View from the Inner Light Tearooms towards Port Stephens Heads and Tomaree Headland

The Ultimate 7-Day Port Stephens Itinerary: Beaches, Wildlife and Coastal Adventure

Imagine waking up to turquoise waters, devouring the freshest seafood straight from the source, and spending your days climbing towering sand dunes or getting up close with some of Australia’s iconic wildlife. If that sounds like your ideal getaway, then a 7-day escape to Port Stephens is exactly what you are looking for.

This stunning coastal pocket of New South Wales blends relaxation with adventure in all the right ways – think dolphin-filled bays, postcard-perfect beaches, and heart-pumping quad biking over the Southern Hemisphere’s largest moving sand dunes. Add in friendly encounters, sunset lookouts, boutique seaside towns, and enough culinary delights to satisfy any foodie, and you’ve got the ultimate recipe for an unforgettable holiday.

In this 7-day Port Stephens itinerary, you’ll discover the best places to eat, explore, unwind, and play – so you can make every moment of your trip count.

Where is Port Stephens?

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.

How to get to Port Stephens

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.

Stop press! From March 29, 2026 you will be able to fly direct into Newcastle Airport from Singapore via Denpasar (Bali) with Jetstar.

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.

When to visit

Anytime is a great time to visit Port Stephens.

Summer December to February is 18-28°C and perfect for water activities and enjoying the beaches. Water temperature is on average 22°C. Port Stephens is particularly busy due to the Christmas school holidays (Christmas until end of January). Booking accommodation well in advance is advised. Parking at beaches can be difficult particularly at Birubi and One Mile Beaches.

Autumn (March – May) sunny days are followed by cooler nights – making it ideal for outdoor activities such as fishing, sailing and dune adventures. Autumn temperatures fall between 12-24°C

Winter (June – August) It’s whale watching season! It is generally sunny with comfortable but cooler temperatures of 9-18°C. 

Spring (September – November) offers sunny days followed by mild warmer evenings. September is the perfect time to enjoy cycling, walking and the National Parks with temperatures between 13-25°C.

 CLICK HERE to check of the weather temperatures, rainfall, winds and tides

Where to stay in Port Stephens

Ramada Resort by Wyndham – Shoal Bay

Port Stephens Hotel by Ramada Resort Shoal Bay

Ramada Resort by Wyndham is centrally located above the restaurant strip overlooking stunning Shoal Bay. The resort features

  • an outdoor pool which is sheltered from the wind,
  • an indoor heated 25m lap pool,
  • 3 spas,
  • gymnasium,
  • restaurants and bars

Oaks Pacific Blue Resort, Salamander Bay

Oaks Pacific Blue Resort, Salamander Bay is set amidst lush tropical gardens and boasts Australia’s largest swimming pool! Perfect for the kids. There is a range of room types, including studios and one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Perfect for the family.

Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach

Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach has a beachfront location and access to the beautiful 1.6km One Mile Beach and Surf School. There is an array of accommodation options, from luxury villas to cabins for every budget and of course, caravanning and camping sites.

Shoal Bay Holiday Park

Shoal Bay Holiday Park | Port Stephens Accommodation | Beachside Holiday Parks

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

Day 1 – Explore Shoal Bay

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.

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.

View of Shoal Bay and the Eastern Harbour of Port Stephens on a bright sunny day. A great walk in Port Stephens with kids.

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.

View from Tomaree Headland towards Zenith Beach and notorious Fingal Spit.

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.

Men fishing off the Shoal Bay jetty looking towards Tomaree headland

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.

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 – An adrenaline adventure

Do this on a weekday when the fighter jets are flying at Newcastle Airport.

Spot Eric the Emu

On your way to your Quad Bike adventure, keep your eyes out for local celebrity, Eric the Emu. He hangs on in the fields on the left-hand side of Nelson Bay Road, just after the big roundabout at Paul’s corner, Salt Ash where the road goes from 2 lanes into one.

Quad Bike on Stockton Sand Dunes

Are you ready to Quad Bike on the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere? It’s a great day out with friends or family.

Quad Bike King offers 2 experiences for every level of rider. Start off easy on the Scenic Safari Tour, taking it slow and enjoying the scenic views or let it rip on their Safari tour travelling along Stockton Beach up to 40km/hr.

The tours start with a safety briefing and a little bit of practice to get the hang of things, you’ll be sorted into groups based on your confidence. Under 18s are limited to 20km/hr.

