As I write this in the midst of COVID-19 at the end of 2021, we are all looking for outdoor venues to go to, to keep our families safe over the school holidays. I have recently written an article
Where are the Best Outdoor Lunch Venues around Nelson Bay, Port Stephens? so that we can enjoy eating out in the fresh air - but where else can you visit that is outdoors? Of course, there are the stunning
beaches and bays that you can easily spend all of the school holidays exploring, however, if you are looking for more things to do, then keep reading for my suggestions below.
Do you know of any more to add to this list? If so, I would love to hear them! Please leave a comment at the top of this article and it will be shown underneath, for others to read. We can never have
too many ideas of where to go, when exploring the stunning Port Stephens region!
Get some air at SPLASH Waterpark, Nelson Bay. Image: SPLASH Waterpark Facebook
is a top outdoor attraction if you are visiting Nelson Bay during the warmer months. It costs $20 for an hour to jump and climb over an inflatable obstacle course, that is set up in the water at Little Nelson Bay. It is a fun way to have a laugh with friends and family, while remaining in fresh air. See
here for details and
here for a full article.
Oakvale Wildlife Park is an outdoor animal park for families with a farmyard petting zoo, a wide variety of animals and a water park for kids in summer. Once you walk through the entrance building, the entire property is outside. See
here for details and
here for a full article.
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is another outdoor venue where you can learn about Australia's favourite native animal, while donating money for a good cause. This new facility also has glamping accommodation, so you can have a full experience. See
here for details.
Walk around the Oakvale Wildlife Park property, meeting animals along the way
Walk along and admire koalas in their natural setting at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Image: Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary Facebook
is a popular outdoor tourist attraction to do - if you have the energy! Take plenty of water and take your time, so you can soak up the breathtaking views along the way. See
here for a full article to prepare for your walk!
Camel & Horse Riding at The Stockton Sand Dunes are popular outdoor activities, which start from Birubi Beach at Anna Bay. These sand dunes are the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, so they are an impressive sight when you see them for the first time. If you are looking for something more exciting, then book a
Quad Bike Tour which begins from their depot at Williamtown. See
here for a full article of things to do.
Take a walk through the dunes - where you can social distance as much as you like!
travels out onto the waters of Port Stephens on a daily basis, with dolphin tours during summer and also whale watching in winter. Stand outside in the fresh, salty air and watch the dolphins frolic in the water below. Some of their boats also have a spacious upper deck viewing platform on the roof, so you can look down through the clear waters and spot the wildlife. See
here for details.
Do you have any more ideas? If so, please leave a comment at the top of this article and share your top tips! Other options I can suggest are the
Irujandji Shark & Ray Encounters, riding
Go Karts at the outdoor track, tobogganing at
Toboggan Hill, hiring a SUP at
Port Stephens Paddlesports, going to the markets at Neil Carrol Park each Sunday (which alternates between the
Legacy Market and
Tomaree Market), visiting a
local lookout and
playing golf.
Wherever you go - enjoy your outdoor visit to Port Stephens!
Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine at Nelson Bay Golf Club
Outdoor decks at Moonshadow Cruises. Image: Moonshadow - TQC Cruises Facebook
