Awaken Winter's Wild

Winter doesn't quiet Port Stephens, it wakes it up. The days turn crisp and golden, fireplaces flicker to life, and the pace shifts into something you didn't know you needed. This is the season for long lunches over freshly shucked oysters, coastal walks that clear your head for days, and the kind of reset that only comes when you're far from routine. Winter here isn't something to endure, it's something to savour.

And when you're ready to step outside into nature, Port Stephens delivers. The coastline, the dunes, the open water. Nature here is at its most dramatic and most generous in the cooler months, with space to breathe and experiences that genuinely stay with you for years to come.

Just 2.5 hours north of Sydney and 25 minutes from Newcastle Airport, it is close enough to actually do it, and far enough to feel like you've properly escaped.

Exclusive Winter Deals

Better yet, we have exclusive winter deals and packages ready for you. Browse below, use the unique code and claim your discount. Your winter escape is waiting.

STAY

Hotel Nelson

The Whale of a Deal package gives you a Superior King Room, a whale watching cruise for two with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises (valued at $138) and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for the balcony.

CODE: WHALE

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Slow down and stay longer, the more nights you book, the more you save (10% for 2 nights, 20% for 3, 30% for 4+). Includes daily continental breakfast in-room and a $50 Wild Light Café voucher. Wake up among the treetops and let winter do its thing.

Bannisters Port Stephens

Escape to Bannisters and enjoy a glass of bubbles on arrival, breakfast each morning, 15% off spa treatments, and $50 daily dining credit for memorable meals at any of their restaurants.

Shoal Bay Holiday Park

Settle into the slower side of the coast with a relaxed stay by the bay. The longer you stay, the more you save and every stay includes daily continental breakfast and complimentary entry to Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.

Nelson Bay Getaways

Make the most of your winter getaway with Nelson Bay Getaways. Stay three nights and pay for just two, giving you an extra day to relax, explore, and enjoy everything Port Stephens has to offer.

CODE: NelsonBayGetaways2026

Mantra Nelson Bay

Indulge in the Chocolate Lovers Package, settle into a 1 or 2-Bedroom Apartment and unwrap up to 2kg of chocolate, a $25 food & beverage voucher, free parking, and a late checkout until noon.

The Anchorage

The Waterfront Warmth package is winter done in style. One night from $299, sparkling wine on arrival, a daily hot & cold buffet breakfast, unlimited in-room movies and complimentary parking.

Landmark Nelson Bay

Save 15% on online rates, 15% off a Dolphin or Whale Watch Cruise with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises, guaranteed 1pm check-in and 11am checkout, chocolates, free parking and WiFi. Blockout dates apply - not valid June Long Weekend. 2 night minimum stay.

CODE: WINTER2026

SEE & DO

Imagine Cruises

Embrace the wonder of whale season with Imagine Cruises. Take 10% off a 3-hour Whale Watch Cruise and witness the annual humpback migration in all its glory.

CODE: WINTERWILD2610

Port Stephens 4WD Tours

Get 20% off the Beach & Dune Experience this winter, a genuine 4WD adventure across the spectacular Stockton Bight with expert guides who know every track.

CODE: WINTER2026

Sand Dune Adventures

Live the adventure this winter with Sand Dune Adventures and hit the dunes for less! Adults from $90, two adults on a double bike from $180, and adult + child on a double from $150.

Automatically applied at checkout

Sand Dune Safaris

Chill out this winter with Sand Dune Safaris! Get 15% off sandboarding and carve your way down the dunes for less. Cool adventures, no crowds!

CODE: WINTA15

Moonshadow-TQC Cruises

Save 20% on Dolphin Discovery and Whale Watching Cruises this winter! Witness humpbacks breaching on the 'humpback highway' just beyond the heads, an experience that never gets old. Valid for adult, concession and child tickets.

Code: WINTER26

Quad Bike King

Take the throne at Quad Bike King and rule the Stockton sands with adrenaline-fueled fun. Enjoy a fabulous 20% discount on thrilling quad bike rides this winter, and experience the ultimate adventure.

CODE: WINTER20

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters

A unique and interactive experience with sharks, rays and more awaits! Get 20% off Irukandji Entry Pass and other experiences this winter using the code below. With their warm indoor Tropical Lagoon, there's no reason not to come!

CODE: WILD20

4WD Tours R Us & Oakvale Wildlife Park

Book once, enjoy twice, and save on two iconic local experiences! Hit the iconic Stockton Sand Dunes on a thrilling unlimited sandboarding adventure, PLUS receive entry to Oakvale Wildlife Park.

EAT

The Galley

The Anchorage

The Galley Kitchen is The Anchorage's bright and breezy all-day diner. Offering a seasonally changing menu featuring local produce and seafood, home to their signature sparkling wine breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinners and decadent High Teas.

Rick Stein

Bannisters Port Stephens

Rick Stein at Bannisters celebrates the incredible seafood sourced daily from the waters of Port Stephens. The menu evolves with the local catch, from kingfish and flathead to oysters, lobster and tuna - inspiring fresh, seasonal dishes.

The Little Nel

Hotel Nelson

The Little Nel is a local favourite, where almost everything on the menu is made in-house from scratch, drawing on the finest local produce the region has to offer. Think bold, seasonal flavours that change as often as the tides.

Wild Light Cafe

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Tucked inside the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, Wild Light Café is a relaxed spot to grab a coffee or a bite while surrounded by native bushland and the resident koalas who call it home. A genuinely unique place to take a break and soak up a little of what makes this region so special.

Cover Image: DPE/Remy Brand