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Last Updated on May 28, 2026 by sydabroad
Looking for the best things to do in Port Stephens? Then keep reading!
Welcome to Port Stephens, paradise just about two hours north of Sydney.
Picture this: crystal clear water, dolphin watching cruises, and sandboarding on some of the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Insane right?
Whether you’re planning an Airbnb stay or camping under the stars, this guide covers all of the best things to do in Port Stephens, straight from someone who’s actually been there. I’ve lived in Sydney for about a year and a half now, and Port Stephens is genuinely one of the most beautiful spots I’ve visited along the coast.
This guide covers everything you need to know before planning a trip to Port Stephens/Nelson Bay. We’ll dive into not only the best things to do, but where to stay, some delish spots to eat, and obviously all of the best beaches. I’ve included an FAQ section later in this guide as well as a draft itinerary that you can use to recreate your own weekend trip to Port Stephens.
Looking for more Australia guides?
- The Best Things to Do in Byron Bay
- The 13 Best Weekend Trips From Sydney (A Local’s Guide)
- 10 Amazing Things to Do on Magnetic Island
- The Ultimate Guide to Sailing the Whitsundays
Short on time? Here is everything you need to plan your trip to Port Stephens
🏠Book accommodation in Port Stephens via Booking.com and Hostelworld
✈️Book flights to Port Stephens on Skyscanner
🏔️Find activities and tours for Port Stephens via Get Your Guide and Viator
👩🏽💻Get travel insurance for your trip to Port Stephens through SafetyWing
🚌Find trains and buses for your trip to Port Stephens with Omio and Trainline
📱Access the internet anywhere in Port Stephens with Airalo
💭Find more travel recommendations for Port Stephens on the Out Of Office app
🚘Rent a car in Port Stephens with Rentalcars.com
🌎Looking to join a group trip? Search tours with EF Ultimate Break
Alright, let’s get into the best things to do in Port Stephens!
Quick Tips | Port Stephens Travel Guide
Distance from Sydney: ~2.5 hours north via the M1 / ~209km
Best time to visit: Summer (Dec–Feb) for beaches; May–November for whale watching
Getting there: Drive (recommended); Newcastle Airport is 30 minutes from Nelson Bay
Where to stay: Campsite, Airbnb, or boutique hotel (more info below)
Don’t miss: Dolphin watching and sandboarding at Stockton Dunes
Why Port Stephens Should Be On Your Sydney Weekend Trip List
Sometimes you just need to escape the city, and Port Stephens makes it so easy.
It’s super easy to reach from Sydney, and it honestly feels like another world once you get there. White sand beaches, calm blue water, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. It’s just so laid back and relaxing.
The region has over 20 stunning beaches, incredible wildlife, and more adventure activities than you can fit into one weekend. It’s one of my favorite places I’ve visited in all of Australia, and that says a lot!
How to Get to Port Stephens from Sydney?
Driving (Recommended)
If you have a car (or can rent one), this is hands down the best option.
You’ll have the most flexibility with your time, and getting around the region is so much easier with your own vehicle. From Sydney, take the M1 Motorway north for about 2.5 hours, then follow signs via Hexham Bridge toward Nelson Bay.
Pro-tip: Leave before or after peak Friday traffic if you can. My friends and I rented a car through Turo for the weekend, and it was perfect — pretty affordable too.
By Bus or Public Transport
If you don’t have a car, you can take the train from Central Station to Newcastle Interchange, then hop on the 130 bus to Port Stephens. Total travel time is around 4 hours. Definitely much longer, and you really will need a car once you arrive.
That said, a car is strongly recommended once you’re up there. Ubers can be hard to book outside major cities in Australia, and they’ll add up fast.
By Air
Flying into Newcastle Airport (NTL) is a good option if you’re coming from somewhere other than Sydney. It’s only about 30 minutes from Port Stephens. I’d suggest renting a car when you land to make the most of the region.
Where to Stay in Port Stephens?
Camping in Port Stephens
Okay, to be honest, I am not much of a camper. When my friends suggested camping in Port Stephens, I was hesitant (you know, the Australian wildlife reputation and all that).
But honestly? It was one of the best weekends I’ve had since moving to Sydney.
We stayed at Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers, which is essentially a campground with little cabins, a shared kitchen and lounge, and outdoor showers and bathrooms. It was actually really lovely. The staff were incredibly helpful and pointed us toward the best local spots.
