Pampering Port Stephens
It doesn’t take a massive leap of imagination to work out why Port Stephens is known as ‘blue water paradise’. With an abundance of beaches and bays located just a couple of hours drive north of Sydney, Port Stephens is the perfect getaway for a blood-pumping adventure and/or some good old-fashioned recreational sitting – no matter whether you want to go for a weekend or forever!
Port Stephens puts a premium on variety. Take a stroll along the ‘shipwreck coast’ and discover the renowned 30-year-old Sygna Shipwreckon Stockton Beach. Or really let go of the city and take a trek into nature at the Tomaree National Park. Or just kick back by the waves and while the weekend away on One Mile Beach. The only question is: which do you want to do first? …
10. Deep Sea Fishing Jump on a charter boat and reel in a keeper!
|
5. Point Stephens Lighthouse For a charming slice of Australian history (with a fantastic view to boot) take a stroll up to the heritage-listed 140-year-old lighthouse and keeper’s cottage.
|
9. Hunter Valley Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Tasting Go walkabout while in town and immerse yourself in a ‘Day of Indulgence’ in nearby Hunter Valley.
|
4. Sandboarding on Stockton Beach The biggest stretch of sand in Port Stephens (over 1km (0.6mi) wide in places) is a killer spot for sandboarding.
|
8. Gan Gan Lookout Photo op alert! Snap a spectacular panorama that would rival even those of Ken Duncan.
|
3. Blue Water Sea Kayaking Whether you’re a shaky beginner or a seasoned paddler, there is a sea kayak adventure for everyone.
|
7. 4WD Tour Book a 4WD coast tour and explore the expansive sand dunes along Stockton Beach.
|
2. Toboggan Hill Park Fantastic for the kids (or your inner child). Jump in the deep end and fly down the metal toboggan ride.
|
6. Hoverflite Adventures Hold on tight as you explore both land and sea at 120km/h (75 mi/h) on a hovercraft.
|
1. Dolphin and Whale Watching All aboard on a day cruise, where more often than not you will see a pod of dolphins cheekily poking their heads up as they race your vessel around the bay.
|
Port Stephens Events
Sit back with some champers and watch one of the fastest-growing sailing regattas on the east coast at theSail Port Stephens race in April.
Celebrate the long weekend with beers and busking at the Blue Water Country Music Festival in June.
Feast on some gourmet food and fine wine at the Shoal Bay Jazz, Wine and Food Festival in September.
Shuck an oyster or two at the Festival of the Sea in October.
When To Go
Summer gets nice and hot, and is popular with Sydneysiders looking for a less-crowded beach escape.
Spring is lush in Port Stephens, with most of the native wildflowers coming to life.
May to July is the best time to witness the thousands of migrating whales pass by.
Visit our partner page Port Stephens hotels by Hotel.com.au
Getting Around
There is a pretty decent bus service running between all of the bays of Port Stephens and Newcastle.
Each Port Stephens bay is relatively self-contained, so walking around the waterfront (especially Nelsons Bay) is a great way to see the sights.
By far the best way to get around Port Stephens is to drive – whether by your own car or by hiring a 4WD to check out the dunes.
