Port Stephens - the Bluewater Paradise of NSW
Port Stephens is an easy 2.5 hours drive from Sydney, with its beautiful beaches, stunning sand dunes, coastal walks, national parks, pristine waters, carefree laid back lifestyle and a great range of accommodation. A holiday to Port Stephens is all about the sea and sand, tasting freshly caught seafood, wading in the clear waters and sandboarding down the spectacular Stockton Sand Dunes.
Port Stephens is one of the most incredible natural ‘stages’ on earth with a wealth of ‘bucket-list’ worthy experiences waiting for you. See the majestic dunes standing guard over the Worimi Conservation Lands, feel the warm welcome from the locals, hear the calls of wild dolphins and humpback whales, taste the local produce fresh from the farmgate and smell the salt air.
The perfect holiday destination… a blue water paradise made up of pristine and unspoiled waterways. There are over 26 golden sandy beaches, eco-diverse Marine and National Parks, all the adventure and fun that you could wish for.
Some of our favourite activities:
- See our resident Bottlenose Dolphins or journey to the ‘Humpback Highway’ onboard a cruise with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises or Aquamarine Adventures
- Sandboarding or 4WDing down one of the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere on the Worimi Conservation Lands with 4WD Tours R US, Port Stephens 4WD Tours or Sand Dune Adventures.
- Learn about the rich history of the local Aboriginal traditional owners, the Worimi at the Murrook Cultural Centre
- Walk up to the summit of Tomaree Headland, the start of the newly developed Tomaree Coastal Walk
- Enjoy a camel or horse ride along Birubi Beach with Oakfield Camel Ranch or Sahara Trails
- See some native Australian animals or enjoy an incredible wildlife experience at Oakvale Wildlife Park or the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
- Get up close and personal with some stingrays and sharks at the Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters or the Port Stephens Animal Adventures
- Start your morning at one of our favourite cafes such as Magnolia Café, Café KIN, Crest Birubi Beach, Essence Café, Inner Light Tea Rooms, The Little Nel or Medowie Macadamias
- Indulge on our fantastic local seafood at some of our favourite Port Stephens restaurants such as Mavericks on the Bay, the Port Stephens Gamefish Club, Rick Stein’s at Bannisters, Little Beach Boathouse, Saltwater Fingal Bay, Restaurant 2317, or Buoys at the Bay
The Dolphin Capital of Australia & one of the best Whale Watching destinations in Australia
Nature is at the centre of all that is Port Stephens. If you enjoy being near, or on, the water then you’re going to love Port Stephens!
We have a resident population of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Port Stephens Marine Park and over 30,000 Whales pass the coast off Port Stephens during annual migration season between May – November. There are endless water activities such as first-class snorkelling, diving, ferry rides, sailing, surfing etc. Plus excellent fishing, which is one of the most popular activity in Port Stephens.
Escape to Paradise
Mother Nature’s diversity in Port Stephens offers something for everyone.
Port Stephens is the perfect escape route for city-dwellers, for those seeking relaxation, anyone after outdoor family activities or for those in pursuit of fun.
There is no other place in Australia that offers the extraordinary range of bucket-list worthy encounters of Port Stephens.
Swimming with wild dolphins in turquoise waters. Quad biking through the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere’s. Joining a camel train as it trails across Birubi Beach at sunset. Seeing Humpbacks breach in the country’s longest whale watching season. Watching the sunrise on horseback as you canter through salty shores.
Here’s a little taste of the very best of Port Stephens. Whether you’re looking for a big adventure or just a little relaxation we think you’ll find our place incredible!
Tomaree Peninsula
The most easterly peninsula, the Tomaree Peninsula, is the main holiday destination in Port Stephens. It is a mecca for people who love water, beaches and all things aquatic.
Bounded by the Port itself on the north and the ocean on the south, the peninsula is characterised by striking beaches, ample facilities and a string of small townships that are dotted around the coastline.
The striking Tomaree Headland at Shoal Bay stands like a silent sentinal guarding the entrance to the Port. Leading back along the northern coastline are the townships of Nelson Bay, Corlette, Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point, while Fingal Bay is located on the ocean side of the peninsula.
Worimi Conservation Lands & In a world of big things, there are few as striking aStockton Sand Dunes
In a world of big things, there are few as striking and as monumental as the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands in Port Stephens.
The beautiful sandscape is forever changing. Created thousands of years ago, the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere are spectacular. The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, in the Worimi Conservation Lands, cover 4,200 hectares, 1,800 of which are forest, as well as 32kms of the longest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. These truly awe-inspiring dunes reach heights of over 30 metres with slopes of up to 60 degrees to form a majestic landscape are ideal for sand-boarding, an exciting activity all year.
There are various 4WD, quad biking and sand-boarding tours. Or saddle up on a horse or on a camel and discover the extraordinary natural beauty. Take a fishing rod – the beach fishing is excellent.
Explore the giant Stockton Bight sand dunes and enjoy four-wheel driving along NSW’s longest beach (with a permit). Beach and dune driving in your own 4WD is popular way to enjoy the area at your own pace. You’ll need to buy a special beach permit before steering your way onto the sandy stretch.
Tilligerry Peninsula
The Tilligerry Peninsula attracts families, nature and boating enthusiasts.
The area has a emphasis on eco tourism and is best known for its large koala population. It has idyllic waterfront areas and a peaceful atmosphere.
The communities of Lemon Tree Passage, Tanilba Bay and Mallabula can be found here.
Port Stephens ... Blue Water Paradise
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