Attractions
Port Stephens NSW 2319, Australia
Local Beaches
If you enjoy being near, or on, the water then Port Stephens is certainly the perfect place to holiday.
Our region boasts 26 beautiful beaches, from the rolling sand dunes of Birubi Beach to the calm waters of Dutchies or Shoal Bay. You’ll find plenty of soft sand, sheltered bays and surf breaks. Whether your looking for a quiet spot to sit and watch the day go by, a remote beach off the beaten track, or some adrenaline filled water sports, the stunning Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park has something for everyone.
For a spectacular panorama of the bay, beaches and beyond, the Tomaree Head summit walk at Shoal Bay is a must-do experience. Or take the Coast Line track and walk from Zenith to Box Beach with a stop at Wreck Beach along the way.
Swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing and fishing are popular water sports in our region. There are surf schools, and you can also try sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking or hire a bike from Shoal Bay or Nelson Bay and explore the picturesque coastline.
For those who stay a while and keep their eyes peeled, you'll likely spot a small pod of our resident bottle nosed Dolphins, or if you're lucky a Sea Turtle or Penguin.
d'Albora Marinas, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay NSW, Australia
Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruises
The Port Stephens bay area is home to 100 Bottlenose Dolphins and each year approximately 22,000 humpback whales pass the Port Stephens coast line on their 12,000km migration every year. The humpback whales make their northern migration from May to August, and return from August to November (usually passing closure in more shallow waters with their calves).
There are several tour companies that operate out of d’Albora Marina, which is an easy water front walk from Dutchies Beach Motel and Dutchmans Beach Apartments.
Contact the https://www.baybookingoffice.com.au/ for more details on daily tours, bay conditions and rates.
Big Rocky Trail, Nelson Bay NSW, Australia
Get On Your Bike
Our region is filled with fantastic fire trails perfect for a hike or a bike ride for those more adventurous travelers. Bring your mountain bike or road bike and see the bay on wheels. Its the best way to beat the summer traffic and park with ease.
Bagnalls Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Bagnalls Beach, Dog Beach
If you're coming to town with our favourite four-legged family member and staying at one of our Dutchmans Beach Apartments then a walk along Bagnalls Beach will be high on your list of priorities! This off lead dog beach is the perfect spot for a stroll or swim, mingle with locals and keep your eyes peeled for passing pods of Dolphins or spotting the occasional Sea Eagle or Koala!