Riding down the Stockton Sand Dunes on a quad bike with Quad Bike King, Port Stephens
Couple enjoying a quad bike tour on the Stockton Sand Dunes with Quad Bike King. Credit: Destination NSW

Explore Fighter World

Fighter World is located at the end of the runway of Newcastle Airport and the Williamtown Airbase. There are more than 15 aircraft and replicas on display in two hangars, visitors can get up close, I mean you can sit in the cockpit of some of Australia’s most iconic fighter and training aircraft.

Fighter World Port Stephens

Got a budding Top Gun pilot (or maybe you want to be one yourself)? Why not try the ultimate Flight Simulator experience.

There are two packages available:

  • our fixed base simulator is suitable for ages 7+, starting from just $20 for 15 minutes, or
  • for the ultimate ride, try our motion simulator with a complete F/A-18 Hornet cockpit. This package is suitable for those aged 12+, starting from $35 for 15 minutes.

Bookings are essential.

There is also an observation deck where you can see the entire runway and a cafe.

Several times I have been driving past the end of the runway and pulled off to the side of the road (and everyone behind me seemed to follow) to witness some breath taking aerial performances. My favourite, as I found out later, was when one of the top fighter pilots was retiring and they gave him a full tank of fuel! Well, he went ballistic, full vertical climbs, roll overs, loops – you name it, he did it and we got a free airshow for ½ hour. Another time, just after the Pacific Airshow, the Americans came to visit. I’m sure they almost took the roof of Maccas off they were flying so low. So if you hear a roar, look to the skies and find the fighter jets training (they won’t be where the noise is coming from).

Pro tip – RAAF flight training occurs between 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4pm Friday. That does not mean the planes are flying all the time. RAAF planes are generally more active between 2pm – 4pm (take it from a local who listens to them fly everyday).

Drive on Stockton Beach

Whether you are car-less, have a 4WD that has never left the bitumen or are a 4WDing pro – there are options. Choose your own adventure.

Jump on board a 4WD adventure tour to Tin City

The Tin City Discovery offers the perfect snapshot of this amazing landscape. Explore the 2,500 hectares of sand dunes that make up Stockton Bight, on a fully guided tour in a purpose built 4WD vehicle.

Visit “Tin City”, a cluster of fishing shacks made out of corrugated iron located right in the middle of the surrounding sand dunes. Learn about the history of the dunes and the flora and fauna living in this unique landscape. Feel the wind in your hair and the adrenalin in your chest when you slide down the 30-40 metre high sand dunes.

Join a 4WD tag along tour on Stockton Beach

Got your own 4WD but it’s rarely left the bitumen? Join a 4WD tag along tour through the sand dunes and along the beach. Guided by experienced 4WD instructors, the tag along tour includes FREE sand driving Tips and Techniques all you need to keep you out of trouble in sand. Feel empowered with the knowledge that you gain with this unique experience.

Self Drive on Stockton Beach

So you think you are an 4WD expert and are just itching to cruise the sand? Here is all the information you need to know.

Firstly, you will need a beach permit. These cost $33 for a 3-day pass or $88 for an annual pass and can be purchased from Lavis Lane Metro (opposite Maccas), Salt Ash BP or Anna Bay BP.

Stockton Beach can be accessed from Lavis Lane at Williamtown or Birubi Beach 4WD access track. Remember to let your tyre pressure down. Whilst on the beach, you can check out the Sygna shipwreck or Tin City. Or just park up to your own stretch of beach for a picnic, surfing or fishing.

When you come off the beach, you can pump up your tyres at Anna Bay BP (compressed air is available around the back of the servo) or Lavis Lane Metro. To wash your car down, there is a carwash at Lavis Lane Metro or Anna Bay Car Wash at the Anna Bay Ampol on Nelson Bay Road. Anna Bay Car wash also has a dog wash.

And just in case you get stuck, give these guys a call

  • Toddy’s Stockton Beach Recovery Service on 0422 651 198 or
  • GR8white Towing on 0432 567 542.
Driving on Stockton Beach, Port Stephens with storm approaching

Day 3 – Sand Dunes

Don’t plan this for Wednesday. The camels don’t work on hump day.

Unlimited Sandboarding

It’s time to go sandboarding! 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!

Oh, just a heads up, you will get sand everywhere, places where sand shouldn’t be and you will need a shower afterwards. Showers are available at Birubi Surf Club.

A couple sandboarding down a huge sand dune on Stockton Sand Dunes
Couple enjoying a sandboarding experience at Stockton Sand Dunes located in the Worimi Conservation Lands. Credit : Destination NSW

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.

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.

A family are riding camels along the beach in the surf at Birubi Beach, Port Stephens
A camel ride at Birubi Beach, Port Stephens with Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides. Credit: Destination NSW

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.

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 4 -Take a Cruise

Whale watching

Remember how I mentioned that Port Stephens is in the middle of the humpback highway? It’s 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.

