A little slice of paradise, Port Stephens is full of natural goodness. It’s where time moves a little slower, and adventure awaits.
A little less than an hour north of Newcastle City, Port Stephens is a holiday destination that sea-changers are moving to in droves. Thanks to its sunny disposition and unbeatable lifestyle. Boasting a string of seaside towns with sparkling waters, pristine wilderness and stunning beaches, Port Stephens is an outdoor enthusiasts’ dream.
Port Stephens has everything at its fingertips; foodie destinations, open-air markets, giant sand dunes, wildlife encounters, and villages that cater to everyday life. Foreshore parks, coastal walks, cycling paths, and trails that lead to beaches bounded by native bushland. It’s a dreamy destination that locals relish in, and people from far-flung places come to experience.
It’s a must-visit destination, and the list of things to do in Port Stephens is long, so pack your bag and start planning your coastal getaway.
From the calm bay beaches of Nelson Bay to the ocean swells at Anna Bay, you’re truly spoilt for choice in Port Stephens. Birubi Beach is the gateway to The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay beaches are dreamy spots for paddle boarding, kite surfing and boating, while the ocean-facing beaches of Tomaree National Park – Zenith, Wreck and Box Beach – will have you feeling worlds away from it all.
Stretching from Boat Harbour to Shoal Bay, Tomaree National Park has a lot to boast about; bushland trails, koala encounters, and stunning beaches. One of the best things to do in Port Stephens is the Tomaree Head Summit Walk. A steep but short walk with spectacular views of the region. And for a beach experience that takes you away from the summer crowds, meander through the bush trails to Wreck Beach.
Nelson Bay is a popular spot for its calm bay beaches, diving spots and bush trails, yet the beating pulse is the village and marina. It’s where waterfront dining with ocean-fresh seafood meets foreshore parks that come alive with weekend markets, cycle paths and leisurely picnics. Yet, the sparkling water and national parkland make this seaside town feel like you’re on holiday year-round.
Arguably one of the best things to do in Port Stephens is the largest moving sanding dunes in the southern hemisphere; the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. Part of the Worimi Conservation Lands, this natural wonder reaches heights of up to 40-metres and slopes of 60-degrees. Meaning adventurers are out in full force sandboarding, camel and horse riding, hiking, quad biking and four-wheel driving.
Deep dive into the waters of Port Stephens and discover a wildlife sanctuary for dolphins, migrating whales and a colourful array of sea life. There is so much fun to be had off-land from paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, surfing, and boating.
Port Stephens and its seaside neighbourhoods are for those who love to be in the great outdoors, and our list of things to do in Port Stephens is only just scratching at the surface.
