Grab the kids, pack up the car and take a short road trip to the beautiful Port Stephens.
In only a one and half hour drive, you will be witness to picture perfect beaches and giant sand dunes. See our favourite things to do below to make the best of your time away!
Tomaree Head Summit Walk – 2.2km return
If you’re chasing picturesque views, take the short hike to the summit of Tomaree Head (161 metres above the Port Stephens entrance). Here you can see panoramic views of Port Stephens coastline. There is also a picnic table at the lookout so make sure to pack a picnic lunch with you and enjoy the views while you soak in the sunlight.
Explore giant sand dunes
Port Stephens is home to the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. Explore these magnificent dunes on foot, ride down them on a sandboard, or even book a ride on a camel or horse!
Go whale watching
Humpback whales pass the Port Stephens coastline every year from May to November. Travelling by the thousands, you can often see them leaping out of the water! There are many whale-watching locations along the coastline including the Barry Park lookout at Fingal Bay, Boat Harbour Headland, and Birubi Point at Anna Bay.
Go dolphin watching
Not able to head to Port Stephens throughout May to November to see the whales? That’s no problem because the Bottlenose dolphins are a common special in Port Stephens. Home to over 140, you can often see them swimming playfully along the golden shorelines. Take the daily Tea Gardens Ferry across the bay and you may even see them swimming alongside the boat! If you prefer to get more up close and personal, check out some of the dolphin cruises, including Dolphin Swim Australia.
Visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
Port Stephens Council, in partnership with Port Stephens Koalas Hospital, have created a Koala Sanctuary to ensure first-class care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas. Guests can see these beautiful animals in their natural habitats, with each visit supporting the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koalas in the wild.
Visit Toboggan Hill Park
Put your skills to the test at this mini amusement park! Slide down the 1km toboggan hill track; use your problem-solving skills to work your way out of the giant maze; and even give rollerblading a go in the indoor skate rink! There are many activities on offer for people of all ages.
Grab a bite to eat and head straight to the beach
Pair the perfect beach, with the perfect bite to eat and you have a flawless afternoon in the sun. Whether you enjoy sheltered bays for swimming, or impeccable surf for boogie boarding, with 26 beautiful beaches you have the pick of the bunch! The eating options are similar, with amazing restaurants and takeaway stores at every turn. We recommend trying the takeaway food at Shoal Bay Country Club and heading across the road to eat it on the beautiful Shoal Bay beach.