How to Spend 3 Amazing Days in Port Stephens, NSW: Complete Travel Guide
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, NSW’s coastal gem. Just a 2.5hour drive from Sydney, this laid-back paradise offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you are chasing the thrills on Stockton Sand Dunes, cruising with dolphins, or savouring fresh seafood by the marina, Port Stephens has something for every traveler.
In this 3-day itinerary, I’ll guide you through the best things to see, do, and eat in Port Stephens (after all, I live here) – from hidden beaches and scenic lookouts to local favourites that will make your weekend getaway unforgettable.
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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.
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
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 is located opposite Shoal Bay and 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. 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 – Sand Dunes
Don’t plan this for Wednesday. The camels don’t work on hump day.
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!
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.
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.
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 -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.
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.
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 Marine Discovery Cruise with Snorkeling sailing 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.
Discover dolphins with Moonshadow as you 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 and maybe try boom netting. 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 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.
Whether you’re exploring the giant sand dunes, spotting dolphins in the bay, or enjoying a glass of wine overlooking the water, three days here will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
But if you’ve got more time, check out the Ultimate 7 Day Port Stephens Itinerary,
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.
