Discover Sensational Shoal Bay, Port Stephens
Shoal Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Port Stephens, known for its calm turquoise water, soft sand and spectacular views of Tomaree Head. Just minutes from Nelson Bay, this relaxed seaside village is a favourite for swimming, beach walks and sunset drinks along the waterfront.
As a Port Stephens local, I’ve spent countless mornings walking along Shoal Bay Beach and watching the changing colours of the bay beneath Tomaree Head. This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting — from the best beaches and walks to where to eat and where to stay.
If you’re planning a broader trip to the area, see our full Port Stephens Travel Guide for beaches, itineraries and local tips.
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Where Is Shoal Bay?
Shoal Bay is located in Port Stephens, about 200 km (2.5 hours) north of Sydney on the NSW coast, just beyond Newcastle. Shoal Bay, a short 5-min drive from Nelson Bay is the jewel of Port Stephens – absolutely breathtaking.
If you’re planning your journey north, see our detailed guide on how to get to Port Stephens from Sydney, including driving routes, travel times and optional stops along the way.
Port Stephens is a 30-minute drive from Newcastle Airport and with direct flights from Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth, it’s super easy to get here. But best of all, Newcastle Airport is going international with flights to Bali and Singapore. Make sure you book your taxi or Uber in advance or hire a car. You can also catch the 130 bus (Fingal Bay) to Shoal Bay. Go to Transport NSW for timetable information.
Shoal Bay Beach
Shoal Bay Beach is a stunning 2.5km curved stretch of white sand and deep turquoise water running from Tomaree Headland to Nelson Head Lighthouse Reserve with a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip overlooking the bay.
Beneath Tomaree Headland, the beach slopes gently into the water providing safe family friendly swimming. In the middle of the bay is the jetty, a popular fishing spot and an absolute magnet for teenagers in summer who love to jump off the jetty. The water is deep here, almost impossible to reach the bottom so this is for competent swimmers. Note that all parking in front of the shops to Tomaree Headland is all pay to park.
Further towards Nelson Head Lighthouse Reserve, the beach has a steep drop off into tranquil deep water. It’s fabulous for swimming but perhaps not so good for toddlers. This end has the benefit of free parking.
Looking to explore more of Port Stephens 26 beaches? Go to the Best Beaches in Port Stephens.
Between the jetty and Tomaree Headland there is a boat ramp and a quick 2-min journey by boat to open ocean. Read our guide to Port Stephens Boat Ramps for more details and for other boat ramps with FREE parking.
Tomaree Head Summit Walk
The walk is 2.2km return and generally takes 1 1/2 -2 hours. The track is steep but well constructed and has metal stairs and elevated metal walkways. It is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
There are strategically placed seats along the way. Take advantage of them.
The views from the top are incredible!
You can see all of Port Stephens waterway, up the coast to Yaccaba and Broughton Island, Cabbage Tree Island, Little and Big Islands.
Looking down the coast you will see Zenith Beach and Fingal Headland and Port Stephens Lighthouse. Sometimes you can see dolphins surfing the waves at Zenith Beach.
From May to November you can see humpback and southern right whales from Tomaree. Look for their spouts, tail slaps or if you are lucky, a breaching whale.
Things to do in Shoal Bay
Cycle to Fingal Bay
Shoal Bay Bike Hire is located at the traffic lights (don’t worry, it’s the only set of traffic lights for 30kms, you can’t miss it!). Hire a bike, tandem bike or a lazy E-bike and take the 3km cycle way through Tomaree National Park to Fingal Bay. It’s a relatively flat trail. Look out for rainbow lorikeets.
Follow the beach all the way to the far end and up the hill to Barry Park and Barry Point Lookout for views across to Fingal Island and Port Stephens Lighthouse. You may also like to visit the Sacred Cairn.
Return to the beach for a swim in the sheltered waters of Fingal Bay or take a walk along the beach before returning to Shoal Bay. Be aware that whilst crossing the Fingal Spit to the island may seem like a great idea, the spit gets covered with water at high tide and there is a very hazardous and dangerous rip. (I have personally rescued 3 people from this rip – something I never want to do again.) Aquamarine Adventures offers a 1/2 day Eco-walking tour of Fingal Island and Port Stephens Lighthouse. They take you there by boat so no need to cross the treacherous sand spit.
Visit the Lollybug
Right next door to Shoal Bay Bike Hire is the Lollybug! There is also a bigger Lollybug in the main street of Nelson Bay but this one also has an ice creamery.
It’s like being at the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory!
It is easy to spend an hour here exploring the kaleidoscope of colours and flavours of different American and British lollies, different flavoured drinks, chilli sauces with a hotness rating of 9/10, HOT Doritos with a warning label.
Sunrise at Zenith Beach
If you are into sunrises (personally I like my sleep) or looking for that insta photo, head to Zenith Beach for an unforgettable sunrise over Tomaree Headland.
Go Kayaking
Visit Shoal Bay SUP near the IGA, to hire a crystal clear kayak (you can see straight down into the water over which you are kayaking) and explore the clear waters of Shoal Bay. Alternatively, you may wish to have a go at Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Boarding. It’s harder than it looks. Bookings are recommended in high season.
