Looking Back

Port Stephens has been a favourite holiday destination for generations. Take a look back at how holidays used to be in days gone by.


Post-war Shoal Bay Country Club was a popular holiday spot in the small beachside village along a dirt road from Newcastle. Families and young married couples would meet for fun in the sun, picnics, and a spot of tennis!

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Anyone for Tennis? - Shoal Bay Country Club guests gather in front of the resort building - Summer 1951.


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Swimsuit Sweethearts - A beach beauty pageant from 1948 with the ladies posing on the Shoal Bay Jetty - Tomaree Headland in the background.


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Wheelbarrow racing - The beachfront of Shoal Bay Country Club turned into a racetrack for holiday shenanigans


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Tanks for the memories! There must be a great story that goes with this shot of a WWII tank parked on Shoal Bay beach. Anyone know the history of this image?


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Lady lifeguards - The surf was small but their hearts were big. I wonder how many chaps waved for help in the hope of being saved by these glamorous lifesavers?


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Like my new one piece? A lovely lady models her swimsuit on the beach at Shoal Bay... anyone know her name? A relative of yours?


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Summer Holidays - Shoal Bay Country Club guests gather under the tree across the road from the Country Club for a photo opportunity. Anyone you know here?


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Bathing Beauties - Holiday makers at Shoal Bay posing with a crab pot... as you do!


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Who's that girl? Betty on the jetty? Or someone you know?


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Summer Lovin'... had me a blast! Recognise these young lovebirds? A romantic holiday at Shoal Bay.


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Happy campers! How Thou Walla Sunset Retreat (formerly Soldiers Point Holiday Park) began!


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Soldiers Point tents at the early Soldiers Point Holiday Park.

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