Port Stephens on the New South Wales North Coast is a bluewater paradise and considered the dolphin capital of Australia, with over 140 bottlenose calling “the Bay” home. While you may be lured to the Bay for endless pristine beaches, don’t be fooled by this peaceful playground, it also has plenty of activities for the adventure seeker.
Enjoy our tips for the best places to stay, dine, see & do in Port Stephens!
SEE & DO
Beaches
Port Stephens is known for its beautiful surf beaches from Samurai, Birubi and One Mile to family friendly Shoal Bay and Fingal Beach. Take a surfing lesson, snorkel, scuba dive or simply enjoy the beach lifestyle with no crowds.
Hike
Take a walk to the top of Tomaree Headland Lookout to enjoy panoramic views of Port Stephens and the offshore islands. It takes just half an hour or so to reach the top & it’s well worth the effort.
Bike
Port Stephens is ideal to explore by bike with heaps of family friendly cycle paths or be adventurous along along coastal tracks for some rugged mountain biking action. Bring your own or hire a bike once you arrive.
Whale watching
May to November, the waters of Port Stephens play host to the magnificent migrating humpback whales. We spotted these magnificent beasts from the shore at Boat Harbour recently and it was simply majestic to watch. Whale and dolphin watching tours available departing Nelson Bay Marina.
DINE
Located on the ground floor of The Nelson Resort and serving Newcastle’s Suspension Espresso, locals flock to The Little Nel Café for their great coffee. Serving a breakfast & lunch menu with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, dine alfresco overlooking the buzz of Nelson Bay and the Marina beyond.
Highly recommended by locals, we weren’t disappointed when we recently dined at Little Beach Boathouse. We loved the signature Seared Scallops on creamed corn & lime with wakame seaweed & miso butter but our whole group enjoyed every meal. There’s also a great, well priced local wine list, wonderful service and we’ll certainly come back for lunch to fully appreciate the dazzling water views.
The Home Interior serves Nelson Bay’s best breakfast with sensational eggs benedict & on point Allpress Espresso coffees. It’s incredible what this teeny, tiny kitchen can produce!
More than your average beach kiosk, Swell Beach Kiosk offers house-made food and great coffee at a beautiful beachfront location. It’s a casual affair with menus across breakfast, lunch & dinner including burgers and fresh fish and hand cut chips to eat in or takeaway.
Located within the Birubi Point Surf Life Saving Club in Anna Bay, Crest offers a fresh approach to beachside dining. Open for breakfast & lunch and Allpress Coffee for all your brunching needs.
Other notable mentions, The Point Restaurant, Galley Kitchen and Sandpipers Restaurant.
SHOP
A colourful & tiny shop crammed with beautiful and unique gifts, accessories and clothing plus babies and children’s gifts.
The newest store to open in Nelson Bay, Boho Luxe Trader is a seriously gorgeous collection of homewares, gifts, clothing, leather goods in signature boho luxe style.
Owners Josie & Paul, in pursuit of a love of being at home and living a luxe but relaxed lifestyle, created beautiful homewears store Homebody. Step inside and you’ll find a hand selected collection of quality gifts, clothing, homewares and more.
More than just a cafe out front, The Home Interior opened as a sister store to Homebody with a vision to offer beautiful furniture and homewares that inspire and delight. The store reflects a style of coastal living, with country, Hamptons and other timeless design elements and is fast becoming a local favourite.
As the name suggests, a quirky store featuring designer unique gifts, jewellery and art pieces from a collection of local artists.
STAY
Just a stroll away from Little Beach Boathouse you’ll find quality accommodation that won’t break the bank. Marty’s at Little Beach is a privately owned resort by longstanding tourism industry professionals, whose hands on style means great attention to detail to ensure a stay that exceeds your expectations.
If you prefer to stay right in the heart of Nelson Bay and simply stroll to restaurants, bars, boutiques and the Marina, then The Nelson Resort is for you. Refurbished, quality hotel rooms and great coffee and meals form onsite restaurant The Little Nel Café.
Shoal Bay’s best unique, luxury accommodation is Bali at the Bay. These beautiful apartments in Indonesian style are designed to rejuvenate mind, body & soul in the peaceful surrounds of Shoal Bay.
Did we miss any of your favourite hot spots in Port Stephens?
Image credit: PJTours, Crest, The Home Interior, Bali at the BayYou Might Also Like: Top 10 Hunter Valley Wineries
