Port Stephens Boat Ramps: Locations, Facilities and Local Tips
Finding clear information about boat ramps in Port Stephens isn’t as easy as it should be. Most lists show a name on a map, but don’t tell you what actually matters — which ramps suit early morning launches, where to go with a kayak or tinny, or which locations offer direct access to the ocean.
This guide was created to fill that gap. Whether you’re launching a trailer boat, paddling a kayak on Tilligerry Creek, or planning a beach launch on a calm day, this is a practical breakdown of the main boat ramps and lesser-known launch spots across Port Stephens. You’ll find honest notes on conditions, facilities, and nearby areas to stay — the kind of detail that helps you spend less time guessing and more time on the water.
If you’re fishing, exploring the bay, or taking part in events like the Pirtek Fishing Challenge, this guide will help you choose the right launch point for your plans — and avoid the common mistakes that catch visitors out.
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Shoal Bay Boat Ramp
A double boat ramp located just past the shops at Shoal Bay. It offers good access to bay and minutes to open water. There is trailer parking area but you have to pay for it!
🛑 Don’t pay for parking if you are a Port Stephens resident. Register now for free parking with Port Stephens Council.
Best for: Offshore and bay fishing
Time to heads: <2mins
Facilities:
- Toilets
- Showers
- Fish cleaning table
Little Beach (Nelson Bay) Boat Ramp
This dual ramp is the busiest and most popular boat ramp. There is adequate parking. A favourite with jetskis in summer holidays. There is a fixed wharf that is absolutely useless at low tide!
Best for: Offshore and bay fishing
Time to heads: 5-mins
Facilities:
- Toilets
- Showers
- Netted swimming area
- Picnic and BBQ facilities
- Kids playground
- Fish cleaning table
- Bites on the Bay Fish and Chip Takeaway is great to grab those last-minute cold drinks or coffee or a bite to eat when you return.
Soldiers Point Boat Ramp
Undoubtably, this 3 lane boat ramp with floating pontoons is the most protected boat ramp in Port Stephens with a large parking area.
Best for: Bay fishing
Time to heads: 20-mins
Facilities:
- Toilets
- Showers
- Picnic and BBQ facilities
- Fish cleaning table
Lemon Tree Passage Boat Ramp
Lemon Tree Passage Boat Ramp has three ramps with floating pontoon access. Retrieving boats mid-tide can sometimes be tricky due to the cross current. There is a huge carpark which might be full one day a year which is awesome for people like me who can’t reverse around corners.
Best for: Western harbour and Tilligerry Creek
Time to heads: 25 mins
Facilities:
- Toilets
- Awesome kids playground
- Netted swimming area
- Picnic and BBQ facilities
- Fish cleaning table
- Anglerz Corner Bait and Tackle is located 3-min walk. Just what you need when you lose the bung or forget the hooks.
- John Dory Fish and Chip Takeaway is also located 3-min walk away to grab those last-minute cold drinks or coffee or a bite to eat when you return.
Karuah Boat Ramp
Karuah Boat Ramp offers two ramps with floating pontoon docks. The Karuah River is well protected and rarely has any issues with wind. Note: There are NO toilets. Toilets are available on the far side of the Karuah Bridge near the netted swimming area.
Best for: Karuah River and Western harbour
Time to heads: 25 mins
Facilities:
- Fish cleaning table
Tea Gardens Boat Ramp
Best for: Myall River and Bay Area
Time to heads: 25 mins
Facilities:
- Toilets
- Fish cleaning table
Kayak and Small Boat Launches on Tilligerry Peninsular
If you’re fishing with a kayak, tinny, or small boat, the Tilligerry Peninsula is packed with quieter launch points perfect for early starts, calm-water fishing, and sheltered conditions. These spots are often overlooked on council lists but are favourites with locals:
- Caswell Park – Ideal for kayaks and small tinnies; calm waters and easy shoreline launch. Mid to high tide only as the sand becomes exposed and turns into an awesome off leash dog area. Great children’s playground, toilets, outside showers, BBQ and picnic areas. Coffee Buzz truck truck visits after 9.30am on weekends.
- Peace Park – Small, sheltered launch; not suitable for low tide. Limited parking but great for early mornings. Toilets, BBQ and picnic area, very small playground for little kids. Coffee Buzz truck visits 7am – 9am Saturday and Sunday.
- Foster Park – Access to Tanilba Bay and the western harbour; suitable for kayaks and lightweight tinnies. 3 parking spots available but easy street parking. Don’t attempt retrieval at very low tide, you will sink and get bogged. Stay on the hard sand in line with the boat ramp. There is a shower but no other facilities.
- Lemon Tree Passage Road at Salt Ash – Easy roadside access; ideal for shallow-draft boats. Direct access to the upper Tilligerry Creek. Deep thick mud (I’m talking knee deep) at low tide. No facilities.
- Beach Road at Lemon Tree Passage – Sandy shoreline launch; perfect for low-tide fishing. No facilities.
- Koala Shores Holiday Park – Holiday park ramp access; good for families staying on-site. Direct access to Tilligerry Creek. Not suitable for low tide.
Tip: These ramps are generally best for smaller vessels. If you’re in a larger boat or unsure of what the tide will be when you return, stick to Lemon Tree Passage ramps.
