim with sharks and rays at the Irukandji Centre

The goal of the Irukandji Centre is to educate, raise awareness, and make a positive impact in protecting the ocean.
The interactive aquarium offers opportunities for close encounters with rays and sharks, allowing people to develop an appreciation for these animals and become motivated to protect them.
One of the recommended activities in Port Stephens is during rainy weather.
The Irukandji Shark and Ray Centre can be found in Anna Bay.

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Have a drink at Murray's in Port Stephens

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MurMurrayBreweryMura, located on Nelson Bay Road just outside of town, is known for its various offerings, including the famous Whale Ale.
Their IPAs, ciders, and other beers are known for their delicious flavours. Visitors can enjoy a tasting tray to sample their selection. Additionally, their wood-fired pizzas made on-site are a great option to accompany your drink.
The Brewery offers a daily public tour at 2:15 p.m. for those interested in learning about their process. A bus shuttle service is also available for guests who prefer to avoid returning to their hotel.
Visitors who prefer wine over beer can also participate in a wine tasting at the exact location, organised by the oldest vineyard in the region. Additionally, there is a small vineyard located further up the hill.

Snorkelling and scuba diving are popular in the Bay Area

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Port Stephens is renowned for its outstanding diving and snorkelling spots in New South Wales.
In Port Stephens, between Nelson Bay and Little Beach, Fly Point and Pipeline are famed for providing prime shore diving and snorkelling experiences.
Nonetheless, scheduling this activity during peak tide is advisable due to the powerful currents.
The locale is celebrated for its macro photography prospects, yet encounters with wobbegong sharks, giant sea hares, and sporadic sea turtles exist.
If luck is on your side, you can spot a dolphin.
Diving enthusiasts can join boat excursions to interact with grey nurse sharks, Port Jackson sharks, or seals near the surrounding islands.
Within Nelson Bay, diving hubs are ready to assist with gear and offer guided underwater tours, positioning it as a top activity choice.

Attempt to locate the soldier crabs

At low tide and in the evening, soldier crabs can be observed in large numbers on the beaches surrounding Port Stephens. If you stand still on the hard sand, crabs will surround you.
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Enjoy a variety of fresh local seafood

When discussing the top activities in Port Stephens, referencing the cuisine and stopping by a seafood eatery is crucial.
The dining establishments at Nelson Bay Marina deliver fresh seafood daily and present a charming ambience by the water. For an upscale meal coupled with scenic vistas of Nelson Bay, think about dining at Catch at Shoal Bay or The Anchorage in Corlette.
Kookaburra Restaurant in Bobs Farm is famed for its fresh Barramundi, given that they operate their own Barramundi and hydroponic vegetable cultivation on the premises.
It’s suggested to time your midday meal so that you can join a farm exploration either at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m.

top things to do in port stephens

Have breakfast at a pleasant café

Have breakfast at a pleasant café

Port Stephens is renowned for its top-tier breakfast choices, encompassing numerous nearby cafes.
The Little Nel is a favoured destination, featuring outdoor and indoor seating options.
When you visit for your morning meal, it’s suggested to indulge in their cakes, which are both distinctive and tasty.
Additional esteemed establishments in the vicinity encompass the Inner Light Tea Rooms, recognised for its calming tea varieties, and Essence Espresso in Nelson Bay, celebrated for its rich coffee. The Long Boat Cafe in Fingal Bay also holds high regard among the residents.

Rent a bike and go for a ride

Port Stephens features cycling trails suitable for every taste, whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed, picturesque journey or a demanding mountain biking adventure.
The Council has unveiled around 50 km of combined pathways and predominantly tranquil roads, ensuring that biking in this area is secure and pleasurable.
Numerous routes offer breathtaking coastal panoramas, stretching from Corlette to Nelson Bay through Port Stephens, Shoal Bay, and Fingal Bay.
Travellers can traverse park terrains on mountain bikes, delivering a more intense workout and a chance to spot local fauna.
A bicycle rental facility within Nelson Bay is accessible round the clock, presenting a fantastic choice for those seeking activities.

Rent a bike and go for a ride

The activity of Stand-Up Paddleboarding

The activity of Stand-Up Paddleboarding

There are various ways to enjoy the waters of Port Stephens Bay.
Visitors can enjoy various water activities in Port Stephens, such as sailing on a luxury yacht, fishing, jet skiing, kayaking, or engaging in our favourite activity.
When visiting Shoal Bay, be sure to try stand-up paddleboarding. Rod from Shoal Bay SUP is the go-to person for all your paddleboarding needs.
If the weather is favourable, you can request a sunset paddleboard experience. Witnessing the sun setting over the horizon while on the water is a memorable experience.

Camel riding is available at Birubi Beach

Australia is home to the largest population of camels worldwide.
In Port Stephens, there is the opportunity to ride a camel on the beach.
A unique activity in the area is to ride a camel at Birubi Beach, through the Port Stephens dunes, to the ocean.
Please get in touch with Oakfield Ranch to make a reservation for camel riding.
The cost for a 20-minute ride is $35 per adult ($30 for kids) or $90 per adult ($70 for kids) for a 60-minute sunset dune ride.

Camel riding is available at Birubi Beach

Engage in the activity of surfing

Engage in the activity of surfing

Port Stephens offers a variety of surf beaches, with One Mile Beach being a recommended choice for beginners to intermediate surfers.
This large expanse of sand is ideal for longboarders due to the perfect rolling waves it receives.
You can rent a tent near the caravan park if you don’t have one.
Port Stephens Surf School also provides lessons for those interested in learning to surf, even if they have never done it before.

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