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

Have a full week to explore Port Stephens? You’re in luck. While three days is enough to experience the region’s biggest highlights, seven days gives you time to slow down, discover quieter corners of the coast and experience some of the adventures that are easy to miss on a short getaway.

Over a week, you can climb Tomaree Head, explore the Stockton Sand Dunes by quad bike or 4WD, cruise in search of dolphins and whales, meet Australian wildlife, try your hand at surfing, snorkel at Fly Point and explore the beautiful Tilligerry Peninsula. And, importantly, you’ll still have plenty of time for long lunches, beautiful beaches and relaxed afternoons by the water.

I’ve put this 7-day Port Stephens itinerary together to give you a mix of the region’s must-see experiences and some of my favourite local spots. Unlike a long-weekend itinerary, you won’t need to rush from one attraction to the next. There’s time to explore, relax and change your plans depending on the weather and what you feel like doing each day.

If you’re only visiting Port Stephens for a long weekend, my 3-Day Port Stephens Itinerary focuses on the essential highlights. For a broader overview of the region, including where to stay, when to visit and how to get here, see my Port Stephens Ultimate Travel Guide.

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!

Where is Port Stephens?

Port Stephens is a beautiful coastal region in New South Wales, about a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney and around an hour from Newcastle. Newcastle Airport is approximately 30 minutes away by car.

The region stretches around a spectacular natural harbour and includes popular coastal towns and villages such as Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Anna Bay, Salamander Bay and the Tilligerry Peninsula.

If you’re driving from Sydney, see my guide on how to get to Port Stephens for the different options and driving directions.

When to visit

Port Stephens is a year-round destination, and the best time to visit really depends on what you want to do.

Summer (December–February) is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and enjoying long days at the beach. It’s also the busiest time of year, so book accommodation and popular activities ahead of time.

Autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) are great for exploring, hiking and enjoying the beaches without the peak summer crowds. Spring is also when the whales turn south with their calves.

Winter (June–August) brings cooler days but some of the best whale watching conditions, with humpback whales passing Port Stephens on their annual migration.

One of the advantages of spending a full week here is that you have more flexibility if the weather changes. You can swap beach days for wildlife experiences, walks or indoor activities and still have plenty to see and do.

For more detailed information about temperatures, seasons and the best time to visit, see my Best Time to Visit Port Stephens.

Where to stay in Port Stephens

For a week-long stay, I’d recommend choosing one base rather than moving between different parts of Port Stephens. Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay are convenient options if you want to be close to restaurants, beaches, cruises and plenty of activities.

If you’d prefer somewhere quieter, Fingal Bay, Salamander Bay, One Mile Beach and the Tilligerry Peninsula offer a different feel while still being within easy reach of the main attractions.

Not sure which area is right for you? My Port Stephens Ultimate Travel Guide breaks down the different townships and what each area is best suited to, with links to my local guides where you can find accommodation recommendations and more detailed information.

Day 1 – Settle In & Explore Shoal Bay

You’ve got a whole week ahead of you, so there’s no need to hit the ground running. Spend your first day settling into Port Stephens and getting to know one of its most beautiful corners — Shoal Bay and Tomaree National Park.

Start with a sunrise at Zenith Beach, take your time over breakfast, then tackle the Tomaree Headland walk before cooling off with a swim in Shoal Bay. Later, there’s time for a paddle on the water, a relaxed dinner and a beautiful coastal sunset.

Want to explore more of Shoal Bay? Check out my Discover Shoal Bay guide for more of my local tips, beaches, walks, places to eat and things to do in the area.

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’ve got your walking shoes, water and camera ready, because Tomaree Headland is one of those Port Stephens experiences you really shouldn’t miss.

The 2.2km return walk generally takes around 1½–2 hours. It’s steep in places, but the track is well constructed, with metal stairs, elevated walkways and strategically placed seats along the way. It’s not suitable for prams or wheelchairs, so take your time and use the seats when you need them. 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.

And the reward? Those views!

From the summit, you’ll have sweeping views across the Port Stephens waterway, along the coast towards Yaccaba and Broughton Island, and out towards Cabbage Tree, Little and Big Islands.

Looking back along the coastline, you can see Zenith Beach, Fingal Headland and the Port Stephens Lighthouse. Keep an eye on the water too — depending on the season, you may even spot dolphins playing in the waves at Zenith Beach.

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.

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, tucked behind the main shops opposite the caravan park. This retro café feels like you’ve stepped straight onto the set of Happy Days — they even have a jukebox.

My pick? The loaded fries. Amazing!

Go Kayaking

After lunch, head to Shoal Bay SUP near the IGA and hire a crystal-clear kayak. You can see straight down into the water as you paddle across Shoal Bay, or have a go at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

It’s harder than it looks! Bookings are recommended during the busy summer and holiday periods.

Eat at the Game O

After all that exercise, you’ll be ready for dinner. Head to the Port Stephens Game Fishing Club — or, as the locals call it, the Game O.

