A Wonderful Winter Weekend in Port Stephens
Looking for a winter escape that combines fresh sea air, spectacular scenery, great food and plenty of things to do? A winter weekend in Port Stephens is one of my favourite ways to experience the region.
Port Stephens is often thought of as a summer beach destination, but there is a lot more to see and do once the weather cools down. Winter is whale-watching season, the cooler weather makes walking much more enjoyable, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spectacular coastline, wildlife, food and scenery without the summer crowds.
You can head out on the water to see humpback whales, climb Tomaree Headland, explore the spectacular Stockton Sand Dunes, get up close to koalas and enjoy some fabulous local food. And because the sun sets early in winter, you can even fit in a spectacular sunset before dinner.
Hi, I’m Karen, and I’ve lived in Port Stephens for more than 12 years. I’ve explored the region in every season, and this is how I’d spend a wonderful winter weekend here.
Your Winter Weekend in Port Stephens
I’ve put together this itinerary for a two-night weekend, with Friday evening spent settling in and two full days to explore.
You’ll find plenty of alternatives along the way, so you can adjust the weekend depending on the weather, your energy levels and what you enjoy doing.
If you’re still planning your trip, my Port Stephens Ultimate Travel Guide is a great place to start. It covers where to stay, the best beaches, things to do and plenty of local tips.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. It helps support Roam with No Regrets at no extra cost to you — thank you for your support!
Friday – Arrive in Port Stephens
If you’re driving from Sydney, Port Stephens is around 200 km north of the city and is an easy weekend road trip.
Once you’ve arrived, check into your accommodation and take a little time to settle in.
Where to stay in Port Stephens
There are plenty of accommodation options around Port Stephens, from luxury resorts to holiday parks.
Here are three options at different price points:
Luxury: The Anchorage Port Stephens
Mid-range: Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites
Budget: Halifax Holiday Park
If you’re looking for somewhere a little different, consider staying at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. It’s a unique place to stay and also happens to be one of the highlights of this itinerary.
After checking in, head into Nelson Bay for a relaxed dinner and an early night. You’ve got a busy weekend ahead!
Saturday – Whales, Nelson Bay and a spectacular sunset
Saturday is all about getting out on the water, enjoying some of Port Stephens’ best food and finishing the day with an unforgettable sunset.
Start the day whale watching
Winter is whale-watching season in Port Stephens, with humpback whales making their annual migration along the NSW coast.
Port Stephens sits right on what is known as the Humpback Highway, and from around May through November you have the chance to see these magnificent animals as they travel along the coast.
This is one of my favourite Port Stephens experiences and definitely something I’d put at the top of your winter weekend list.
You might see whales breaching, tail slapping, spyhopping, rolling or simply cruising past the boat. You may also encounter dolphins and a wonderful variety of seabirds and other marine life.
For the full lowdown on when to go, what to expect and the best ways to see them, read my complete guide to whale watching in Port Stephens.
Worried about seasickness?
Don’t let the thought of getting seasick put you off. There are some simple things you can do to make your boat trip much more comfortable.
I’ve put together 10 tips for avoiding seasickness that actually work if you’re worried about getting queasy on the water.
Breakfast with a view at Inner Light Tea Rooms
After your whale-watching adventure, head to Inner Light Tea Rooms for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
It’s tucked away above the Little Beach Boat Ramp, accessed from the car park, and has fantastic views across Port Stephens.
The food is fabulous and it’s a lovely place to slow down after your morning on the water.
It’s also very popular with locals, so book ahead on weekends.
While you’re here, take a look around the Inner Lighthouse Museum and the souvenir shop. The shop has an eclectic collection of gifts and souvenirs, with proceeds going to Marine Rescue.
Explore Nelson Bay and visit the Lolly Bug
Now it’s time to explore a little more of Nelson Bay.
Wander along the waterfront, browse the shops or simply enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by.
And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Lollybug.
Who says lolly shops are only for kids?
