Destination overview

Situated on the southern shore of Port Stephens on the North Coast of New South Wales and a two-and-a-half drive north of Sydney, Nelson Bay is the ideal North Coast tourist destination for exploring the natural wonders and attractions of nearby Port Stephens, Hawkes Nest and Raymond Terrace. This area is truly a blue water paradise and the permanent home of 160 bottlenose dolphins, as well as a port-in-passing for over 3,000 migrating Humpback whales.

In fact, whales can be seen from late May to early November, while dolphins can be seen year-round from the shoreline around Fingal Bay and Anna Bay, just south of Nelson Bay.

Nelson Bay lies at the heart of Port Stephens and is the perfect holiday destination. Known as the Dolphin Capital, and one of the best places in the world to see dolphins in the wild, this beautiful region has lots to offer including gourmet restaurants, boutique shopping, and of course, golden beaches with crystal clear water.

Renowned for its nature and abundance of aquatic marine life and exciting land activities, you will find unspoilt and uncrowded sandy beaches, sheltered bays and National Parks offering bushwalks and secluded coastal walking trails to enjoy. In addition to all this, the Hunter Valley wine district makes an excellent day trip and is not to be missed.

With a bay that is two-and-a-half times the size of Sydney Harbour, there are a number of activities that will suit everyone, like parasailing, diving, surfing or snorkelling.  The diving and snorkelling here are simply exceptional. Just east of Nelson Bay, the tiny promontory of Fly Point is an aquatic reserve with prolific marine life. There is another superb site for divers just off the coast at Broughton Island, with such outstanding features as the Looking Glass, a split that runs through the middle of the island that is crowded with marine life. You will also find sea caves, sponge gardens and shipwrecks, if you’re lucky.

To the south of Nelson Bay, Stockton Beach has the country's largest coastal dune system, stretching for more than 30 kilometres to the northern outskirts of Newcastle.

Tomaree National Park

Tomaree National Park is 50 kilometres north of Newcastle and a beautiful backdrop to the towns and villages of Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Boat Harbour and Anna Bay. It encompasses coastal bushland, sand dunes, heathland, forests and over 20 kilometres of dramatic rocky coastline and stunning white sandy beaches. This is the only place in New South Wales where you can see outcrops of the acid volcanic rock, rhyodacite.

The park is the perfect location for a bush or beach holiday. Enjoy exploring the coastal bushland and forests, or walk out to the lighthouse and historic ruins on Fingal Island. Swim, snorkel or surf at one of the many beautiful beaches, try your hand at fishing or have a lazy picnic. The spectacular Tomaree Head gives you sweeping panoramic views up and down the coast and is a must for any visit to the area.

Walk to the top of the Tomaree Headland Lookout to enjoy striking views of Port Stephens and the offshore islands. It will take you approximately 30 minutes to walk to the top, depending on your fitness level, but it is well worth the effort.

The untouched Tomaree National Park is blessed with many interesting landscapes and has excellent walking tracks. If you walk along the banks of the Tilligerry Creek you will almost be guaranteed a koala sighting.

Worimi Conservation Lands

The Worimi Conservation Lands (Stockton Bight Sand Dunes) are truly one of nature’s masterpieces and stretch for over 30 kilometres. Whatever your level of adventure is, the dunes offer something for everyone. You can explore by foot, in your own 4WD, ride a quad bike or join a 4WD tour and sandboard down thirty metre high dunes. You can also join a tag-along tour to master 4WD techniques.

Some of the dunes, which are always changing, can reach up to 30 metres high. You can also discover Tin City, a makeshift collection of squatter-fishermen's tin homes, and the wreck of the Sygna.

Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve

Explore this spectacular site with panoramic views of the entrance to Port Stephens. The museum houses interesting artefacts from its previous use as a lighthouse. Take in the panoramic views from the Inner Light Tea House while enjoying afternoon tea or a light lunch.

Gan Gan Lookout

You can’t miss a drive to the top of this magnificent lookout which takes in 360 degree views. Keep your eyes open for koalas, rare native birds and other wildlife and enjoy the impressive wildflower display, including giant Gymea lilies and native orchids in season.

Take a boat to Tea Gardens

Hop on one of the water vessels and explore the other side of the Port. Once there you can wander around the shops at Tea Gardens and enjoy lunch on the banks of the Myall River. If it’s cycling you enjoy, then a ride around the Tea Gardens will be ideal as the terrain is flat and perfect for getting around on a bike.

Try the local produce

Pick up home-made products at the local roadside stalls. Try out local oysters, seafood, macadamias, figs, olives, wines and brews.

Visit the surrounding islands

A day trip to Broughton Island or the local seal colony at Cabbage Tree Island will not disappoint. The reefs which surround Broughton Island are famous for snapper and jewfish. Broughton Island is located approximately eight nautical miles north-east of Port Stephens and is a part of the Myall Lakes National Park. There is a diverse range of marine life that can be spotted diving around the islands, including grey nurse sharks, wobbegong and Port Jackson sharks, crayfish, large cod, schools of baitfish and extensive sponge gardens.