Explore the natural wonders of Port Stephens.
See all the beautiful natural wonders that Port Stephens has to offer.
If you’re planning a getaway amongst nature, Port Stephens is the perfect destination. With the ocean as a backdrop, the sandy shores have plenty to offer, from surfing and walking, to picnics and sunbathing.
Our advice? Take a cheeky long weekend, so you and your friends can tick off as many natural wonders in Port Stephens as you can.
Meet koalas at Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens
You’ll know a whole lot more about koalas after a visit to the Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens. The sanctuary, set in eight hectares of bush near One Mile Beach, cares for sick, injured and orphaned koalas and gives visitors the chance to see them in their natural environment. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk, take the Skywalk to get a treetop view of koalas, and call in on the koala hospital, where you can see veterinary staff do their work. You can even stay here, in an on-site glamping tent, room or suite.
Take a quad bike tour of Stockton Bight Sand Dunes
The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, in the Aboriginal Worimi Conservation Lands, is an attraction that’s difficult to describe: the everchanging, seemingly endless landscape needs to be experienced in person. You can traverse the rolling hills on an exhilarating quad bike tour with Sand Dune Adventures. This Aboriginal-owned business will not only give you a thrilling ride in a remarkable setting, but provide a hands-on insight into the culture and heritage of the Worimi people, too.
Dolphin & Whale Watching
Port Stephens is famous for its bottlenose dolphins. More than 100 of them call these waters home, and heading out on a cruise to get to a close-up look is a classic Port Stephens experience. Moonshadow-TQC Cruises offers dolphin watching cruises on catamarans equipped with walk-around viewing decks, boom net rides and water slides. You might even get an on-board spa. From May to November, whale watching cruises are also available, offering the chance to meet humpbacks on their annual migration.
Follow the birds to Broughton Island
Like bird watching? You’ll love Broughton Island, where you can camp in an active seabird colony. This is a key breeding site for wedge-tailed shearwaters, and you can pitch your tent right among them. The island is part of Myall Lakes National Park, an 80-minute drive north of the main Port Stephens settlement, Nelson Bay. There are only five spots in a basic campsite, so you shouldn’t be too bothered by other people as you explore the island’s walking tracks, and enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, snorkelling and diving.
Hike to the top of Tomaree Head
Get a bird’s-eye view of this magnificent coastline by tackling the Tomaree Head Summit Walk. Set aside a couple of hours for the 2.2km return trek, which is well worth the effort: from the top, 161 metres above the entrance to Port Stephens, you’ll get panoramic views up and down the coast. Take a pair of binoculars and look for dolphins while you’re up there.
For more destination guides and local travel inspiration, head to Sitchu.