Humpback whale breaching

Port Stephens: 2.5 hour Whale Watching and Outer Island Cruise

Whale Watching – Nelson Bay, New South Wales | Moonshadow – TQC Cruises

Cruise on 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.

Dolphin Watching

If it’s not whale watching season, a cruise around the harbour to meet some of the local 140 dolphins.

Snorkelling Dolphin Cruise Nelson Bay Port Stephens

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.

Dolphin Cruises – Nelson Bay, New South Wales | Moonshadow – TQC Cruises

Cruise around the eastern harbour for 1 1/2 hours 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.

Tips to avoid sea sickness.

  • Look out to the horizon and look for whales and dolphins. This will help you brain, eyes and ears to figure out which way is up.
  • Eat a good breakfast – not too fatty
  • Stay hydrated – nothing worse than heading out to sea with a hangover!
  • Take seasickness tablets before you leave. They take 15 minutes to start working. There are 2 types of Travacalm available from the chemist. (They are not sold in supermarkets. Grrrrr.) The original blue one, I find works best. There is also a ginger based one, but this doesn’t work so good in my opinion. The cruise operators should also have sea sickness tablets available on board.
  • Stand outside with the breeze in your face. Front of the boat is the best spot anyway for spotting wildlife.

Lunch at Bub’s Famous Fish and Chips

Stop in at Bub’s Famous Fish and Chips at the marina 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!

Inside the Lollybug in Port Stephens with American and British Lollies of every imaginable colour

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.

Inside Zone Out Arcade is a great place to go in Port Stephens when it rains with kids

Afterwards, treat yourself to an ice cream from the Ice Creamery opposite.

Day 5 – Get Active

OMG! So much amazing food. Today is the day to burn it all off with some really fun activities for everyone – not just the kids.

Learn to Surf at One Mile Beach

One Mile Beach has a nice gentle break for beginner surfers and a section closer to the headland for more advanced surfers. If you think surfing looks like fun, it is. It’s not just for the kids. Why not give it a go with Port Stephens Surf School. These guys are excellent and will get you surfing the waves on your first lesson.

Ride the Toboggan

Toboggan Hill Park has a toboggan run that goes from the very top of the hill, through the trees all the way to the bottom with lots of twists and turns. It’s better than the toboggan run at the Big Banana, Coffs Harbour.

Not only do they have the toboggan, there is

  • a giant maze,
  • putt putt golf,
  • indoor rock climbing
  • roller skating
  • a train to get to the maze and toboggan
  • and a pavillion with arcade style games

Pat a Stingray at Irukandji

Get up and personal with sharks and rays and other marine creatures at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters. Why not have a Little Ray Cuddle where the rays come and sit on your lap! It’s totally safe as their barbs have been removed. Or maybe be more adventurous and snorkel with a Zebra Shark (+6 years). You’ll be talking about it for years!

Family enjoying a stingray feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Port Stephens
Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. Destination NSW

Eat at Salamander Hotel

I’m sure the kids are going to say they want Macca’s for dinner, after all it’s just down the road but so is the Salamander Hotel which has the best burgers in town. They are huge! Try our family favourite, the Juicy Lucy. They also have a kid’s playground that is better than the one at Macca’s.

Day 6 – Go West

Today is all about exploring the best kept secret in Port Stephens – Tilligerry Peninsular. Start the day with the animals at Oakvale Farm, then head down Lemon Tree Passage Road for a relaxing day exploring Tilligerry Habitat, wandering (or driving) the historic streets of Tanilba Bay on the heritage trail and delight your taste buds with sensational seafood at the award winning Poyers restaurant followed by cocktails at the Distillery and a brilliant sunset at Sunset Point.

Oakvale Farm

Oakvale Wildlife Park is an Australian owned and operated since 1979 by the Sansom family. The park has a menagerie of native, domestic and exotic animals including koalas, kangaroos, Tasmania devils, goats, sheep, rabbits, alligators, ostriches and many many more. You will need at least 2 hours to explore the park but many families make a day of it.

3 Australian Eastern Grey Kangaroos in a group.

Tilligerry Habitat

Dedicated and knowledgable volunteers run the Tilligerry Habitat is located on the beautiful foreshore of Tanilba Bay. It is free and fully wheel chair accessible. Your furry friends are also welcome on a lead. At low tide, dogs are permitted to run off leash on the sand flats.

Tilligerry Habitat Boardwalk on the shores of Tanilba Bay

The 2km loop along the boardwalk and gravel paths meanders through scenic paperbark and swampy oak forest, scrub, wetland and coastal environments will take approximately 30 mins. But, if you sit quietly and enjoy the view, listen to the birds and the breeze rustling the leaves you will see so much more. The boardwalk skims the waters edge so there are lots of places to swim in the shallow water. At low tide your furry friends can run off lead on the sand.

