The Water

If you enjoy being near, or on, the water then you’re going to love Port Stephens!

With 26 beautiful beaches, Port Stephens is perfect for a beach holiday. You’ll find plenty of soft sand, sheltered bays and surf breaks. Enjoy lovely strolls, glorious sunrises and majestic sunsets, and keep an eye out for the resident bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the sparkling blue marine park.

The Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park is dotted with sublime beaches, from the tranquil bay area to the ocean-facing sandy delights in the magnificent Tomaree National Park. For a spectacular panorama of the bay, beaches and beyond, the Tomaree Head summit walk at Shoal Bay is a must-do experience.

Swimming, snorkelling, surfing and fishing are popular water sports. 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.

Picnic tables and barbecue facilities are in pretty reserves at a number of beaches, including Bagnalls Beach, Dutchmans Beach and Little Beach all near Nelson Bay. You can also enjoy the barbecue facilities near Shoal Bay’s sandy strip, stunning Fingal Bay Beach and gorgeous One Mile Beach.

Port Stephens is a wonderful beach escape where you can meet the resident bottlenose dolphins with dolphin-watching  cruises depart from Nelson BayWhale watching is popular between May and November, when thousands of humpback and other whales migrate through the marine park.