'The Pinnacle' @ One Mile
Wildlife Interaction
Get the kids in the water for some remarkable interaction that they'll never forget!
60 locals recommend
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
2 Jessie RdGet the kids in the water for some remarkable interaction that they'll never forget!
You can camp there but what you'll really want to go there for is the Koala Sanctuary. Get up close and personal with our favourite locals!
21 locals recommend
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
562 Gan Gan RdYou can camp there but what you'll really want to go there for is the Koala Sanctuary. Get up close and personal with our favourite locals!
The Ultimate Hands-On Experience. Set on 25 acres of open natural bushland, Oakvale Wildlife Park is 100% Australian owned and operated. At the park, you will find an endless menagerie of Australian native, domestic farm and exotic animals such as koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, goats, sheep, rabbits, alligators and ostriches. Plus many, many more.
64 locals recommend
Oakvale Wildlife Park
3 Oakvale DrThe Ultimate Hands-On Experience. Set on 25 acres of open natural bushland, Oakvale Wildlife Park is 100% Australian owned and operated. At the park, you will find an endless menagerie of Australian native, domestic farm and exotic animals such as koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, goats, sheep, rabbits, alligators and ostriches. Plus many, many more.
Sightseeing
Breathtaking views across Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and the mid-North coast. A short (not steep) walk from the car park at the top of the road.
52 locals recommend
Gan Gan Lookout
Lily Hill RoadBreathtaking views across Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and the mid-North coast. A short (not steep) walk from the car park at the top of the road.
If you're reasonable fit, this is a must-do walk! Some effort required but you will be rewarded with incredible views. You can even see the whales at the right time of year.
85 locals recommend
Tomaree Head Summit walk
Shoal Bay RoadIf you're reasonable fit, this is a must-do walk! Some effort required but you will be rewarded with incredible views. You can even see the whales at the right time of year.
Lovely calm bay, picnic area, restaurants, shopping and stunning vistas. Spectacular at sunrise!
11 locals recommend
Salamander Bay
Lovely calm bay, picnic area, restaurants, shopping and stunning vistas. Spectacular at sunrise!
An inexpensive way to see the sites of Port Stephens without going into the swells outside the heads. They see dolphins virtually every trip and the kids will love it. Have lunch and a wander around Tea Gardens before the return trip to Nelson Bay.
30 locals recommend
Port Stephens Ferry Service
6 Teramby RoadAn inexpensive way to see the sites of Port Stephens without going into the swells outside the heads. They see dolphins virtually every trip and the kids will love it. Have lunch and a wander around Tea Gardens before the return trip to Nelson Bay.
A very easy walk (not wheel-chair friendly) will reward you with stunning views and some local history. Cafe on site.
16 locals recommend
Nelson Head Heritage Inner Lighthouse Reserve Museum
5A Lighthouse TrailA very easy walk (not wheel-chair friendly) will reward you with stunning views and some local history. Cafe on site.
Tilligerry Habitat Reserve is a 9 ha flora and fauna reserve along a sandy foreshore on Tanilba Bay between the townships of Tanilba Bay and Mallabula. Spot a koala! Very informative Information Centre. Next to a fabulous child friendly beach.
15 locals recommend
Tilligerry Habitat
2E King Albert AveTilligerry Habitat Reserve is a 9 ha flora and fauna reserve along a sandy foreshore on Tanilba Bay between the townships of Tanilba Bay and Mallabula. Spot a koala! Very informative Information Centre. Next to a fabulous child friendly beach.
While the highlight is the Tomaree Head walk, the park extends well south towards Birubi. One Mile Ridge is right on the edge of the park. There are extensive walking trails throughout including several starting at One Mile Ridge. Maps are available and many even show up on Google Maps.
55 locals recommend
Tomaree National Park
While the highlight is the Tomaree Head walk, the park extends well south towards Birubi. One Mile Ridge is right on the edge of the park. There are extensive walking trails throughout including several starting at One Mile Ridge. Maps are available and many even show up on Google Maps.
Strolling along the D'Albora Marinas is an excellent way to enjoy the essence of Port Stephens. There are plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants available. Most of the dolphin and whale tours operate from the marina.
61 locals recommend
D'Albora Marinas
6 Teramby RdStrolling along the D'Albora Marinas is an excellent way to enjoy the essence of Port Stephens. There are plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants available. Most of the dolphin and whale tours operate from the marina.
