A Wonderful Winter Weekend in Port Stephens
Looking for a winter escape? A wonderful winter weekend in Port Stephens could be just what you are looking for. Port Stephens is not all about its beaches. It is home to some of the best whale watching on the east coast, fabulous fishing, sensational seafood and the largest moving sand dune in the southern hemisphere. No wonder it was voted Australia’s Best Town for 2025.
Hi, I’m Karen and have been living in Port Stephens for over 12 years. Here are some of my favourite things to do and wish you are wonderful winter weekend in Port Stephens. See you soon.
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Getting Here
Port Stephens is located 2 ½ hour drive north of Sydney or 1 hour drive from Newcastle and a 30 minute drive from Newcastle Airport.
Flying
Newcastle Airport has direct flights from Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Gold Coast and Melbourne and Perth. If you fly, make sure you book your taxi, Uber or airport transfer in advance.
Driving from Sydney
When driving from Sydney, head up the M1 to Newcastle and then follow the signs to Port Stephens. Keep an eye out for the dinosaur at Somersby on the motorway.
Driving from Coffs Harbour
When driving south from Coffs Harbour, follow the M1 south and turn left at Medowie Road, just after the truck weigh station. Follow Medowie Road until you reach Richardson Road where you turn left. If you come through in the late afternoon, you can see kangaroos at the Alexander Park Dressage Club just before you reach the BP. Turn left at the BP and follow Nelson Bay Road until you reach your destination.
Public Transport
Public transport is limited but it is possible to catch a train to Hamilton Station in Newcastle. From there, jump on the 130 bus (Fingal Bay). Trip Planner | transportnsw.info for timetable information.
Where to Stay
There are many accommodation options in Port Stephens. Here are some options for different budgets.
Luxurious – Anchorage Port Stephens
Mid range – Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites
Budget – Halifax Holiday Park
Things to Do
Whale watching
Port Stephens is in the middle of the humpback highway. Winter is the perfect time to go for a cruise to see the gentle giants (May to November). Humpback whales are the most playful whale species. Look out for spouts, spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and if you are lucky, breath-taking breaches where the 40 tonne mammals launch themselves skyward in a display of pure power and joy.
Cruise on a whale and dolphin watching adventure on Imagine, a 30m catamaran through the stunning scenery of Port Stephens and the outer islands. Along with whales, you also have the chance to see huge pods (100 to a pod) of oceanic dolphins, offshore sea birds and other species of whales including pilot, minke and brydes.
Look up above Cabbage Tree Island to see awesome white bellied sea eagles souring in the breeze. They are easily identified by their wings forming a U shape. With a wing-span of 2.2m and standing height of 90cm, these are impressive creatures are the second biggest bird of prey in Australia behind the wedge tailed eagle.
Worried about getting seasick? Here’s How to Avoid Seasickness – 10 Tips that Actually Work.
Land based whale watching
There are lots of great land based vantage points for whale watching. These are my favourites.
- Tomaree Headland
- Boat Harbour Whale Watch Lookout
- Barry Park Lookout, Fingal Bay
Explore Stockton Sand Dunes on Quad Bikes
The Quad Bike King operate Quad Bike Safari and Scenic Tours of the Stockton Sand Dunes. This 1 hour and 45minute experience includes safety induction and equipment, transport to and from the sand dunes by 4WD from the meeting point and 60 minutes where you and your quad will rule the dunes. You can go as fast or as slow as you like but either way, you will have an absolute blast.
Ride a Camel on Stockton Beach
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.
For more things to do on Stockton Sand Dunes, read our guide for Stockton Sand Dunes.
Climb Tomaree Headland
Tomaree Headland – everyone’s bucket list experience when visiting Port Stephens. You will need good walking shoes, water and your camera. It’s an excellent walk in winter and you don’t need to get up that early if you want to watch the sunrise from the top.
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. It’s also a great place to spot whales from dry land.
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.
Visit the Lolly Bug
Who said lolly shops are only for kids?
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.
Now you are probably thinking you need to get back on the road to the big smoke. Well trust me, the traffic on the M1 driving into Sydney on a Sunday afternoon is horrendous. It’s so much better to stay a little longer, have an early dinner then drive home. Less traffic and a whole heap less stress.
Where to Eat
Seafood Restaurants
A weekend in Port Stephens is not complete without a little seafood indulgence so why not spoil yourself at one of the Best Seafood Restaurants in Port Stephens.
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.
Your lunchtime view from the Inner Light Tea Rooms.
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.
Crest, Birubi Beach
Crest Birubi Beach is an awesome cafe overlooking Birubi Beach – a great place to recharge after a camel ride. It’s open for breakfast and lunch. If you happen to be here during the week, keep a look out for the fighter jets screaming along the beach.
Don’t rush home
Don’t be in a rush to get home. Trust me, the traffic on the M1 driving into Sydney on a Sunday afternoon is horrendous. It’s so much better to stay a little longer, have an early dinner then drive home. Less traffic and a whole heap less stress.
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