3 Days in Port Stephens: The Ultimate Long Weekend Itinerary
Imagine golden sand dunes rolling into turquoise waters, dolphins playing in the bay, and sunsets that paint the sky in soft pastels — welcome to Port Stephens, one of NSW’s favourite coastal escapes.
Just a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, Port Stephens is an easy destination for a long weekend, with the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, wildlife and relaxed coastal dining.
Whether you’re chasing thrills on the Stockton Sand Dunes, hiking to spectacular coastal lookouts, cruising the bay in search of dolphins or enjoying fresh seafood by the marina, you can fit a lot into three days here.
In this 3-day Port Stephens itinerary, I’ll show you how to make the most of a long weekend, including where to go, what to do, where to eat and how to fit some of the region’s must-see experiences into three days. As someone who lives here, I’ll also share some of my local favourites along the way.
If you’re still in the early stages of planning your trip, my Port Stephens Ultimate Travel Guide covers everything you need to know, including where to stay, the best beaches, when to visit and the top experiences across the region.
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Day 1 – Explore Shoal Bay
Today is all about experiencing one of the most beautiful corners of Port Stephens — Shoal Bay and Tomaree National Park.
Shoal Bay is a gorgeous coastal town overlooking the most stunning turquoise bay and sandy white beaches. There are so many things to experience in Shoal Bay, this one-day itinerary is just a teaser. Check out our local guide Discover Shoal Bay for more in-depth information on the area.
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.
Breakfast at Mermaids
Enjoy breakfast and coffee at Mermaids, overlooking stunning Shoal Bay. Make sure to fuel your body as numerous adventures await.
Climb Tomaree Headland
Hope you have your walking shoes on, water and your camera because we are headed up Tomaree Headland – everyone’s bucket list experience when visiting Port Stephens.
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. As an alternative, head to Gan Gan Lookout which is fully accessible. The views are equally incredible with one lookout looking over the Stockton Sand Dunes and the other overlooking Port Stephens.
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.
Look 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.
Port Stephens is located in the middle of the humpback highway. 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.
On the way down, take a right at the bottom of the last set of metal stairs. This track will take you to the historic World War II gun emplacements.
Swim at Shoal Bay
Once you get to the bottom, it’s time for a swim. The north end of Shoal Bay is perfect for small children and non-swimmers as the beach gently drops away into the crystal clear waters. If you have snorkelling gear, swim along the rock wall. If you have bigger kids, join the locals to jump off the jetty. The water is deep here, almost impossible to reach the bottom so this is for competent swimmers.
Grab a bite to eat at the Diner
For lunch head to The Diner, located behind the main shops opposite the caravan park. The Diner is straight out of the ’60s. It’s like stepping onto the set of Happy Days. They even have a juke box. I recommend the loaded fries. Amazing!
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.
Eat at the Game Fishing Club
After all that exercise, you will be starving. I recommend dinner at the Port Stephens Game Fishing Club. These guys know how to cook fish and the servings are huge. The calamari is huge – I mean it is a tower of calamari.
If you are seeking sensational seafood and wish to treat a loved one, here is your guide to the Best Seafood Restaurants in Port Stephens.
Watch the Sunset
Wander down to the beach to watch the sun sink over the hills, turning the sky from vibrant blue to burning orange, then pink through to purples. Watch as the stars start to twinkle in the sky.
Day 2 – Discover the Coast and Stockton Sand Dunes
Don’t plan this for Wednesday. The camels don’t work on hump day.
Start with Boat Harbour
Start your second day with a visit to Boat Harbour Whale Watching Lookout. If you’re visiting during whale watching season, keep your eyes on the ocean for humpback whales making their way along the coast — although don’t worry if you don’t spot one, you’ll have a much better chance of getting up close on tomorrow’s whale watching cruise.
If the weather is calm and the conditions are safe, you can also clamber down to the rock platform to discover the Champagne Pools, a beautiful natural swimming spot tucked into the coastline. The pool is really deep so check you know how you’re getting out before jumping in.
Lunch at Crest, Birubi
Enjoy a meal at Crest Birubi Beach, with excellent bistro meals and share plates in an open air terrace and beach views. It’s open from 8am – 3pm daily. It’s very popular and bookings are recommended on weekends and school holidays. If it is booked out, you can also get a bite to eat at the Surf Club Cafe.
Unlimited Sandboarding
After lunch, it’s time to go sandboarding. I’ve put this in the afternoon for you as you will get sand everywhere, places where sand shouldn’t be and you will need a shower afterwards. Meet the Sandboarding Safari guys at Birubi Beach. They will drive you out to the sand dunes where you have UNLIMITED sandboarding. That is, as long as you can keep climbing the sand dunes. Talk about value for money!
Ride a Camel
You don’t need to go to Broome to ride camels on the beach. You can do it right here in Port Stephens!
