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Port Stephens is a diverse coastal destination renowned for its stunning beaches, expansive sand dunes, and rich marine life less than 3 hours away from Sydney. This region is home to over 26 beautiful beaches, making it a haven for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities such as whale watching, snorkelling, and sandboarding, while those looking for a more relaxed experience can explore charming towns like Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay. With its unique blend of natural attractions and recreational opportunities, Port Stephens offers something for everyone, whether you’re planning a family getaway or a solo retreat.
1. Visit the Oakvale Wildlife Sanctuary
Oakvale Wildlife Sanctuary offers the chance to meet some of Australia's most iconic animals up close, making it a must-visit for families and nature enthusiasts. Here, you can interact with native animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and reptiles, along with friendly farm animals. Enjoy a range of animal encounters, guided talks, and feeding opportunities, allowing you to truly connect with Australian wildlife. With dedicated sections for different species, this sanctuary ensures an informative and interactive experience.
💡 Tip: Plan your visit around the daily keeper talks to learn fascinating insights about the animals from the experts.
Location: Oakvale Drive, Salt Ash
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
💡Tip: Use code "HATEXPLORESKLOOK" for a 10% discount
2. Hike and Sandboard the Dunes at Anna Bay
The sand dunes at Anna Bay are one of Port Stephens' most iconic natural attractions, offering a vast, otherworldly landscape that stretches for miles. At these dunes, you’ll have the chance to engage in thrilling activities like sandboarding down the towering slopes, exploring the dunes on a 4WD tour, or even riding camels. The dunes, part of the larger Stockton Bight, are among the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, reaching up to 30 meters in height in some areas.
🕝Best Time to Visit: The dunes are spectacular all day, but sunset provides particularly striking views, and the cooling sands make for a more comfortable experience.
3. Hike to the Summit of Mt Tomaree Head
The Tomaree Head Summit Walk is one of Port Stephens’ most popular hikes, offering an unforgettable experience for outdoor lovers. The trail, which takes about 1-2 hours round trip, leads to an elevation with panoramic views over the coastline, islands, and headlands. Once at the summit, you’ll have an exceptional vantage point for spotting marine life, including whales during migration season, and for admiring the surrounding beaches and bays.
Highlights: Along the trail, you’ll also see historical World War II gun emplacements, adding a historical dimension to the scenic trek. The views at the summit make the hike well worth the effort.
Location: Shoal Bay Road, Shoal Bay
Trail Length: Approximately 2.2 km round trip
4. Catch a Sunrise at Zenith Beach
Zenith Beach, located near the base of Tomaree Head, is known for its stunning sunrise views, offering an ethereal start to the day in Port Stephens. Early risers are rewarded with the sight of the sun slowly illuminating the rugged cliffs and clear turquoise waters. Unlike other crowded beaches, Zenith Beach is often quieter, providing a tranquil setting to appreciate nature at its most serene.
💡 Tip: For a memorable sunrise experience, arrive at least 20 minutes early and bring a camera. The beach’s eastern-facing orientation makes it ideal for capturing the first light over the horizon.
Location: Near Shoal Bay, accessible via Shoal Bay Road
5. Hike the Largest Moving Sand Dunes in the Southern Hemisphere
The Stockton Sand Dunes, located in the Worimi Conservation Lands, are an adventure waiting to be explored. These dunes, covering more than 32 kilometers, are the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a surreal desert-like landscape that makes for a thrilling hiking experience. Whether you hike solo or join a guided tour, the sheer scale and beauty of these dunes are unforgettable.
Guided Tours: Take a guided tour for an immersive experience where you can learn about the cultural and environmental significance of this area, which holds deep ties to the Worimi people. Many tours also offer the option of sandboarding for an extra adrenaline boost.
Location: Worimi Conservation Lands
6. Go Whale Watching or Spot Them from Land
Port Stephens is one of the best places in Australia to go whale watching, particularly between April and December when humpback whales migrate along the coast. You can join a boat tour from Nelson Bay for an up-close experience or find a high vantage point to spot these majestic creatures from the shore. Tomaree Head Summit and Fingal Bay are excellent land-based locations for whale watching.
💡 Tip: For the best sightings, book an early morning or late afternoon cruise, as whales are often more active during these times.
7. Swim with Dolphins
Port Stephens offers the unique chance to swim with wild dolphins. Dolphin Swim Australia runs ethical and respectful encounters with bottlenose dolphins, allowing you to join them in the water for an unforgettable experience. Unlike typical dolphin watching, this encounter brings you closer to these gentle creatures in their natural environment.
Best Time: Tours operate from September to May when the water temperatures are warmer.
Booking Options: Dolphin Swim Australia
8. Enjoy Wine Tasting and Lunch at Wonganella Estate
Located in the heart of Port Stephens' wine country, Wonganella Estate is the perfect spot for a relaxing day of wine tasting. The vineyard offers panoramic views, a charming restaurant, and tastings of their locally produced wines, including Shiraz and Chardonnay. After sampling their selection, settle in for a meal on the terrace, with fresh local produce paired to complement each wine.
🍴 What to Try: Don’t miss their award-winning whites and the estate’s signature Shiraz.
