Port Stephens

Port Stephens is called the "blue water paradise" because of the beauty of its marine surroundings. It is located about two and a half hours north of Sydney, on the East Coast of Australia, and has a population of about 50,000. With over 19 miles of clean, white, sandy beaches, Port Stephens boasts a vibrant tourism and fishing industries.

Port Stephens lays claim to the title ‘Dolphin Capital of Australia’. The bay is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins, and there are several tour operators in Nelson Bay that offer dolphin-watch trips. These playful aquatic mammals often ride the bow wave just a couple of metres from the vessel. Between May and June, humpback whales cruise past the town on their northern migration, returning south between September and November and these huge animals are often encountered on the dolphin cruises. Whether it’s for diving, fishing, boating, snorkelling or sandcastle building, this huge bay has everything you need for year-round aquatic action.

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.

Many visitors that decide to holiday at Port Stephens come to enjoy the peacefulness and tranquillity that this delightful seaside town offers everyday of the year.  It is the perfect place to unwind and relax as you soak up the sun and realise in the atmosphere that is Port Stephens. But for some people that come to Port Stephens they are generally looking for something a little more adventurous, a little outgoing and something to get the heart pumping a bit.... Well you can do just that at Port Stephens as well.  You can go blue water sea kayaking that is suitable for everyone, even if you haven’t done it before. 

Travel around the exciting sea, taking in the marine life and cruising along the coastline with your guide. Or you can take the whole family to the Toboggan Hill Park where you can try your hand at riding down the run where you hurtle down a 700m metal chute on a one man sled. There is also Sandboarding at Stockton Beach, or you can take a hovercraft adventure ride, reaching speeds of up to 120kph as you scream your lungs out with pure excitement.

Visit the galleries, arts and craft museums and weekly craft markets. There are some great little shops to wander through and purchase some great buys from a number of shops. You can do a spot of fishing in the Bay or try your hand at deep sea fishing on one of the charters that are available. Hire a Jet Ski for the day and really have some fun, snorkel or learn to Scuba Dive. Visit the Wetlands Centre, the Tilligerry Wildlife Habitat or wander through the Shell Museum. Port Stephens in NSW caters to almost every facet of sport including tennis, golf, scuba diving, fishing, surfing, skiing and sailing.

For anyone looking for some activities that are land based, then why not check out the two surrounding National Park areas, Tomaree National Park and Myall Lakes National Park, where you can do a number of fantastic walks, ranging from easy to hard, all taking in the complete beauty and sheer awe-inspiring magic of the lush national parks that are teeming with birdlife and wildlife, making it a nature lovers paradise.

As with many coastal communities in Australia, beaches are a main feature of Port Stephens. The beaches in Port Stephens have panoramic views and powerful surf much like most beaches in Australia, but without the crowds. Even in the height of summer, there is no struggling to find a prime place to lay in the sun.  There are great beaches that offer year round perfect surfing conditions, to beaches that are great for the kids to play at the water edge, without any risk of strong rips and big waves. 

The climate is warm year round and enjoy cooling cool sea breezes to keep the temperature mild in the summer. During summer the area is a great escape for anyone looking for relaxing summer getaway to soak up some rays and relax on any one of the pristine golden beaches that are presented at Port Stephens. In spring the whole area comes alive with native wildflowers, while the weather is still pleasantly warm. From late May through July the area is an excellent place to watch the thousands of migrating whales pass by.

So as you can probably imagine, Port Stephens is a very popular destination for Sydneysiders wanting to escape the rat race for a little while.  So come and experience the pleasure that is Port Stephens, relax, unwind and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul, and see why so many people come to this gorgeous seaside region and never want to leave.