You could easily spend an hour here exploring the enormous selection of American and British lollies, unusual drinks, chilli sauces and seriously hot snacks. There are even HOT Doritos with a warning label!
It’s a fun little stop and particularly good if you’re travelling with kids — although I’m not convinced the adults won’t enjoy it just as much.
Watch the sunset from Tomaree Headland
Winter is a wonderful time to climb Tomaree Headland. The cooler temperatures make the climb much more comfortable, and the early sunset means you can enjoy golden hour before heading out for dinner.
The summit walk is 2.2 km return and generally takes around 1½–2 hours. It’s a steep climb in places, but the track is well constructed, with stairs, elevated walkways and strategically placed seats.
You don’t need to race to the top. Take your time, stop when you need to and enjoy the increasingly spectacular views.
Start early for sunset
If you’re planning to watch the sunset from the summit, start the climb at least an hour before sunset.
You’ll want enough time to get to the top without rushing and, ideally, have some time to enjoy the beautiful golden-hour light before the sun disappears.
And remember that it can be surprisingly cold at the summit in winter. Layers are your friend. You’ll probably get quite warm while climbing, but once you’re standing around at the top waiting for sunset, you’ll appreciate having something warm to put back on.
You’ll also be walking back down in the dark, so take a torch or headlamp.
The views from the summit are spectacular. You can see across Port Stephens, along the coast towards Yacaaba and Broughton Island, and out towards Cabbage Tree Island and the other offshore islands.
It’s also an excellent place for land-based whale watching during the season.
Don’t fancy the climb?
No problem.
Gan Gan Lookout is a much more accessible alternative and offers incredible panoramic views across Port Stephens. You can drive up to the lookout, making it a great choice if you’d rather enjoy the sunset without the steep climb.
Dinner in Nelson Bay
After sunset, head back into Nelson Bay for dinner.
You’ll have earned it!
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, and if you’re a seafood lover, this is the perfect opportunity to indulge.
A weekend in Port Stephens isn’t complete without some local seafood, so take a look at my guide to the best seafood restaurants in Port Stephens for some of my favourite places to eat.
Sunday – Koalas, the Stockton Sand Dunes and Anna Bay
Sunday takes you towards the western side of Port Stephens and Anna Bay, with a completely different mix of experiences.
Spend the morning with the koalas
Start your Sunday at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.
This is one of my favourite winter activities because it gives you something wonderful to do even when the weather isn’t perfect for the beach.
The sanctuary is home to koalas and offers the opportunity to learn more about these beautiful Australian animals and the conservation work being done to protect them.
If you stayed at the sanctuary, you’ve got the added bonus of being right where you need to be.
It’s a lovely, relaxed way to start the day before heading towards Birubi Beach and Anna Bay.
Lunch at Crest Birubi Beach
Make your way to Crest Birubi Beach for lunch.
This fabulous café overlooks Birubi Beach and is the perfect place to recharge before your afternoon adventure on the dunes.
The views are pretty special too.
And if you’re visiting during the week, keep an eye out for the fighter jets that sometimes scream along the beach.
Explore the Stockton Sand Dunes
Now for something completely different.
The Stockton Sand Dunes are one of the most spectacular landscapes in Port Stephens and are home to the largest moving sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere.
There are several ways to experience them.
Ride a quad bike
The Quad Bike King offers quad bike safari and scenic tours into the dunes.
The experience includes a safety induction and equipment, transport to and from the dunes by 4WD and around an hour riding your quad through the spectacular landscape.
It’s an absolute blast.
You can find all the details, options and practical information in my complete guide to Stockton Sand Dunes.
Ride a camel on the beach
You don’t need to travel to Broome to ride a camel on the beach.
You can do it right here in Port Stephens!
Oakfield Ranch offers camel rides along the spectacular dunes and beach, including daytime and sunset experiences.
It’s a wonderfully quirky Port Stephens experience — and one you won’t forget in a hurry.
For more ideas and practical information, see my guide to Stockton Sand Dunes.
