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Coastal Bliss: Things to do in Port Stephens
From water sports to nature walks, these are the best things to do in Port Stephens.
A little less than an hour north of Newcastle City, Port Stephens is an east coast holiday destination that has it all. And as the winner of Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year award, we’re not the only ones who think so!
Boasting a string of seaside towns with sparkling waters, pristine wilderness and stunning beaches, Port Stephens is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Enjoy foodie hot spots, open-air markets, giant sand dunes, wildlife encounters, and villages that cater to everyday life as well as foreshore parks, coastal walks, cycling paths, and trails that lead to beaches bounded by native bushland. It’s a dreamy destination that locals relish in, and people from far-flung places come to experience.
The list of things to do in Port Stephens is long, so pack your bag and start planning your coastal getaway. There’s never been a better time to visit.
Things to do in Port Stephens: Eat
Shoal Bay Country Club
The Shoal Bay Country Club is an iconic gathering spot. Stylish, laidback interiors meet spectacular views across the bay. Mermaid’s Café is the spot for breakfast, The Kitchen & Patio is the go-to for cocktails and seasonal dishes, and Atmos is a Greek-inspired dining experience that you’ll want to carve out time in your schedule to visit. The set menus offer great value and are perfect for feasting, covering everything from saganaki and lamb moussaka to souvla of the day and Balmain Bug kritharaki.
35-45 Shoal Bay Road, Shoal Bay
Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens
Bannisters Port Stephens is also home to Rick Stein at Bannisters — the celebrity chef’s signature restaurant. Working closely with executive chef Mitchell Turner, Rick Stein heroes locally sourced seafood and pairs his delicacies with his own wine, created in collaboration with Hunter Valley winery Brokenwood.
Start with freshly shucked oysters and sashimi before moving on to the incredible list of seasonal mains. You can’t go past the Singapore Chilli Crab Stir-fried with garlic, ginger, chilli and coriander, which is one of Stein’s personal favourites. Make sure you don’t wear white for this one as it’s made to eat with your hands — the messier the better!
147 Soldiers Point Road, Soldiers Point
Things to do in Port Stephens: Drink
Cheeky Dog
Cheeky Dog guarantees to amp up the holiday vibes with a relaxed atmosphere, tropical cocktails and easy eats. The space is open plan, and there’s a solid live music lineup to look forward to. As for drinks, they’ve got all your usuals in stock alongside a moreish Mediterranean-inspired food menu. Add the Cheeky Dog to your Port Stephens hit list and you’ll be a regular in no time!
147 Soldiers Point Road, Soldiers Point
Things to do in Port Stephens: Stay
Bannisters Port Stephens
Transformed from an iconic ‘60s resort into a swanky boutique hotel, Bannisters effortlessly captures the coastal charm of Port Stephens. Boasting a range of plush rooms and suites that offer ocean and parkland vistas, the hotel is a haven of rest and relaxation. Using a fresh palette of cool tones, with a pop of pastel, each room has a simplistic charm that lets the views do the talking. Best of all, you’ve got one of the best restaurants in the region on your doorstep.
147 Soldiers Point Road, Soldiers Point
Book your stay with Booking.com
Book your stay with Bannisters
The Ambers
Picture this: You’ve gathered with 21 of your nearest and dearest, kiddos and all, and you’ve got a five-acre property to explore with no plans. There really is no need for them either, as your stay is packed with amenities, from a tennis court to a fire pit, a kids’ rumpus room to an outdoor bar. It’s all about sun-dappled swims, impromptu picnics and stargazing by the fire. We can’t think of anywhere we’d rather be.
You can take in a full list of the offerings here.
Port Stephens
Book your stay with Booking.com
Book your stay with The Ambers
Anchorage Port Stephens
With views of the port from every window, Anchorage Port Stephens is a seaside lover’s dream. The decor is charmingly nautical with a Hamptons twist. Opt for the Loft Bedroom or Master Suite to enjoy 180-degree views out over the sea. With an onsite restaurant, bar, pool and spa, you won’t want to leave! If relaxation is the name of the game for you, this is where to base yourself.
