Port Stephens in 3 Days: The Perfect Long Weekend Guide

Looking for the perfect family escape that’s close to home but feels worlds away? Follow along with our 3-day itinerary, blending Port Stephens classics with hidden gems you may not have thought of. It’s quick, jam-packed, and sure to keep the kids smiling!

Day One

Morning: Travel

Arrive in Port Stephens (just 2.5 hours from Sydney or 50 minutes from Newcastle), close enough for convenience, far enough to feel like a real escape.

Lunch: B. Farm

Make a pit stop at B Farm by Murrays for a delicious lunch, then wander the gardens to meet the resident goats, chickens, donkeys, and more. While the kids enjoy the animals, parents can sneak in a little treat too, with an onsite distillery and brewery offering tastings, plus a shop stocked with local artesian goodies to take home. 

Afternoon: Toboggan Hill Park

Take the kids to Toboggan Hill Park where you will find not only a 1km toboggan track, but an abundance of unique experiences for the kids such as rock climbing, roller skating, mini golf and more!

Dinner: Cheeky Dog, Bannisters Port Stephens

Unwind for the night after checking in to your accommodation and treat yourselves at Cheeky Dog, inside Bannisters Port Stephens. Relaxed vibes, great food, and a family-friendly atmosphere. 

Day Two

Breakfast: The Little Nel

Start your day at The Little Nel, a local favourite to grab a coffee and an enjoyable breakfast to fuel you for the adventurous day ahead. 

Morning: Aquamarine Adventures

Hop aboard with Aquamarine Adventures for an express whale-watching cruise. Envision, the small red boat guarantees everyone front-row seats to the Humpback Highway. If you’re lucky, you might even see calves jumps alongside their mum!

Lunch: Shoal Bay Country Club 

After your morning on the water, grab a bite for lunch at Shoal Bay Country Club, where the views and fresh menu make it a perfect pit stop for the whole crew.

Afternoon: Explore Shoal Bay

Cool off with a family swim in the sparkling waters of Shoal Bay or lace up the sneakers for the iconic Tomaree Head Summit Walk. The 360-degree views of the coastline are world-class and worth the climb! 

Dinner: Seabreeze Hotel

Close off the day with a dinner at Seabreeze Hotel in Nelson Bay. The casual atmosphere is perfect for families, with a kids’ menu to keep little ones happy, as well as local seafood and pub classics.

Day Three

Brekafast: Crest Birubi Beach

For breakfast with a side of stunning beach views, Crest Birubi Beach is a must-visit. Don’t forget to pack your swimmers for a morning dip at the patrolled beach.

Morning: Port Stephens 4WD Tours 

It wouldn’t be a trip to Port Stephens without visiting the Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere! Join Port Stephens 4WD Tours for a sandboarding experience that is suitable for kids of all ages!  

Lunch: Oakvale Wildlife Park 

Fit in one last adventure in Port Stephens at Oakvale Wildlife Park where you can experience hands-on encounters with animals. Hand-feed kangaroos, spot the lemurs, and pat the koalas! Enjoy a lunch from the café out on their picnic lawn, or BYO barbeque lunch with their free-to-use BBQs.

By the end of your getaway, you are left feeling relaxed, recharged, and already thinking about your next visit. A long weekend in Port Stephens never felt so good.