Watch the sunset at Birubi Beach
Don’t pack up and head home just yet.
One of my favourite things about spending a winter weekend in Port Stephens is watching the sun set over the Stockton Sand Dunes at Birubi Beach.
On a clear evening, the setting sun turns the sky a beautiful warm orange as it disappears behind the dunes. Add some clouds and you might get shades of pink, purple and gold spreading across the sky.
And the best thing?
It’s never the same twice.
Sometimes the sky is clear and glowing, sometimes the clouds put on the show, and sometimes the sunset seems to change colour by the minute.
Find a spot on the beach, slow down and watch the light change over the dunes. It’s a lovely way to finish your final afternoon in Port Stephens.
Finish with dinner at Anna Bay Tavern
After an afternoon exploring the dunes, head to Anna Bay Tavern for dinner.
This is also where I’d make a strategic decision about your journey home.
If you’re driving back to Sydney on a Sunday, don’t be tempted to rush off in the middle of the afternoon. The M1 can be particularly unpleasant as everyone heads back towards Sydney.
Instead, stay a little longer, enjoy an early dinner and let the worst of the traffic ease.
You’ll arrive home later, but hopefully a whole lot less stressed!
What if the weather isn’t perfect?
One of the great things about a winter weekend in Port Stephens is that you don’t need perfect beach weather to have a great time.
If the weather isn’t suitable for a whale-watching cruise, you can swap activities around and explore some of the region’s land-based attractions.
Land-based whale watching is also an excellent winter option.
Some of my favourite vantage points include:
- Tomaree Headland
- Boat Harbour Whale Watch Lookout
- Barry Park Lookout at Fingal Bay
Keep an eye out for whales travelling along the coast, particularly during the migration season.
And if the weather is really miserable, there are always cafés, restaurants, museums and plenty of places to indulge in some retail therapy! Or if the wind is up, just head to Birubi Beach and watch the kitesurfers play in the waves.
If you’re travelling with kids, here are 10 excellent things to do in Port Stephens when it rains with kids.
Getting to Port Stephens
Port Stephens is approximately 200 km north of Sydney, just beyond Newcastle.
The region surrounds a huge natural harbour, with beach towns, national parks and coastal reserves stretching around the waterway.
If you’re driving from Sydney, I’ve put together a detailed guide on how to get to Port Stephens from Sydney, including driving routes, travel times and possible stops along the way.
If you’re flying, Newcastle Airport is around a 30-minute drive from Port Stephens. Check current flight routes before booking, as services and destinations can change.
Once you’re here, having a car makes it much easier to explore the region, particularly if you want to visit places such as the Stockton Sand Dunes and Anna Bay.
Public transport is also available around the region. Check Transport for NSW for current routes and timetables.
A few tips for your winter weekend
Pack layers
Port Stephens can be glorious during the day but surprisingly chilly once the sun goes down. Layers are particularly useful if you’re climbing Tomaree Headland.
Bring a torch
If you’re watching the sunset from Tomaree Headland, you’ll be walking down after dark. A headlamp or torch is essential.
Book ahead
Popular restaurants, whale-watching cruises and accommodation can book out, particularly on weekends and during school holidays.
Don’t underestimate winter
Winter can be one of the best times to explore Port Stephens. The cooler temperatures are perfect for walking, whale season is in full swing and the early sunsets create some spectacular golden-hour opportunities.
Don’t rush home
One final piece of local advice: don’t rush home on Sunday afternoon.
Enjoy your final afternoon, have dinner at Anna Bay Tavern and then make your way back to Sydney once the traffic has eased.
A weekend away should leave you feeling relaxed — not stressed out on the M1!
I hope this itinerary gives you some inspiration for your next winter escape to Port Stephens. I’ve lived here for more than 12 years and I’m still discovering new places to explore, eat and enjoy.
If you have a wonderful winter weekend in Port Stephens, I’d love to hear what you discovered.
And if you found this guide useful, please share it with someone who needs a Port Stephens getaway!