26 Corlette Point Road, Corlette
Book your stay with Booking.com
Book your stay with Anchorage Port Stephens
Things to do in Port Stephens: Play
Check out the Dunes
The Stockton Sand Dunes are some of the largest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. Part of the Worimi Conservation Lands, this natural wonder reaches heights of up to 40 metres and slopes of 60 degrees. Adventurers are out in full force sandboarding, camel and horse riding, hiking, quad biking and embarking on 4WD tours. Port Stephens 4WD offers some great tours if you fancy all the fun without any of the fuss.
Beach Hopping
From the calm bay beaches of Nelson Bay to the ocean swells at Anna Bay, you’re truly spoilt for choice in Port Stephens. Birubi Beach is the gateway to The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay beaches are dreamy spots for paddleboarding, kite surfing and boating, while the ocean-facing beaches of Tomaree National Park — Zenith, Wreck and Box Beach — will have you feeling worlds away from it all.
Water Sports & Wildlife
Deep dive into the waters of Port Stephens and discover a wildlife sanctuary for dolphins, migrating whales and a colourful array of sea life. There is so much fun to be had off-land, including paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, surfing, and boating. Paddle Port Stephens has a range of rentals up for grabs (including the ever-popular transparent kayak) as well as some fantastic sunset and discovery tours. If you’d like to give surfing a crack, book in a lesson with Port Stephens Surf School.
Come winter, consider heading out on a whale watching cruise.
Zenith Beach, a sanctuary zone, is also a great place to spot wildlife. Birdlife and dolphins can be spotted from shore. If you’ve got a pair of binoculars handy, be sure to pack them in your bag!
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Wildlife encounters are always a highlight of any trip, and Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters offer some great options. If you don’t fancy getting wet, you can feed and pet the rays from the edge of the pool. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, opt for the wetsuit wading experience, snorkel or private encounter where you can get up close and personal with a variety of rays and sharks.
2 Jessie Road, Anna Bay
Visit the Marina
Situated on Nelson Bay Beach, D’Albora Marina is where the boats come and go. Waterfront restaurants serve ocean-fresh seafood, and cafes open as the sun rises over the bay. Settle in and listen to tales of seafaring adventures, climb aboard one of the many tour boats or consider boat hire for an adventure to remember.
Take a Walk
Tucked away along the coastline of Port Stephens, the coastal walks surrounding Shoal Bay are one of its biggest drawcards. Tomaree Head Summit Walk may be steep, but you’ll be well-rewarded with spectacular coastline views. For something a little more grounded, Wreck Beach Walk meanders through a coastal forest to a secluded cliffside beach.
Fingal Island
For something a little different, consider a day trip out to Fingal Island to explore Port Stephens lighthouse. Aquamarine Adventures runs regular guided trips, which include a thorough history and a walk to the top of the lighthouse to take in the sweeping views. Depending on timing, there may even be a chance to swim in a secluded lagoon, so be sure to pack those swimmers.
Oakvale Wildlife Park
A great one for the animal lovers, Oakvale Wildlife Park is home to a host of native and exotic animals across its 25 acres of natural bushland. On top of animal spotting, you can expect informative keeper talks, feeding shows, tractor-trailer rides and the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos. If you’re travelling with kids, you’ll want to make a day of it with the onsite Splash Bay Water Park, picnic areas and BBQ facilities.
3 Oakvale Drive, Salt Ash
Fighterworld
A real treat for history and aviation buffs alike, Fighterworld tracks the history of the Royal Australian Airforce, as well as aeronautical innovations. The exhibits are spread across two hangars, and includes a virtual reality simulator and real life cockpits to explore. You can also enjoy spotting some IRL action from the observation deck.
49 Medowie Road, Williamtown
Toboggan Hill Park
On sunny days, the 1km toboggan run provides a thrill for big kids and little kids alike, whilst Toboggan Hill Park is also a great rainy day option with plenty of indoor activities to tire the kids outs, from indoor rock climbing to roller skating.
16 Aquatic Close, Nelson Bay
If you enjoyed this edit of the best things to do in Port Stephens and are looking for more adventure along the Central Coast, be sure to check out our edits of the best walks on the Central Coast and the best things to do on the Central Coast.