Location: 3439 Nelson Bay Rd, Bobs Farm
9. Pat and Feed Reef Sharks and Stingrays
At the Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, visitors can experience an interactive marine life encounter like no other. Here, you can wade into the water and get close to reef sharks and stingrays in a safe and guided environment. Not only does this encounter allow you to touch and feed these fascinating creatures, but it also includes an educational component about marine conservation.
💡 Tip: Book a morning session when the animals are most active.
Location: 2 Jessie Rd, Anna Bay
💡 Use Code "HATEXPLORESKLOOK" for a 10% off on your booking
10. Enjoy Scones with a View at Nelson Bay Lighthouse
The Nelson Bay Lighthouse offers more than just a great lookout—it’s also home to a charming tearoom where you can enjoy scones, tea, and light snacks. Relax with a treat as you take in the panoramic views of Nelson Bay and the coastline. The lighthouse itself is a historic site, dating back to the late 1800s, and the surrounding grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Location: Lighthouse Rd, Nelson Bay
Opening Hours: Limited hours, usually open on weekends for tea and scones.
11. Visit the Koala Sanctuary
The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and protection of koalas. Visitors can take a scenic walk through the sanctuary, learning about koalas’ habitats, diet, and the ongoing conservation efforts. You may even spot koalas in their natural environment along the sanctuary’s elevated walkways. The sanctuary also has an on-site hospital that provides medical care for injured and orphaned koalas.
Best Time to Visit: Morning, when koalas are most likely to be active.
Location: 562 Gan Gan Rd, One Mile
12. Learn About Australia’s Military Aviation History
The Fighter World Museum at RAAF Base Williamtown is a must-visit for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts. The museum showcases Australia’s military aviation history, with exhibits of restored fighter jets, aircraft engines, and memorabilia. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the cockpit experience, where you can sit in an aircraft and imagine flying through the skies.
Location: 49 Medowie Rd, Williamtown
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily
13. Experience the Magic of Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach, true to its name, is one of the best spots in Port Stephens to catch a breathtaking sunset over the water. Located near Soldiers Point, this beach is relatively quiet and offers unobstructed views as the sun dips below the horizon. Sunset Beach is ideal for a peaceful evening picnic, a relaxing stroll, or simply enjoying nature’s show.
🕝 Best Time: Arrive around an hour before sunset to find a good spot and take in the changing colours of the sky.
Location: Soldiers Point, Sunset Boulevard
14. Drive on the Beach at Samurai
Samurai Beach, a secluded stretch of sand near Anna Bay, is one of the few beaches in Australia where 4WD vehicles are permitted, making it a thrilling adventure for off-road enthusiasts. Samurai is known for its relaxed vibe, as well as its 4WD accessibility, which lets you explore the coastline in a unique way. Be aware that Samurai Beach is also clothing-optional, adding to its free-spirited atmosphere.
💡 Tip: Make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for beach driving and be mindful of tides.
Location: Near Anna Bay, accessible by 4WD only
15. Check Out Port Stephens’ Highest Viewpoint
Tomaree Mountain isn’t the only high viewpoint in Port Stephens—another stunning vantage point awaits at Yacaaba Headland. Though not as famous, Yacaaba offers incredible views over Port Stephens and the ocean. The hike up to the top is less crowded than the Tomaree Summit Walk, offering a more serene experience with sweeping coastal landscapes.
💡 Trail: The hike to the summit is moderately challenging but well worth the effort for the panoramic views.
Location: Yacaaba Headland, Hawks Nest
16. Visit the Weekend Markets
Port Stephens hosts a variety of weekend markets where you can find fresh produce, handmade goods, and local crafts. The Nelson Bay Markets are a popular choice for visitors, offering everything from fresh seafood to unique art pieces. Wander through the stalls to pick up a special souvenir or sample some locally made treats.
💡 Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and get first pick of local produce.
Location: Nelson Bay Foreshore, typically held on Saturdays and Sundays
17. Spot Wild Dolphins from the Land
Port Stephens is renowned for its large population of bottlenose dolphins, which can often be spotted from the shore without having to join a boat tour. Head to vantage points such as Shoal Bay Beach or Little Beach, where you’ll often see dolphins swimming and playing in the clear waters. Dolphin sightings are more common in the mornings, so plan accordingly if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse.
Best Spots: Shoal Bay Beach, Little Beach, and the Nelson Bay Marina
18. Sign Up for Water Sports
Port Stephens is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering a range of activities that cater to all skill levels. You can sign up for kayaking, jet skiing, paddleboarding, or even kitesurfing, with plenty of rental shops and guided tours available around Nelson Bay. For thrill-seekers, the calm waters of Shoal Bay are perfect for paddleboarding, while more experienced adventurers might enjoy kitesurfing on the open waters.
Top Choices:
Paddleboarding: Shoal Bay
Kitesurfing: Fingal Bay
Booking Options: Check out various rental shops along Nelson Bay Marina
Port Stephens is a remarkable destination that offers a diverse range of activities, ensuring every visitor finds something that resonates with them. From the thrill of sandboarding the vast dunes to the tranquillity of sunrise at Zenith Beach, the region showcases both adventure and relaxation in equal measure. The opportunity to interact with unique wildlife, enjoy local culinary delights, and appreciate breathtaking views solidifies Port Stephens as a must-visit locale. With its rich experiences and stunning natural beauty, Port Stephens invites you to explore and create lasting memories. Dive into the adventures that await and discover why this coastal gem is cherished by so many.