We ate here recently and OMG! The portions are huge, the seafood is delicious and the calamari is next level. I’m talking 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 – Adventure on the Stockton Sand Dunes

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

Keep an Eye Out for Eric the Emu

If you’re driving through Salt Ash, on the way to the airport, keep an eye out for Eric the Emu. He’s become a bit of a local celebrity, and I spotted him just a few days ago wandering around a field with the cows!

Eric doesn’t always hang around by the road, and when no one has seen him for a few weeks, comments start appearing on Facebook asking if anyone knows where he is. The owners are always great at letting everyone know that he’s okay and where he’s been spotted.

So keep your eyes peeled when you’re driving through Salt Ash — you never know where Eric will turn up!

Quad Bike on Stockton Sand Dunes

If you’ve never ridden a quad bike across sand dunes before, this is one Port Stephens adventure you won’t forget.

Head to Quad Bike King at the Stockton Sand Dunes for a guided ride through the dunes. You’ll learn the basics before heading out across the sand, with plenty of climbs, descents and wide-open dunes to explore. This adventure is strictly 16+. Sorry kids.

It’s a fantastic way to experience the sheer size of the Stockton Sand Dunes — and definitely one for the adventure list if you’re spending a full week in Port Stephens.

Explore Fighter World

Fighter World is located at the end of the runway at Newcastle Airport and next to RAAF Base Williamtown. Inside the two hangars, you’ll find more than 15 aircraft and replicas, and you can get up close to some of Australia’s most iconic fighter and training aircraft. In some of them, you can even climb into the cockpit!

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:

• Fixed-base simulator: suitable for ages 7+, starting from $20 for 15 minutes.
• Motion simulator: for the ultimate experience, climb into a complete F/A-18 Hornet cockpit. Suitable for ages 12+, starting from $35 for 15 minutes.

Bookings are essential.

There’s also an observation deck overlooking the runway, plus a café if you need a break.

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 every weekday).

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.

There are a couple of ways to explore Stockton Beach by 4WD. If you have your own 4WD, you can drive along the beach yourself, or you can join a 4WD tag along tour and let an experienced driver take you into the dunes. No 4WD, you can still experience the dunes in purpose built 4WD vehicles on the Tin City Discovery tour.

If you’re planning to drive yourself, there are a few important things you need to know before heading onto the sand. I’ve covered everything in my complete guide to driving on Stockton Beach, including permits, beach access, tyre pressures, Tin City, the Sygna shipwreck and what to do if you get stuck.

Day 3 – A Day at Birubi Beach

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.

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 a camel on the beach. You can do it right here in Port Stephens!

Climb aboard one of the “ships of the desert” and head out across the vast Stockton Sand Dunes at Birubi Beach. Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides operates every day except Wednesday — because apparently even camels don’t work on hump day!

Choose between a daytime ride or a sunset experience. The 20-minute daytime rides run between 10am and 3.30pm and don’t need to be pre-booked, while the one-hour sunset rides must be booked ahead.

Swim at Birubi Beach

After all that sandboarding and camel riding, cool off with a swim at Birubi Beach.

The beach is patrolled by lifeguards from September to April, but as always, swim between the flags and check the conditions before heading into the water.

Eat at Anna Bay Tavern

I guarantee you’ll have worked up an appetite by now! Head to Anna Bay Tavern, where you’ll find a huge shaded beer garden, a children’s play area and a big screen TV.

It’s a great spot for a relaxed dinner after a day on the dunes.

Day 4 -Dolphins, Whales & Exploring Nelson Bay

Take a Dolphin or Whale Watching Cruise

Today, it’s time to get out on the water. Depending on when you visit, you can head offshore to see migrating humpback whales or stay inside the bay looking for Port Stephens’ resident dolphins.

Whale watching runs from May to November, when humpback whales make their annual migration along the coast. See my Port Stephens Whale Watching Guide for everything you need to know, including what to expect and the best time to go.

Outside whale season, jump aboard a dolphin-watching cruise and explore the sheltered waters of Port Stephens Bay. Check out my Port Stephens Dolphin Watching Guide for more information and tips for choosing a cruise.

Want to see more dolphins? Check out my guide on Where to see Dolphins in the Wild in Australia.

Lunch at Bub’s Famous Fish and Chips

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

Got a sweet tooth? Pop into Lollybug in Nelson Bay for a seriously tempting selection of lollies and treats.

It’s a fun little stop while you’re exploring the town — although you may find it difficult to leave without buying something!

Pick Up Fresh Seafood at the Fish Co-op

Right next to Bub’s is the local Nelson Bay Fish Co-op, the perfect place to pick up fresh local seafood such as prawns, lobster and oysters.

Grab some seafood and head to the foreshore for a relaxed seafood picnic dinner — now that’s my kind of evening!

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.

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

For more things to do in and around Nelson Bay, read our in-depth Nelson Bay Local Guide.

