Port Stephens is the destination that has it all. The picturesque coastal region on the NSW North Coast is within easy distance from Newcastle Airport, and is only a direct flight away from Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sunshine Coast.
Best Places to Explore Port Stephens Incredible Natural Beauty
Before travelling to Port Stephens, adventurers should make sure they have their cameras ready because they won’t be able to resist snapping away at all the stunning sights. Here are some of the best hotspots to take in the views in Port Stephens.
Hike to Tomaree Head – The Tomaree Head Summit Walk is breathtaking in more ways than one. The lively return hike spans 2.2 kilometres and takes walkers 161 metres above Port Stephens for an incredibly rewarding panorama of the coastline, including Boondelbah and Broughton Islands in the distance. (Tips for taking in the view: Bring binoculars and pack a lunch for whale-spotting and picnicking at the top!)
Enjoy uninhabited island vibes at Zenith Beach – This quiet beach is nestled in the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park and the access point is located next to the Tomaree Head Summit Walk entrance. Take a moment here to soak in the sunshine– it’s a hidden gem in the corner of Shoal Bay and absolutely should not be missed on a trip to Port Stephens. Tip: Perfect Instagram sunrise shot location
Capture a 360-degree view at Gan Gan Hill Lookout – Drive all the way to the top at Port Stephens’ most accessible vantage point for panoramic vistas of Nelson Bay. It’s just a short walk to the viewing platform, and on a clear day the Myall Lakes to the north and Newcastle in the South are visible from the lookout. (Tips for taking in the view: Catch the sunset at dusk and the spectacular bloom of Gymea lilies in the spring!)
Surf down the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere – The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands offer an incredible landscape that’s constantly shifting. The dunes reach heights of over 30 metres, and the soft sand is perfect for sand-boarding, dune driving, or quad biking. Learn more about Worimi Aboriginal land and culture and marvel at the ever-changing scenery – no two views will ever be the same as the sand rises and settles with the wind.
Get to know the local wildlife – The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins are likely Port Stephens’ most famous residents. Around 90-120 dolphins live permanently within the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park. A variety of eco-certified local cruise companies can take visitors up close to the dolphin communities responsibly, or swim with the wild dolphins and become part of the pod for a day! (Tip: Most of these Bottlenose dolphins have names and can be recognized by unique markings on their fins. One of the most well-know is a dolphin called Nicky.)
From May to November, the waters of Port Stephens give way to the “humpback highway” as whales make the migration to warmer waters. The spectacular sight of humpback and southern right whales can be seen from land or on whale-watching cruises with eco-operators in Port Stephens.
Port Stephens may be known for its aquatic wildlife, but there’s no shortage of land and tree dwellers either. The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary rehabilitates injured koalas and supports koala preservation and conservation whilst offering visitors unique opportunities to see koalas in their natural habitat. The educational Sanctuary Story Walk and the elevated Newcastle Airport SKYwalk bring visitors close to the rescued koalas, and luxury glamping tents make it possible to wake up with koalas in the bushland.
The Best Places to Stay in Port Stephens
Everything is within walking distance at Hotel Nelson – In the heart of Nelson Bay, Hotel Nelson is the best place to stay and enjoy all the sights of Port Stephens, including the town centre and beaches. Stay the night and wake up with sunny views of the marina. (The Little Nel café is also a local favourite for coffee, breakfast, and brunch.)
Anchorage Port Stephens is for first-class getaways – Enjoy the easy-going ambiance of a beach trip while basking in luxurious accommodation at the Anchorage Port Stephens. Rooms here are spacious and include an exclusive villa for an opulent vacation in idyllic surroundings.
Savour peaceful seclusion surrounded by nature at Bannisters Port Stephens – Travel back to retro holiday vibes of the sixties and seventies at an iconic retro motel, newly revamped into a luxury hotel experience. Bannisters Port Stephens is surrounded by beaches and coastline at Soldiers Point and bathed in soothing pastel colours.
See New Sights in Port Stephens
Everything about the photogenic Port Stephens invites incredible adventures on a getaway trip in NSW. The view from any vantage point is unbeatable, and the variety of scenery, from sparkling water to sand dunes and bushland, offers an unforgettable experience in one of Australia’s hidden gem destinations. Book your Port Stephens getaway through KAYAK for the best deals on hotels.
Getting to Port Stephens
By Car: Approximately 2.5 hours from Sydney.
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Port Stephens is Newcastle Airport. The drive time from Newcastle Airport to Nelson Bay in Port Stephens is approximately 25 minutes.
By Train and Bus: NSW Trainlink provides services to and from Newcastle where you can pick up a coach close to Hamilton Railway Station and Newcastle Interchange at Wickham with Port Stephens Coaches to various locations in Port Stephens.