Experience the thrill of the ships of the desert on an adventure daytime or sunset camel ride over the vast sand dunes of Port Stephens. Oakfield Ranch operates camel rides every day except for hump day (that’s Wednesday). Sunset Camel Rides (1 hour) must be pre-booked otherwise just wander down to Birubi Beach between 10am and 3.30pm for a 20 minute ride.
Of course, there’s heaps of exciting ways to explore Stockton Sand Dunes. Here is your complete guide to Discover Stockton Sand Dunes.
Swim at Birubi Beach
Complete your afternoon with a swim at Birubi Beach. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards from September to April. Remember always swim between the flags.
How to Identify Rips at Australian Beaches
Maybe you’d like to explore some other beaches. Here is your Guide to Port Stephens Beautiful Beaches.
Watch the sunset over the dunes
Before heading off for dinner, take a few minutes to watch the sun set over the Stockton Sand Dunes. The shifting dunes make a spectacular backdrop as the light changes, and it’s one of my favourite ways to finish a day at Birubi.
In summer, sunset is later, so you may prefer to have dinner first and come back to the dunes afterwards. Either way, try not to miss it — the dunes look completely different in the evening light.
Eat at Anna Bay Tavern
I guarantee you have worked up an appetite. Head for Anna Bay Tavern which has a huge, shaded beer garden with children’s play area and big screen TV. The pub style food is fantastic, and the vibe chilled out and relaxed.
Day 3 -Cruise the Bay and Explore Nelson Bay
After two action-packed days, Day 3 slows things down with a cruise on the bay, fresh seafood and an afternoon exploring Nelson Bay.
For everything you need to know about Nelson Bay, including what to do, where to eat, where to stay and local tips can be found in my in-depth Nelson Bay Local Guide.
Whale watching season (May – November)
If you’re visiting between May and November, so are the whales. Join a whale watching cruise and head offshore in search of humpback whales as they make their annual migration along the NSW coast. You’ll probably see dolphins too.
There are 3 whale watching cruise operators which depart from D’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay. Cruises are generally 2-3 hours in duration.
Go to Wonderful Whale Watching in Port Stephens for everything you need to know, including cruise details, what to pack, avoiding seasickness and where to see them for free.
Outside Whale Season – Go Dolphin Watching
If it’s not whale watching season, join a cruise around the harbour to meet some of the local 140 dolphins.
Learn more about our local dolphins, their unique behaviours, how to book a dolphin cruise, how to swim with dolphins (yes, you can swim with wild dolphins in Port Stephens) and even where you might see them for free with our in-depth guide to Where to See Dolphins in Port Stephens.
Want to see more dolphins, check out my guide on Where to see Dolphins in the Wild in Australia.
Lunch at Bub’s Famous Fish and Chips
Stop in at Bub’s Famous Fish and Chips for a bite to eat. Sit in the alfresco dining area overlooking the marina whilst you indulge in a seafood platter.
Explore Nelson Bay Township with a Scavenger Hunt
Drop into the Visitors Centre and pick up a copy of the Nelson Bay Scavenger Hunt. Explore the marina and main street of Nelson Bay, learning about the local indigenous people, the role of Nelson Bay during the war at the War Memorial, get some cool selfies at local art murals, check out the game fishing weigh station and play on the park. At the end of the hunt, return to the Visitor’s Centre to receive your certificate. Great for smaller children.
Visit the Lollybug
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.
Visit the Fish Co-op
Right next to Bub’s, is the local fish co-op. Just the place to purchase fresh local seafood such as prawns, lobsters and oysters for a seafood dinner picnic on the foreshore.
Eat Oysters or Prawns
There is nothing better than having a relaxing picnic of oysters or prawns overlooking the water, watching the boats come into the marina. If you are lucky, a seal, dolphins or even a pair of little penguins may come for a visit.
Zone Out Arcade and Ice Cream
Still got energy to burn – take the kids to D’Albora Marina to Zone Out Arcade.
Your Perfect Port Stephens Long Weekend
Three days in Port Stephens gives you a great taste of what makes this part of the NSW coast so special — from climbing Tomaree Head and exploring Shoal Bay to riding camels across the Stockton Sand Dunes, watching the sunset over Birubi and heading out on the water in search of whales or dolphins.
Of course, you could easily spend much longer here. In fact, if you have a full week, I wouldn’t simply stretch these three days out. There are plenty more beaches, wildlife experiences, adventures and quieter corners of the region worth discovering.
Staying Longer?
If you’re lucky enough to have a week in Port Stephens, head over to my 7-Day Port Stephens Itinerary. It takes you beyond the essential highlights in this guide, with extra adventures at Stockton, surf lessons, wildlife encounters, the Tilligerry Peninsula, Fly Point, Little Beach and plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the coast.
But if three days is all you’ve got, this itinerary will give you a brilliant introduction to Port Stephens — and hopefully leave you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
If this itinerary helped you plan your trip, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share this post with your travel buddies, save it for your next NSW getaway, and let others discover why Port Stephens deserves the top spot on their Australian travel list.