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, with a section closer to the headland for more advanced surfers.

If you think surfing looks like fun, it is! And it’s not just for the kids. Why not give it a go with Port Stephens Surf School? These guys are excellent and will have you standing up and 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.

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 Shark and Ray Encounters

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! Or maybe be more adventurous and snorkel with a Zebra Shark (+6 years).

You’ll be talking about it for years!

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! They also have a kid’s playground that is better than the one at Macca’s.

Day 6 – Go West

Today, venture beyond the busy coastal hubs and explore the quieter side of Port Stephens. The Tilligerry Peninsula is full of wildlife, history, beautiful waterways and some great local food and drink.

From meeting Australian wildlife at Oakvale to exploring the Tilligerry Habitat and finishing the day with a sunset picnic, this is a chance to slow down and discover a part of Port Stephens that many visitors miss.

For even more ideas, check out my Port Stephens Best Kept Secret – Tilligerry Peninsula guide.

Visit Oakvale Wildlife Park

Oakvale Wildlife Park has been Australian owned and operated by the Sansom family since 1979. The park is home to a huge variety of native, domestic and exotic animals, including koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, goats, sheep, rabbits, alligators, ostriches and many, many more.

Allow at least two hours to explore the park, although plenty of families make a full day of it.

Tilligerry Habitat

Run by dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers, Tilligerry Habitat is located on the beautiful foreshore of Tanilba Bay. Entry is free and the habitat is fully wheelchair accessible. Your furry friends are also welcome on a lead, and at low tide, dogs can run off-leash on the sand flats.

The 2km loop follows boardwalks and gravel paths through paperbark and swamp oak forest, scrub, wetlands and coastal environments. It takes around 30 minutes to walk, but don’t rush it. Sit quietly, enjoy the view and listen to the birds and the breeze rustling through the leaves — you’ll see so much more.

More than 109 different bird species have been identified here, so it’s a fantastic spot for bird lovers. There’s a really good bird spotters guide on the Tilligerry Habitat website, which is worth checking out before you visit. I walk this loop with my dogs almost every day, and there’s always something different to see.

The boardwalk skirts the water’s edge, with shallow water and sandy flats to explore at low tide. Look up too — you might just spot a koala!

Pro tip: Avoid arriving between 2.30pm and 3.30pm, as it’s school pick-up time and parking can be extremely difficult.

Tanilba Bay Heritage Trail

Tanilba Bay is steeped in history, including Tanilba House, one of Australia’s oldest homesteads.

The 7km heritage trail starts at the Water Gate and can be explored on foot, by car, bike or scooter. Along the way, you’ll discover 32 interactive sites, with information boards on street signs and links to informative YouTube videos.

Keep an eye out for the street names too. Many have a World War I connection, including Diggers Drive, Army Avenue and Navy Nook.

Enjoy Dinner at The Poyer’s

Enjoy a decadent dinner at The Poyer’s, which has a prime waterfront position at Lemon Tree Passage.

Awarded Best Seafood Restaurant in NSW in 2024 by Sydney Fish Market, chef and owner Ludovic Poyer creates gorgeous seafood dishes and decadent desserts that will have your mouth watering.

It’s a lovely spot to finish your day exploring the Tilligerry Peninsula.

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 overlooking the water.

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!

Day 7 – Fly Point and Little Beach

This is a great chill-out day. After six days of exploring, it’s time to slow down, get in the water and enjoy some of the beautiful spots around Little Beach.

Feed the Fish at Fly Point

Fly Point Aquatic Park has some of the best snorkelling and SCUBA diving in NSW and is rated as one of the best shore dives in the state. You can learn to SCUBA, take a guided tour or hire snorkelling gear from Let’s Go Adventures or Feet First Dive.

I love snorkelling here. There are heaps of fish — bream, flathead, parrotfish and I’ve even seen a wobbegong. Last time I was here, I swam out near the red marker and dolphins came within 5 metres of me! I could even hear them talking underwater.

To feed the fish, walk out along the sandy path made by the SCUBA divers until you’re about knee-deep.

Now tear up your bread (you did remember the bread, didn’t you?) into small pieces and drop some into the water around you. It won’t take long before you’re surrounded by so many silver bream that you won’t be able to count them!

Feeling brave? Hold the bread in your fingers and the fish will eat right out of your hand.

And remember to look up! I’ve 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.

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, usually around the fish cleaning table. If they’re not wandering around on the ground, you might find them perched 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!

Swim at Little Beach

Little Beach has a large grassy picnic area leading down to the sandy beach and calm water. There’s a netted swimming area with disabled access directly into the water, making it a great spot for families.

You’ll also find toilets, showers, picnic facilities and a playground, so you can easily spend a few hours here enjoying the beach without needing to head anywhere else.

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’s 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’ve 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!

Travelling on a Budget?

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy Port Stephens without spending a fortune, check out my 20 Free Things to Do in Port Stephens. There are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained without blowing the holiday budget.