Whale Watching (Seasonal)
One of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in Port Stephens happens during the annual humpback whale migration. Between May and October, thousands of whales travel along the NSW coastline, passing surprisingly close to the headlands and beaches around the bay. Visitors can spot them from coastal lookouts or join dedicated whale watching cruises departing from Nelson Bay.
To learn when to visit, where to watch from land and what to expect on a cruise, see our full guide to whale watching in Port Stephens.
Dolphin Watching
If it’s not whale watching season, a cruise around the harbour to meet some of the local 140 dolphins.
Embark on a 3 1/2 hr sailing adventure on Imagine, a 54ft sailing catarmaran. On this eco-tourism adventure, you will sail around Cabbage Tree and Fingal Islands where you can snorkel in protected cove. Your snorkel guide will introduce you to fish, sea urchins, soft corals and rays. Remember to keep an eye out dolphins at any time and for seals on Cabbage Tree Island. Back on board, you can relax in the dry bow net positioned close to the water or go for a ride in the boom net where you’ll get wet.
Cruise around the eastern harbour for 1-1/2 hours dolphin cruise with Moonshadow, on one of the biggest boats in the bay. Take in the sights of Tomaree and Yaccaba Headlands, Shoal Bay and the eastern harbour. Keep an eye out for our friendly dolphins.
If you are worried about getting seasick, follow our guide on How to Avoid Seasickness.
Lunch at the Inner Light Tea Rooms
The Inner Light Tea Rooms are located at the at the top of a steep driveway to the Marine Rescue Radio towers accessed from the Little Beach Boat Ramp carpark – just above Halifax Holiday Park.
The views here are fantastic and the food is fabulous. It’s the perfect spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Make sure you book as it is a local favourite and gets booked out on weekends.
Make sure you visit the Inner Lighthouse Museum and the souvenir shop with an eclectic assortment of souvenirs and gifts – all proceeds go to Marine Rescue.
Talk to the Pelicans
The pelicans love to hang out at the Little Beach boat ramp around the fish cleaning table. If they aren’t wandering around on the ground, they may be up on the light pole.
I love the Australian Pelican, they have so much personality and are, I think, the most beautiful pelican in the world. They love to pose for photos too!
Feed the Fish at Fly Point
Fly Point Aquatic Park has some of the best snorkeling and SCUBA diving in NSW and is rated the best shore dive in NSW. You can learn to SCUBA. take a guided your or hire snorkeling gear from Let’s Go Adventures or Feet First Dive.
It’s also an awesome spot to feed the fish.
When you get to Neilson Park parking bays, look to the right and you will see a path down to the water. Walk out into the water along the sandy path made by the SCUBA divers, to about knee deep. Now tear up your bread (you did remember the bread, didn’t you?) into small pieces. Drop some of the bread around you. It won’t take long – you will be surrounded by so many silver bream (fish) you won’t be able to count them! Feeling brave? Hold the bread in your fingers. The fish will eat right out of your hand.
I love snorkeling here. There are heaps of fish – bream, flathead, parrotfish, I’ve even seen a wobbegong. Last time I was here, I swam out near the red marker and the dolphins came within 5m of me! I could even here them talking under the water.
Where to Eat
Shoal Bay has lots of restaurants looking over the stunning crystal clear waters of the bay.
- Atmos – award winning Greek cuisine at the Shoal Bay Country Club
- Gianni’s – scrumptious Italian pastas and pizza
- Port Stephens Game Fishing Club
- Mod Thai
- Zenith Cafe, Restaurant and Bar
- Aussie Bob’s Fish and Chips
- The Shoal Bay Diner with it’s 1960’s decor, is like stepping onto the set of Happy Days. They even have a juke box. I recommend the loaded fries. Amazing!
If you are looking for seafood, check out the Best Seafood Restaurants in Port Stephens.
There is also an IGA within a 5 minute walk if you want to self cater breakfast. The IGA is open from 8am to 7pm.
Where to Stay
Salt at Shoal Bay
Oh my gosh! Everytime I drive past Salt at Shoal Bay, I always comment how gorgeous it is and with those windows overlooking the bay…..imagine waking up to that!
Salt at Shoal Bay is a luxurious beach house. Actually, there are 3 apartments with loads of space so perfect for spoiling yourself and family for weddings and special events. And they also provide a shuttle service to the airport.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham – Shoal Bay
Ramada Resort by Wyndham is centrally located above the restaurant strip overlooking stunning Shoal Bay. Don’t be disappointed – make sure you get a room with water views. The resort features
- an outdoor pool which is sheltered from the wind,
- an indoor heated 25m lap pool,
- 3 spas,
- gymnasium,
- restaurants and bars
Shoal Bay Holiday Park
Located opposite Shoal Bay, Shoal Bay Holiday Park is a 2 minute walk from restaurants and bars. The park features include:
- BBQ and picnic facilities,
- camp kitchen
- kids club during school holidays
- and is pet friendly
This park is very popular especially during the summer school holidays.
Why Shoal Bay is One of the Best Places in Port Stephens
As the sun dips below the horizon and the waves shimmer with golden light, it’s easy to see why Discover Sensational Shoal Bay, Port Stephens is more than a destination – it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the water, serenity on the sand, or a taste of coastal charm, Shoal Bay delivers it in unforgettable style. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and start planning your escape t this slice of paradise – your sensational Shoal Bay adventure is waiting.