Best of all, it’s right next to One Mile Beach, so we woke up for sunrise one morning, and it was absolutely stunning. Book Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers here.
Here are some other popular camping options:
- Tomaree Headland Campground
- Tilligerry State Recreation Area
- Soldiers Point Caravan Park
- Various holiday parks around Nelson Bay and Anna Bay
Pro-tip: Book ahead, especially during school holidays and long weekends.
Airbnbs in Port Stephens
If you’re travelling in a bigger group, an Airbnb is probably your best bet. There are plenty of options around Port Stephens and Nelson Bay, and having a full kitchen and extra space makes a big difference for a longer weekend.
Boutique Hotels in Port Stephens
For something more upscale, these two boutique hotels are worth checking out:
Bannisters Port Stephens: A gorgeous, design-forward boutique hotel right on the waterfront. One of the nicest stays in the area, with a great restaurant as well. Book here.
The Anchorage Hotel & Spa: Set on Corlette Point with stunning water views, a full-day spa, and a beautiful restaurant. Perfect for a more indulgent, relaxed weekend. Book here.
The Best Things to Do in Port Stephens
1. Go Dolphin Watching
I don’t know about you, but there is nothing better than spotting dolphins in the wild. This is an absolute must, and one of the most magical things to do in Port Stephens.
There are around 100 bottlenose dolphins that live permanently in the bay, making it one of the best places in Australia to see them up close. Most cruises depart from D’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay.
Pre-book your spot, especially on weekends. These tours fill up fast. Click here to book!
Book a dolphin watching cruise in Port Stephens here. 🐬
2. Sandboarding at Stockton Dunes
Did you know the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes are the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere?
I had no idea until our driver mentioned it, and it completely blew my mind. The landscape here is unlike anything else: massive dunes meeting the ocean, where you can sandboard and then take a dip in the sea right after. It’s so cool.
I’d recommend booking with Sand Dune Safaris. Your ticket gives you access for as long as you want, and shuttle buses run every 15 minutes so you can come and go.
Book a sandboarding tour in Port Stephens here.
A few tips:
- Go early, it gets very hot, even at 9 am
- Bring lots of water and electrolytes
- Wear SPF (seriously)
- Bring your camera, the photos are incredible
We had the BEST time here. It was quite an exhausting activity, but so worth it. We went for a dip in the sea right after, and it was very much needed. I couldn’t recommend this activity more; it was a blast!
3. Whale Watching (Seasonal)
If you’re visiting between May and November, you’re in luck!
Humpback whales pass through on their annual east coast migration, and Port Stephens is one of the best spots on the coast to see them. Whale watching cruises depart from mid-May. Check out whale watching tours in Port Stephens here!
You can also spot whales from the headland at Birubi Point, so you don’t even need to be on a boat to spot these beautiful animals.
Click here to book a whale watching cruise in Port Stephens. 🐋
4. Visit the Koala Sanctuary & Tomaree National Park
Wildlife lovers, this one’s for you.
The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is a great place to learn about Australian native wildlife and conservation efforts. It’s set within Tomaree National Park, which covers over 2,000 hectares of coastal bushland between Tomaree Head and Anna Bay, home to koalas, owls, and lots more.
5. Relax on One of Port Stephens’ Many Beaches
There are over 20 beaches in the region, so you’ll have no shortage of options. Here are a few of my favorites:
Shoal Bay Beach: Crystal clear water, calm waters, and absolutely gorgeous. I could have stayed here all day. We brought snacks, towels, and just relaxed here for hours.
One Mile Beach: A popular swimming spot right next to Melaleuca Backpackers, and a stunning place to watch the sunrise.
Fingal Bay: Famous for its sandspit that appears or disappears depending on the tide, with a scenic walk out to a lighthouse.
Zenith Beach: A more secluded option, perfect for a quiet afternoon swim.
6. Go Snorkelling or Diving
For adventure seekers, there are plenty of snorkelling and diving tours to book in Port Stephens. The marine life here is incredible; you’ll spot all sorts of sea creatures below the surface.
If you have your own mask, some areas are great for independent snorkelling too.