Beach Launch Access
These locations are informal beach launch sites, not constructed boat ramps. Beach launching involves additional risk and should only be undertaken by experienced operators using suitable equipment and after checking weather, swell, and tide conditions.
Fingal Beach (Beach Launch Access)
Fingal Beach is one of the most commonly used beach launch sites in Port Stephens, providing direct access to the open ocean. Launching is typically done from the sand and is best suited to experienced operators with appropriate vehicles and vessels. Conditions are highly weather- and swell-dependent, and launches should only be attempted when seas are calm.
Best for: Offshore fishing in good conditions
Vessel type: Small boats, experienced beach launchers
Notes: No formal ramp; check swell, wind, and tides carefully
Vehicles and boat trailers are only permitted on the sand for launch and retrieval.
Fisherman’s Bay (Beach Launch Access)
Fishermans Bay offers a natural beach launch area that locals use for offshore access when conditions allow. The bay can provide some protection compared to fully exposed beaches, but launches are still direct ocean entries and should not be treated casually.
Access is via Pacific St, Fisherman’s Bay. There is gravel parking at the top of a long steep narrow bitumen ramp to the beach. Vehicles are only permitted on the beach for launch and retrieval. Look out for submerged rocks!
Toilets and picnic table are provided across the street.
Best for: Calm-day offshore runs
Vessel type: Small boats, tinnies with confident operators
Notes: Informal launch only; limited space and no facilities.
Boat Harbour (Beach Launch Access)
Boat Harbour is known for its scenic but exposed coastline, with beach launch access used by experienced locals in very specific conditions. The beach faces north-east, protected on both side by rock walls. Due to swell exposure, this location requires careful planning and is not suitable for inexperienced beach launching.
Best for: Experienced beach launching in ideal conditions
Vessel type: Small boats only
Notes: Highly condition-dependent
Where to Buy Bait and Tackle in Port Stephens
We’ve all been there. Got to the boat ramp – forgot the bait, no sinkers or worst of all, no bung! Below is a quick list of locations for those emergency supplies with opening times.
Nelson Bay
- Tackle World – Bait, tackle, advice. Open 7am on weekends. 8am weekdays.
- D’Albora Marina – Bait
Taylors Beach
- BCF – Tackle and advice. Opens at 8.30am daily.
Salamander Bay
- Duffs Bait and Tackle – bait, tackle and advice – opens at 6am on weekends, 7am weekdays.
Lemon Tree Passage
- Anglerz Corner Bait and Tackle – bait, tackle, advice. Open at 8am daily.
Where can I get seasickness medication?
Nothing ruins a great day on the water than getting seasick. We’ve all been there – forgot the seasickness tablets. Below is a quick guide to where you can pick them up.
This guide on How to Avoid Seasickness – 10 Proven Tips that Actually Work may also help.
Nelson Bay
- Terry White Chemmart – It’s located next to Woolworths.
- Woolworths sells the ginger based seasickness tablets.
Taylors Beach
- BCF – BCF stock Kwells (Hyoscine hydrobromine) for adults and children. That’s the blue one that works. They also have Travacalm and the pressure wrist bands. Happy days!
Salamander Bay
- Salamander Bay Square has Woolworths and Coles which has the ginger based seasickness tablets. Blooms the Chemist has Kwells (Hyoscine hydrobromine) for adults and children.
Lemon Tree Passage
- Lemon Tree Passage Pharmacy is located in the shops opposite the boat ramp. Note: They close at midday on Saturday and are closed all day Sunday.
- Coles Tanilba Bay sells the ginger based seasickness tablets.
Where to stay close to the boat ramp?
With the best time to fish at sunrise, it’s a good idea to stay close to the boat ramp. Here are some options that also have free street parking for the boat trailer.
Shoal Bay
Trailer parking – you will need to try a couple of street back from the water or on Shoal Bay Road outside the holiday park. If you are staying in the holiday park, park the trailer inside the park with your car on the street.
Discover Sensation Shoal Bay including what to do and where to eat.
Little Beach
Honestly, parking around Little Beach is challenging on weekends and school holidays.
If the weather blows out for boating, discover How to Spend 3 Amazing Days in Port Stephens.
Soldiers Point
There is a grassed area opposite the Soldiers Point Bowling Club suitable for trailers.
Lemon Tree Passage
Parking anywhere in Lemon Tree Passage is easy.
For more information about Lemon Tree Passage and the Tilligerry Peninsular, including where to eat and what to do, go to
Port Stephens Best Kept Secret – Tilligerry Peninsular.
Useful Links
Weather for Port Stephens Heads inc swell, wind and tide
Weather for Soldiers Point and Lemon Tree Passage inc wind and tide
FishSmart – the app that shows you where you are, the marine parks, fish identification and legal sizes
Make the Most of Your Time on the Water
Port Stephens is built for boating, and knowing the best ramps, facilities, and local tips helps you spend less time launching and more time enjoying the bay. Whether you’re fishing, cruising, or exploring, a stress-free start sets the tone for a great day on the water.
If you found this guide helpful, pass it along to your boating mates or visiting friends — it’s a handy resource to keep bookmarked for your next trip.
