Port Stephens

Curiously, there is no port at Port Stephens and no town of that name — the name applies to both the peninsula and the large bay (Port Stephens Bay) it shelters. The main settlements are Nelson Bay and neighbouring Shoal Bay near the northeastern tip of the peninsula, which together form the area's tourist heart, along with smaller villages around the bay and along the coast. The area is also home to the Worimi people, whose lands include the spectacular Stockton Bight sand dunes.

The bay's protected waters make it ideal for boating, fishing and swimming, while the ocean side offers surf beaches and the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere at Stockton Bight. A resident population of bottlenose dolphins makes dolphin-watching cruises a year-round draw, and humpback whales pass close to shore during their migrations. The combination of bay, beaches, dunes and bushland gives Port Stephens an exceptional natural setting within easy reach of the cities.

The climate is mild and subtropical, warmest and busiest over the summer school holidays; spring and autumn are pleasant and quieter, and winter brings the whale-watching season.

By Plane

Newcastle Airport (NTL IATA) at Williamtown is just south of the area, a short drive from Nelson Bay, with flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other capitals — making it the most convenient airport. Sydney Airport is around 2.5–3 hours away by road.

By Car / Road

Port Stephens is reached by car via the Nelson Bay Road, which leaves the Pacific Highway / M1 north of Newcastle. Nelson Bay is roughly 1 hour from Newcastle and about 2.5 hours (around 200 km) north of Sydney. Coach and shuttle services connect the area with Newcastle and its airport.

A car is the most practical way to explore the spread-out peninsula and its many beaches and villages. Local bus services link Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and surrounding settlements. On the water, ferries and cruises cross the bay, and boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are popular ways to get around the sheltered waters.

• Stockton Bight Sand Dunes — The largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching for kilometres; explore them on a 4WD or camel tour, or try sandboarding.

• Tomaree Head Summit Walk — A steep but rewarding climb at Shoal Bay with panoramic views over the bay, islands and coastline.

• Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay — The twin resort towns at the heart of the area, with marina, beaches and dining.

• Birubi Beach and Anna Bay — Gateway to the dunes, with surf beach and a beachfront precinct.

• Dolphin and whale watching — Cruises from Nelson Bay marina view the resident dolphins year-round and migrating whales in season.

• Sand-dune adventures — 4WD tours, sandboarding, quad biking and camel rides on the Stockton Bight dunes.

• Beaches and water sports — Swimming, surfing, snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding around the bay and ocean beaches.

• Walks — The Tomaree Head summit walk and coastal tracks through Tomaree National Park.

Dining centres on fresh seafood, with restaurants and cafés clustered around the Nelson Bay marina and waterfront and at Shoal Bay. Expect everything from fish and chips by the water to upmarket seafood restaurants, plus the usual cafés and pub bistros.

The marina and waterfront cafés, clubs and pubs cover the social scene, from a cold drink with a bay view to good coffee by the water. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget — Caravan parks and holiday units around the beaches and bay.
• Mid-range — Motels and holiday apartments at Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay.
• Upscale — Waterfront resorts and spa hotels overlooking the bay.

Nelson Bay's town centre and marina hold the main shopping, geared to holidaymakers, with cafés, boutiques and seafood outlets. Fresh local seafood — straight off the boats at the marina — is a signature buy, along with crafts at seasonal markets.

• Newcastle (around 60 km / 1 hr) — NSW's second city, with beaches, dining and culture.
• Hunter Valley (around 90 km / 1 hr 15 min) — Australia's oldest wine region, inland to the west.
• Myall Lakes National Park (around 50 km / 1 hr) — Vast coastal lake system and forest to the north.
• Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens (around 40 km / 1 hr by road) — Quiet twin villages at the northern entrance to the bay.
• Forster (around 90 km / 1 hr 30 min) — Popular Great Lakes holiday town further north.