Travel Planning

Visit NSW: Nelson Bay Getaway

With gorgeous beaches, aquatic adventures and waterside restaurants extraordinary national parks and a unique sand-dune system this spectacular harbour is the right combination of adventure and relaxation, Nelson Bay is the main town in beautiful Port Stephens with plenty to do.

Looking to get out of town and get that holiday feeling without going too far? Port Stephens is your perfect destination for that weekend or mid-week escape.

With gorgeous beaches, aquatic adventures and waterside restaurants extraordinary national parks and a unique sand-dune system this spectacular harbour is the right combination of adventure and relaxation, Nelson Bay is the main town in beautiful Port Stephens with plenty to.

From water sports, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, to hiking and exploring the beautiful national parks – whether it’s the land or sea, the views and surrounding beaches boast beautiful coastline.

Located 2.5 hours north of Sydney, the main centre, Nelson Bay, is home to both a fishing fleet and an armada of tourist vessels, the latter trading on the town’s status as the ‘dolphin capital of Australia’.

Just east of Nelson Bay is slightly smaller Shoal Bay, which has a long swimming beach; a short drive south is Fingal Bay, with another lovely beach on the fringes of Tomaree National Park. The park stretches west around the clothing-optional Samurai Beach, a popular surfing spot, and One Mile Beach, a gorgeous semicircle of the softest sand and bluest water.

The park ends at somnolent surfside village Anna Bay, which is also the gateway into the incredible Worimi Conservation Lands.

Our insider tips for what to do, see, eat and where to stay:

Stay 

 Bannister’s Pavilion in Port Stephens – Surrounded by water, koala habitat and a sense of peace and seclusion from hotel to horizon, Bannister’s Pavilion Port Stephens re-imagines the stunning outlooks and delectable menus at the renowned Rick Steins restaurant.

Explore 

Sunset cruises

Dolphin watching

Hiking to Tomaree Head Summit

Sailing

Paddle board, canoeing, camping and snorkeling

Quad hire for sand dunes

Must Do 

Zenith Beach for swimming.

Anna Bay – Birubi Beach sunset, surfing and swimming.

Tomaree Mountain – Lookout – hiking and a great vantage point over the area.

Shoal Bay – paddle boarding, jet skiing, sailing, canoeing.

Sailing – charter a boat and sail around the beautiful bay area.

Dine 

Lunch at Little Beach Boathouse

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner or afternoon drinks – Shoal Bay Country Club – the food is delicious and a great venue!

Rick Stein at Bannisters

Sunset picnic on Birubi Beach – source local produce and some great wines and enjoy on the beautiful stretch of soft sand on Birubi Beach

To customise your tour or itinerary for this region, contact bookings@sydneyprive.com.au

SHARE

Industry Affiliations

Find Out More