Port Stephens

  Port Stephens has a resident bottlenose dolphin population of 140 earning it the tag of Dolphin Capital of Australia. Plenty of dolphin cruises are available each day to those on Port Stephens Holidays. Port Stephens is the premier spot along the New South Wales coast for whale watching from May to November. Nelson Bay is at the eastern end of Port Stephens and offers restaurants and boutique shopping, as well as being the home of the Port Stephens fishing and dolphin watching fleet.

  In nearby Anna Bay those on holiday in Port Stephens can experience the excellent surf beaches and One Mile Beach is a particular favourite for all those wanting the perfect wave. Nearby is Samurai Beach, a hidden oasis which can be found via a series of sandy paths that lead to the secluded beach. The majestic and almost surreal sand dunes of Stockton Beach are the largest coastal sand dune system in Australia with a 32 kilometre stretch of sand with dunes that are at least 30 meters high. Visitors on a holiday to Port Stephens can explore this coastal desert wilderness by horse, camel, four-wheel drive, quad bike or simply by foot. Sand boarding down the massive dune faces is popular and it is an experience to remember. There are also the remains of the Sygna Shipwreck that was wrecked off the coastline in 1974 and Tin City made up of several tin squatters’ huts that are located in the dunes, owned by weekend fisherman.

  Tomaree National Park is a 20km strip of scenic, rocky coastline between Anna Bay and Shoal Bay. It is just one of the many places around Port Stephens where you can take an easy bush walk with ample spots to swim, snorkel, kayak, surf, or picnic. Take a walk up the Tomaree Headland to see spectacular views of the bay and offshore islands. Sitting in the shadow of Tomaree Peak are Zenith Wreck and Box Beach in Shoal Bay and their quiet surroundings and majestic views offer a place to reflect on the area’s natural beauty. For keen fisherman, boats can be hired to explore the port and the surrounding reefs. There is also a number of deep sea fishing charters. Port Stephens’ coastline is scattered with islands and is a haven for wildlife. One particular island, Cabbage Tree Island, is home to the rare sea bird, the Gould Petrel. On the mainland, consider a visit to the Native Flora Garden or visit the Tilligerry Habitat Activity Centre, which offers guided koala tours. The aquatic reserves in and around Port Stephens are unparalleled in terms of beauty, variety and ease. Fly Point and Halifax Park offer great scuba diving with colours that rival the Barrier Reef. In fact, the whole port is so special that it was declared a marine national park in 2006.

It is approximately 2½ hours drive north of Sydney along the M1 Motorway. Newcastle Airport hosts flights to and from Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Gold Coast, Ballina and a host of regional NSW destinations. Port Stephens Coaches depart daily from Sydney via Chatswood, Pymble, Hornsby and Raymond Terrace to Port Stephens. TrainLink provides services in and out of Hamilton Station, Newcastle from all over New South Wales.

Port Stephens is a naturally beautiful area, with plenty of reasons to visit all year round. In truth, it’s not a town in its own right, but rather a region that is divided into different areas; the Tomaree Peninsula, the Tilligerry Peninsula and the Golden Bight all surrounding the bay.    

The climate in Port Stephens is warm year round with no winter frosts, and cool sea breezes keep the temperature mild in the summer. During the warm summer the area is a great escape for Sydneysiders who are after quieter beaches than Sydney can offer. In spring the whole area comes alive with native wildflowers, while the weather is still pleasantly warm. In the winter which is from late May until July the area is an excellent place to watch the thousands of migrating whales pass by.