Escape to Port Stephens, a haven for both adventure and relaxation, where the toughest decision you’ll make is which of the 26 beaches you should to go to, and whether to explore the region’s colossal sand dunes by camel, sandboard or quadbike. Just 2.5 hours’ drive north of Sydney, the region’s cute coastal towns and coastline are just the place to try your swing at a world-class golf course, dine at deluxe restaurants by the water and stay in a hotel that makes you feel like a Vogue model.
Play, hike, hit, board, dive and drive
Port Stephens’ most famous attraction is the Stockton Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conversation Lands, a spectacular, undulating 32km expanse of sand dunes that can reach heights of up to 30 metres. Jump in a 4WD, on a quad bike and/or sand board and explore the dunes with one of the many lauded operators. Sand Dune Adventures is run by the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council and offers tours that mix Aboriginal culture with adventure, Sand Dune Safaris has been running family-oriented tours for more than 20 years, and 4WD Tours R Us is a family-run company with 4WD and sand-boarding tours. Or, simply focus on enjoying the scenery during a camel ride on Birubi Beach with Oakfield Ranch.
Port Stephens offers three fabulous golf courses that show off both the landscape and the wildlife. Look out for kangaroos, wallabies and more as you play up to 27 holes at the championship course at Nelson Bay Golf Club. Just a short drive west to Salamander Bay is Horizons Golf Resort, a scenic 18-hole championship course with manicured greens and a soothing lakes system. Yet another 18-hole championship course awaits at Pacific Dunes, known for kangaroo visitors and flat courses with a lot of water obstacles.
For a totally different experience, take your kids to Nelson Bay’s Splash Waterpark, and see their faces light up as they explore an inflatable wonderland on the sea packed with a variety of obstacles to slide down, fall onto and leap across. If you prefer to stay dry, get your adrenaline high at Toboggan Hill Park, a fun, adventure-filled activity zone in Nelson Bay. Surrounded by native bush, the site features a toboggan track, mini golf, giant maze, tractor rides, indoor rock climbing and more.
The most spectacular adventure of the region is found in the east, on the Tomaree peninsula. For magazine-cover views of the entire bay, angophora forest scenery, views of the famous dunes, wildlife spotting and swims in between, take on the one-to-three-day Tomaree Coastal Walk. If you’re time-poor you can take on the 2.2km walk to the summit of Tomaree Head to take in the longer route’s final, epic view.
Chalk up a memorable wildlife encounter
Port Stephens is one of the best regions in the state for wild animal encounters with thriving dolphin populations, whale-watching opportunities and a local koala sanctuary. Every year, between May and November, the region witnesses around 40,000 humpback whales migrate up the coast, then return to colder waters with their new young. Climb aboard Moonshadow – TQC Cruises or Imagine Cruises to marvel at the spectacular, out-of-water jumps and twirls of humpback whales as they pass.
While the whales pass by for a few months each year, the Great Lakes Marine Park (to Port Stephens’ north) is the permanent home of around 150 bottlenose dolphins. For an immersive experience, join Dolphin Swim Australia to swim alongside the playful marine creatures.
Inland, the region is home to an embattled population of koalas that’s supported through vigorous conservation programs. Stay sharp and you might spot one on around the Tilligerry Nature Reserve or in the spectacular Tomaree National Park. If not, you’ll meet the fuzzy local icons on a visit to Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Observe them living their day-to-day lives, then head into the on-site hospital for a lesson on what the centre is doing to help, protect and care for them. You can then stay the night the sanctuary’s glamping set-up.
You’ll find more immersive animal experiences in Port Stephens’ two wildlife centres, Oakvale Wildlife Park and Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters. The former, set over 10 hectares of native forest, is an eco-certified zoo with both native and exotic species. Here you’re able to experience adorable and, at times, exhilarating encounters with their creatures, from alligator feeding to behind-the-scenes echidna tours. The latter is part aquarium, part not-for-profit rescue and rehabilitation organisation where you can learn about, feed and even snorkel with harmless rays and sharks.
Explore the coast, mouthful by mouthful
Port Stephens has a rich farming culture, with growers producing avocados, stone fruit, figs, macadamias and more, while the coastal waters bring in fresh seafood to the region’s best restaurants.
B Farm by Murray’s is a great example. The farm, opened by the craft-brewing pioneers behind Murray’s Craft Brewing Co, is now its own food and drink hub with a distillery, cellar door (they make wines too), a casual bistro, farm-to-table restaurant and take away picnic box service to enjoy the grounds as you like.
Bask in the warm morning sun at The Little Nel, a cafe overlooking the bay where a menu reflects the local season, Australia’s multicultural food scene and a passionate make-in-house policy.
For seafood, go straight to the source at Nelson Bay Fish Market, where local catchers deliver their haul daily. Pick up oysters sourced from the pristine bays around the Karuah River, mud crabs caught in the region’s mangroves (you can catch your own at Karuah River and Tilligerry Creek) or any number of fish caught in the Pacific. For a classic Australian coastal experience head to nearby Bub’s Fish & Chips.
Stop by the farmgate of fifth-generation oyster farmers Holberts Oyster Farm in Salamander Bay for a takeaway platter of oysters or order a bottle of wine and enjoy an alfresco feast at a picnic table overlooking the water. Then drop into Karuah Oyster Bar to sample the wares of a younger farm that’s become locally popular since opening in 2021.
The Little Beach Boathouse in Nelson Bay is the closest you can get to dining on the water without being on a boat. Check out the refined menu of seafood-focused modern-Australian fare and check the views for dolphins (nab a seat on the left for the best sunset visuals). Atmos is another splash-out option, bringing you Greek-style lamb shoulders and whole snappers at the Shoal Bay Country Club. That’s not where the Greek styling finishes, the owners were so dedicated to cultivating a vibe they had the interiors designed by Athenian architects and the menu includes yiayia-made (a Greek grandmother) desserts.
Sleep in style by the water
Slide into luxury at Bannisters Port Stephens, a remodelled hotel that pays homage to a glamorous bygone era of travel. Its 78 barefoot-luxe rooms (some of them pet-friendly) are complemented by the lauded Rick Stein seafood restaurant. Slip into the infinity pool overlooking the glittering bay, explore the national parkland, or spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxurious Spa Bannisters, where you can rejuvenate with a range of therapies and deluxe body and facial treatments.
Hamptons-chic Anchorage Hotel & Spa sits on the edge of Corlette Beach, sparkling like an exclusive marina to the stars. Its on-site bar, Moby’s Bar, is a perfect perch to sample an international range of fine whiskies and wines while soaking up views out over the marina. Pair your drink of choice with some charcuterie or Port Stephens oysters, then retire to your room, suite or villa – ask for one with a private water-view terrace so you can enjoy being that little bit closer to the ocean.
