NSW/North Coast - Port Stephens, New South Wales

Style: Sydney weekender

Port Stephens on the New South Wales coast is a bluewater paradise.

While you may be lured to “the Bay” for the endless pristine beaches from the calm sandy shores of Shoal Bay, to family fun of Fingal Bay or long walks on One Mile Beach, don’t be fooled by this peaceful playground.  Relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of a romantic waterfront stroll or try more adventurous pursuits such as parasailing, diving, surfing, sailing, fishing, sand boarding or snorkelling.

Port Stephens is considered the dolphin capital of Australia with over 140 bottlenose dolphins calling the bay home.  Late May to early November you’ll be treated to the awe-inspiring site of migrating humpback whales from vantage points on the shorelines around Anna Bay or Fingal Bay or join the many Whale-watching cruises departing from Nelson Bay.

Port Stephens is perfect for family holidays or weekend getaways.  You’ll find a range of accommodation from private holiday homes in rural or beach settings to resorts with dining & pampering at your beck & call.

Click here for Port Stephens Accommodation

Events:

Sail Port Stephens (April), Blue Water Country Music Festival (June),  Tastes at the Bay (November).

Local Knowledge:

Walk across “the spit” at Fingal Beach to view the burnt out ruins of the outer lighthouse residence.  To ensure a safe crossing check the tidal information to avoid being stranded!

Getting there:

Air:  Fly into Newcastle Airport and Port Stephens is just 25 minutes by car.

Car:  From Sydney it's just two and a half hours driving north along the F3 highway.  All major hire car companies are available from Newcastle Airport.  Port Stephens Coaches depart daily from Sydney and Newcastle.

Bike: With plenty of cycle ways around the Bay, bikes are the ideal mode of transport.  Shoal Bay Bike Hire (63 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay ph: 02 4981 4121) although their opening hours are weather dependent.

Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)

Time Zone: GMT + 10

Phone: Country Code +61. Area Code: 02