Look up – you might just spot a koala.

Pro tip – avoid arriving between 2.30pm to 3.30pm as it is school pick up time and absolutely no parking.

Tanilba Bay Heritage Trail

Tanilba Bay is full of history including one of Australia’s oldest homesteads – Tanilba House. The 7km heritage trail starts at the Water Gate and can be explored on foot or by car, bike or scooter. The trail has 32 interactive sites with information boards on street signs and links to informative YouTube videos. The street names have a World War I influence with street names of Diggers Drive, Army Avenue and Navy Nook etc.

Historic Tanilba Bay Water Gate with norfolk pines lining the road behind with clear blue sky

Eat at the Poyers

Enjoy a decadent dinner at the Poyer’s restaurant. The Poyer’s has the prime spot at Lemon Tree Passage sitting over the water. Awarded Best Seafood Restaurant in NSW 2024 by Sydney Fish Market, winning chef and owner, Ludovic Poyer will make your mouth water with his gorgeous seafood and decadent desserts.

The Poyers Restaurant overhanging the water at Lemon Tree Passage Marina, Port Stephens best kept secret - Tilligerry Penisular

Visit the Distillery

Tucked away at the Lemon Tree Passage Marina behind John Dory’s on the water side is the Lemon Tree Passage Distillery. When visiting this gin distillery, make sure you have a Plan B. The gin cocktails are amazing and are available in take away cups so you can enjoy your drink in the park.

Have a Sunset Picnic

Have a sunset picnic at Sunset Park in Tanilba Bay. Enjoy the 180 degree views looking over western Port Stephens towards Oyster bay, Karuah and Snapper Island as the sun drops across the water. The park is a great fishing spot for flathead. Just make sure you take the Bushman’s!

Sunset overlooking the water through mangroves with orange sky at Sunset point , Port Stephens

Read more about Port Stephens Best Kept Secret – Tilligerry Peninsular

Day 7 – Fly Point and Little Beach

This is a great chill out day.

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 tour or hire snorkeling gear from Let’s Go Adventures or Feet First Dive.

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.

Fly Point Aquatic Park is located at Neil Carroll Park. When you get to the park and 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.

Remember to look up. I have seen a koala in the trees at the top of the access path!

Lunch at the Inner Light Tearooms

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.

View from Inner Light Tea Rooms overlooking Shoal Bay, Port Stephens and Tomaree Headland on clear sunny day

Explore the Nelson Head Lighthouse Museum

Nelson Head Lighthouse was established in 1872 with the first light shone through the octagonal lantern room in 1876. Whilst the lighthouse is no longer active, it still provides a vital role keeping mariners safe as the home to Port Stephens Marine Rescue.

For a small gold coin donation, you can walk through the original lightroom and lightkeeper’s cottage, learn about the history of the lighthouse through a collection of antiques and nautical memorabilia.

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!

Five Australian Pelicans on the boat ramp with sea gulls.

Swim at Little Beach

Little Beach Reserve is one of my favourite places. So beautiful that we chose to get married right on its golden sands!

A large grassy picnic area leading down to the sandy beach and calm water. There is a netted swimming area with disabled access directly into the water. There are toilets, showers, picnic facilities and a playground and is a great spot for families.

Little Beach Reserve, Port Stephens showing disabled access to netted swimming area, grassy parkland and sandy beach. In the distance the boat ramp and jetty can be seen.

Dine at the Little Beach Boathouse

If you are looking to spoil someone, then Little Beach Boathouse is the place to go. Overlooking Little Beach Reserve and Port Stephens, sit back and watch the sky change from brilliant blue to soft pastels as the sun says good night whilst enjoying a meal of modern Australian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and local produce. Explore Hunter Valley Wines or Australian craft beers including a selection from Port Stephens’ very own Murray Brewery beers.

Your Perfect Week in Port Stephens Awaits

With its sparkling bays, endless sand dunes, incredible wildlife encounters, and world-class seafood, Port Stephens is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve packed your bags. Whether you spent your week chasing adventures, relaxing on golden beaches, or tasting your way through the local seafood scene, there’s always something more to discover here. And if you didn’t manage to fit everything into your 7-day itinerary-don’t worry. Port Stephens rewards return visitors. There’s always a good reason to come back again.

If you found this itinerary helpful, please share it with your friends and family who might be planning their own coastal escape. It’s the perfect way to inspire someone’s next unforgettable getaway!

Need a hand with your budget, here are 20 Free Things to do in Port Stephens to keep you entertained.

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