One of the best mainland locations in NSW for spotting whales during their migration from April to November. A short walk from the car park with some informative signage and beautiful views (even if you don't see whales). And it's free.
Boat Harbour Whale Watch Lookout
One of the best mainland locations in NSW for spotting whales during their migration from April to November. A short walk from the car park with some informative signage and beautiful views (even if you don't see whales). And it's free.
Food scene
Top quality locally sourced food on a seasonal menu and all with spectacular views. Fully licensed. Our pick of the eateries but you'll need to book ahead!
110 locals recommend
Little Beach Boathouse
4 Victoria ParadeTop quality locally sourced food on a seasonal menu and all with spectacular views. Fully licensed. Our pick of the eateries but you'll need to book ahead!
Gianni's
55 Shoal Bay RdAn inexpensive, delicious Italian eatery with all your favourites.
For those wishing to sample world class fish 'n' chips in a 5 star restaurant with some special views, this is hard to go past.
21 locals recommend
Rick Stein at Bannisters
147 Soldiers Point RdFor those wishing to sample world class fish 'n' chips in a 5 star restaurant with some special views, this is hard to go past.
Freshly cooked seafood that won't break the budget. Walk across the road to enjoy at a picnic table with world class views. Can get very busy during peak times!
9 locals recommend
Aussie Bob's Fish & Chips
2A Tomaree RdFreshly cooked seafood that won't break the budget. Walk across the road to enjoy at a picnic table with world class views. Can get very busy during peak times!
A short drive south of Anna Bay, you'll find superb pizzas and a full bar. The bases are crispy and delicious. The toppings are top quality. Won't break the bank! Kids can run around on the grass outside and look at the long-horns in the back paddock.
12 locals recommend
Valhalla Restaurant Bar
3834 Nelson Bay RdA short drive south of Anna Bay, you'll find superb pizzas and a full bar. The bases are crispy and delicious. The toppings are top quality. Won't break the bank! Kids can run around on the grass outside and look at the long-horns in the back paddock.
The views, food and service will make the drive to lemon Tree Passage worth it.
25 locals recommend
The Poyer's
42 Cook ParadeThe views, food and service will make the drive to lemon Tree Passage worth it.
Excellent cafe with quality food. A must for brekky or lunch or something in-between.
70 locals recommend
The Little Nel
7 Government RdExcellent cafe with quality food. A must for brekky or lunch or something in-between.
The Deck Cafe Restaurant & Bar
2 Sunset BlvdSuperb Greek food with spectacular water views.
Hand made Italian classics. The family has been providing many top restaurants in Sydney with pasta delicacies for years but you can buy it in Anna Bay to take home and cook yourself. Great selection of sauces and their coffee is excellent!
12 locals recommend
Pasta Di Porta
134 Gan Gan RdHand made Italian classics. The family has been providing many top restaurants in Sydney with pasta delicacies for years but you can buy it in Anna Bay to take home and cook yourself. Great selection of sauces and their coffee is excellent!
Great local cafe in the main shopping area at Anna Bay. Great quality food and coffee. Then call in next store for your meat supplies!
9 locals recommend
Rubi Blue Cafe-Restaurant
118 Gan Gan RdGreat local cafe in the main shopping area at Anna Bay. Great quality food and coffee. Then call in next store for your meat supplies!
Delicious food and coffee with incredible views. Can get very busy at peak times.
65 locals recommend
Crest Birubi Beach
73 James Paterson StDelicious food and coffee with incredible views. Can get very busy at peak times.
Buy the freshest of oysters direct from the grower. They also sell prawns, beers and wines and provide picnic tables so you can enjoy a spectacular no-frills lunch. A hidden gem.
16 locals recommend
Holberts Oyster Supplies
52 Diemars RdBuy the freshest of oysters direct from the grower. They also sell prawns, beers and wines and provide picnic tables so you can enjoy a spectacular no-frills lunch. A hidden gem.
Nelson Bay Fish Market is where the locals buy their seafood. Enough said. The sashimi and fish cakes made on site are incredible. And the smaller prawns taste better!
10 locals recommend
Nelson Bay Fish Market
12 Teramby RdNelson Bay Fish Market is where the locals buy their seafood. Enough said. The sashimi and fish cakes made on site are incredible. And the smaller prawns taste better!
Murray's Brewery is open from 10am - 6pm daily 364 days a year. A short drive for a laid back arvo. Live music most weekends. Great range of beers.