This is a snorkeling tour out of Nelson Bay. You’ll board a catamaran and sail around to snorkel spots and spot dolphins along the way. Book here. ⛵️
7. Browse Boutiques and Grab Lunch in Shoal Bay Village
Shoal Bay Village is genuinely the cutest little area.
Start with a coffee from Two Bob’s Bakery, then browse the boutiques. I loved Lu&Co Boutique, such great finds. If you want a proper Aussie snack, grab a pie from Red Neds.
For a long lunch, dinner, or even a night out, head to Shoal Bay Country Club. My friends and I went for dinner one evening and had espresso martinis and fish and chips, and it was amazing. It’s also basically the only late-night spot in town, so a great option if you’re looking for a bit of a night out.
8. Hike Tomaree Head Summit
This hike might be the most underrated thing to do in Port Stephens.
It’s a 2km round-trip trail, and while it does get a bit steep toward the top, it’s not a difficult hike at all. The views from the summit are honestly some of the most beautiful I’ve seen in all of New South Wales, very much worth it.
Once you climb back down, head for a swim at Zenith Beach or pop into town for a coffee and something to eat.
Port Stephens Weekend Itinerary
Here’s a rough plan covering Friday to Sunday, very similar to what I actually did. Feel free to mix things around based on your priorities.
Friday: Arrive & Settle In
- Arrive and set up camp (or check in)
- Optional: quick dip at One Mile Beach or dinner at Shoal Bay Country Club, depending on arrival time
Saturday: Dolphins, Hiking & Beach Time
- Sunrise at One Mile Beach
- Tomaree Head Summit walk
- Coffee and a browse around Shoal Bay Village
- Afternoon at your beach of choice
- Sunset dolphin watching cruise
- Dinner at your campsite or Shoal Bay Country Club
Sunday: Dunes & Relaxing
- Morning sandboarding at Stockton Dunes
- Optional beach time
- Lunch in Shoal Bay: Try the acai bowl from Nelson Bay Health Foods (one of the best I’ve ever had)
- Head back to Sydney
Top Tips for Your Port Stephens Trip
- Book early: Campsites and accommodation fill up fast, especially during school holidays and long weekends
- Hire a car: You need one — it’s the best way to explore the beaches and coastal villages properly
- Bring bug spray and SPF: Trust me on both of these
- Wear comfortable shoes for the Tomaree Head Summit walk
FAQs | Things to Do in Port Stephens
How far is Port Stephens from Sydney?
It’s about 2.5 hours by car, or roughly 209km. Factor in traffic depending on when you leave. On the way home, it took us closer to 3 hours. If you’re driving on a Friday afternoon, leaving before 2 pm or after 7 pm will help you avoid the worst of it.
Is Port Stephens worth visiting for a weekend?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most popular weekend escapes from Sydney for good reason; beaches, wildlife, adventure activities, and great food all in one spot. I loved how diverse everything was. It’s genuinely one of my favourite places on the entire east coast of Australia.
What is Port Stephens famous for?
Port Stephens is best known for the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, which are the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, and for being one of the best places in Australia to see wild bottlenose dolphins. The beaches are also a plus, with over 20 to choose from across the region.
Can you camp in Port Stephens?
Yes! We stayed at Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers and loved it. Other popular options include Tomaree Headland Campground, Tilligerry State Recreation Area, Soldiers Point Caravan Park, and various holiday parks around Nelson Bay and Anna Bay. Just make sure to book ahead, especially in peak season.
When is the best time to visit Port Stephens?
Summer (December–February) is ideal for beach weather and water activities. Visit between May and November if whale watching is on your list; humpbacks pass through on their annual migration, and it’s incredible to see in person.
What can you do in Port Stephens without a car?
You can reach Nelson Bay by bus from Newcastle and still enjoy dolphin cruises and beach activities from there. However, a car is strongly recommended if you want to explore the wider region. Ubers and taxis can be difficult to find outside of town, and costs add up quickly.
Final Thoughts | A Weekend in Port Stephens
And that’s a wrap on the best things to do in Port Stephens!
This place is truly amazing, and it absolutely deserves a spot on your East Coast Australia bucket list. It’s an easy trip from Sydney, there’s so much to do, and it genuinely never gets old.
If you have any questions about visiting Port Stephens, drop them in the comments below or send me a DM on Instagram. And check out my other Australia travel posts for more inspo!
Recommended Tours in Port Stephens
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