So you've booked a holiday to the Nelson Bay area in Port Stephens (congratulations, good choice!) and you may now be wondering what there is to do. If you visit in the summer months, expect to spend your days swimming in the crystal-clear bays and devouring fresh, local seafood by night. If you are visiting with kids, there is also a
whole list of places to visit around the bay, which the kids will absolutely love - and you will too.
As you drive closer to the Nelson Bay area, you will see road signs to other popular holiday spots such as
Fingal Bay,
Shoal Bay,
Salamander Bay,
Soldiers Point and
Anna Bay. Each surrounding town has their own beachy charm, so ensure you take a leisurely drive and check them out on your visit. These below, are my top 5 tips on where to go on a holiday to Nelson Bay, however you can't go wrong wherever you end up on your exploration. The whole region has beauty in abundance, so ensure you slow down and relax, to fully appreciate the serenity in this unique, water-lovers paradise.
Stop and appreciate the sunsets, every night
to get a feel of the town, scope out where you would like to go back for dinner, pick up some supplies from Woollies and grab an
ice cream to take down to the water. If you are feeling peckish, stop for lunch at one of the
eateries at the marina, then take a stroll along the
Nelson Bay Foreshore and discover
seafood outlets in one direction, and
dolphin cruise boats in the other. Also have a look at the
water sport options at the floating booking office, with jet ski, kayak and SUP hire available.
A popular event which happens along the Nelson Bay Foreshore through summer is the
Sacred Tree Markets, with food trucks, artisan market stalls and children's activities.
Walk along the waterfront at the d'Albora Marinas...
...have a paddle in the clear water...
...and meet some locals near the fishing trawlers, at the other end of the Nelson Bay Foreshore
and witness the beauty of the next small seaside town, around the Port Stephens bay. Along the way, take a detour to check out Little Beach, another popular swimming bay, or stop for scones and tea up at
Inner Light Tea Rooms.
Although all the bays are picturesque, Shoal Bay is particularly beautiful, with a long beach to lay down your towel and
kayak hire, if you would like to explore the coast and look for dolphins and wildlife. When you're ready for lunch, take a visit to
Shoal Bay Country Club and relax with a cold drink up on the patio and share a seafood platter for two. If you are feeling energetic, park your car at the end of
Shoal Bay Road and walk up the
Tomaree Head Summit Trail, for the best views in the region - and the most photographed!
Take a dip in the clear waters of Shoal Bay
View of Zenith Beach and Shoal Bay, from the top of the Tomaree Head Summit Walk
3/ Birubi Beach at Anna Bay is another must-see, to enjoy the view of the 32 kilometre long Stockton Sand Dunes, which is part of the Worimi Conservation Lands. The sand dunes are the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Parking can be tricky, however if you arrive early you can grab a bacon & egg roll from
The Kiosk and go for a walk along the beachfront. Next to the surf club there is a tourist area of caravans, where you can book a
camel ride, a
4WD tour or hop on a bus to go
sandboarding. If you have a 4WD, book a
beach driving permit and go for a drive.
Alternatively, take some water and a wide-brimmed hat and go exploring the sand dunes by foot. I recommend you keep your shoes on however, as there can be sharp objects unearthed by the wind. It feels like you are walking through the Sahara!
Walk up the sand dunes & go exploring
to eat on the beach or book a table at a local
seafood restaurant and enjoy the meal with water views. Celebrity Chef Rick Stein has a seafood restaurant at
Bannisters Port Stephens and other popular choices include
Little Beach Boathouse and
The Point, at Soldiers Point. If you prefer a casual fish and chip meal, then check out
Bay Harbour Café and
Bub's Famous Fish & Chips on
Teramby Road. You won't find any fresher than the oysters and seafood in Port Stephens!
5/ Swim in the Clear Waters of Port Stephens or go snorkeling at
Fly Point, in between Little Beach and Little Nelson Bay. Popular swimming bays near town include
Little Nelson Bay,
Shoal Bay,
Dutchmans Beach,
Corlette Beach and
Roy Woods Reserve. If you have your dog with you on holidays, ensure you visit
Bagnalls Beach, so they can also enjoy having a swim whilst meeting new friends.
If you prefer to swim with waves at the beach, it is just a short drive to
Fingal Bay,
One Mile Beach and
Birubi Beach - all of which have flags and surf clubs.
Swim in the clear waters of Little Nelson Bay...
...or take a drive to a surf beach, such as One Mile Beach
Our family have often commented that the Port Stephens region reminds us of The Whitsunday Islands, but without the price tag to get there. The sand is pure white, the water visibility is pristine, multi-million dollar boats cruise the bay and the two headlands at the mouth of the port, look like islands in the distance.
Nelson Bay can get busy during the summer school holidays, but you can still stumble on a secluded bay and be the first person to make footprints in the sand. It is a relaxing, quiet escape, just over
2.5 hours from Sydney. One visit, won't be enough.
Sit on the beach and look for dolphins at Bagnalls Beach, a 5 minute drive from Nelson Bay
