Ever booked accommodation in Port Stephens only to find that rain is in the weather forecast? Don't despair. These seven ideas will have you enjoying your holiday regardless of the season.
1. Visit the local wineries
Go for a short drive (or catch the shuttle bus) to Bob's Farm and enjoy wine tasting at
Port Stephens Winery, which is open daily from 10am until 6pm. While you're there, try a few craft beers at
Murray's Craft Brewing Co. There are brewery tours daily from 2.15pm, as well as There are also wine-making displays, and a wine walk where you can improve your knowledge and touch and smell different grape varieties on the vine.
Image from Murray's Craft Beer Co website
Port Stephens is a great base for day trips, and a must-see is the historic town of
Morpeth, a boutique shopping and dining precinct on the Hunter River. Get a photo by the quaint post office and snuggle into a café for a delicious home-made lunch and freshly brewed coffee.
If the city is your thing, head over the Newcastle where you can visit the
maritime centre, take in a show at the
civic theatre or check out the
art gallery and
museum.
3. Go shopping
D'Albora Marinas at Nelson Bay as well as the main street are full of clothing, jewellery and homewares boutiques to entice your spending.
Also visit
Salamander Bay Centre – the recently expanded shopping centre is a shopper's haven with three mini major stores and over 60 specialty shops.
4. Get up close and personal with wild life
For a memorable experience, take the kids to the
Shark and Ray Nursery, where they can get in the water, pat and play with over 10 species of baby sharks and rays.
Alternatively, plan your day at
Oakvale Farm and Fauna World, where kids watch and get involved in the bottle-feeding of baby animals, cow-milking, koala patting, reptile handling, tractor rides and more.
5. Go diving
When the weather is bleak, you may as well go diving.
Feet First Dive have everything you need from beginners to experts, including courses and equipment.
Situated at D'Albora Marinas in Nelson Bay,
Let's Go Adventures also have scuba diving and snorkelling courses and equipment for hire, as well as deep diving for the thrill-seekers at heart.
6. Visit a day spa
Use wintry weather as an opportunity to chill out, switch off and relax. Book yourself in at
Anchorage Port Stephens,
Body and Soul Spa Retreat or
Ramada Resort Shoal Bay for a luxurious treat.
7. Play indoor sports
Head to Thornton for
Xtreme Indoor Go Karts and get your need for speed. Alternatively, head to
SuperStrike for a game of ten pin bowling.
Maitland Indoor Sports Centre also offers casual court hire from $5 per person (minimum fees may apply).
With these tips you'll hopefully enjoy Port Stephens whatever the weather and make the most of your stay.