58 locals recommend
Murray's Brewery
3443 Nelson Bay RdMurray's Brewery is open from 10am - 6pm daily 364 days a year. A short drive for a laid back arvo. Live music most weekends. Great range of beers.
Kookabarra restaurant features an extensive menu obviously featuring barramundi. Free farm tours available. Beautiful setting off the beaten tourist tracks.
Barramundi Farm
476 Marsh RdKookabarra restaurant features an extensive menu obviously featuring barramundi. Free farm tours available. Beautiful setting off the beaten tourist tracks.
City/town information
Originally a fishing village but now growing as a tourism centre. Great beaches and food options. Spectacular views.
60 locals recommend
Shoal Bay
Originally a fishing village but now growing as a tourism centre. Great beaches and food options. Spectacular views.
Large marinas and seafood outlets combine with good shopping, excellent cafes and restaurants and remarkable views make this a significant destination.
94 locals recommend
Nelson Bay
Large marinas and seafood outlets combine with good shopping, excellent cafes and restaurants and remarkable views make this a significant destination.
Beaches
One of the best beaches on the NSW coast. Calm, protected and patrolled at the south end. Great fishing and surfing further north. Samurai Beach (north of the rocky divide) is designated clothes optional. One Mile Beach is a 400m walk down through the National Park from One Mile Ridge.
39 locals recommend
One Mile Beach
Gan Gan RdOne of the best beaches on the NSW coast. Calm, protected and patrolled at the south end. Great fishing and surfing further north. Samurai Beach (north of the rocky divide) is designated clothes optional. One Mile Beach is a 400m walk down through the National Park from One Mile Ridge.
Either a short drive or a walk (via the large water tank behind One Mile Ridge) from 'The Pinnacle' is Boat Harbour. Protected from large ocean swells, this is an ideal spot for small children or poor swimmers to access the ocean. On the northern side, you'll find a BBQ, playground and amenities block. On the south, there is a picnic area and a walk out to the end of the point.
22 locals recommend
Boat Harbour
Either a short drive or a walk (via the large water tank behind One Mile Ridge) from 'The Pinnacle' is Boat Harbour. Protected from large ocean swells, this is an ideal spot for small children or poor swimmers to access the ocean. On the northern side, you'll find a BBQ, playground and amenities block. On the south, there is a picnic area and a walk out to the end of the point.
A beautiful, slightly more isolated beach in the Boat Harbour area. It's a short walk from the car park you'll find a beach that could be a thousand miles from civilisation. Be warned though, the beauty of the place can hide heavy swells and very strong currents.
7 locals recommend
Kingsley Beach
A beautiful, slightly more isolated beach in the Boat Harbour area. It's a short walk from the car park you'll find a beach that could be a thousand miles from civilisation. Be warned though, the beauty of the place can hide heavy swells and very strong currents.
At the northern end of Stockton Beach (the second longest golden sand beach in the world) is Birubi. It is a wild ocean beach and extends 32km south through the Worimi Conservation Lands to Newcastle. Enjoy dune surfing, camel rides, quad bike tours or a dicilous coffee and meal at the cafe.
56 locals recommend
Birubi Beach
73 James Paterson StAt the northern end of Stockton Beach (the second longest golden sand beach in the world) is Birubi. It is a wild ocean beach and extends 32km south through the Worimi Conservation Lands to Newcastle. Enjoy dune surfing, camel rides, quad bike tours or a dicilous coffee and meal at the cafe.
A quiet, safe spot where you can park right next to the beach. No large waves are strong currents.
22 locals recommend
Dutchmans Beach Reserve
1 Burbong StA quiet, safe spot where you can park right next to the beach. No large waves are strong currents.
This is a small, ocean beach near Tomaree Headland. Can have a strong rip and heavy shorebreak. Not patrolled. Diving from the rocks can be hazardous!
13 locals recommend
Box Beach
This is a small, ocean beach near Tomaree Headland. Can have a strong rip and heavy shorebreak. Not patrolled. Diving from the rocks can be hazardous!
A fairly protected ocean beach popular with families. Great rock pool for toddlers at the southern end. This is a patrolled beach. The spit at the northern end can be extremely dangerous with strong currents and changing tides.
18 locals recommend
Fingal Beach
A fairly protected ocean beach popular with families. Great rock pool for toddlers at the southern end. This is a patrolled beach. The spit at the northern end can be extremely dangerous with strong currents and changing tides.
Fishermans Bay (you'll see the turnoff in Anna Bay) is popular with families. It's only a small beach but the kids enjoy exploring to rocky coastline and confined beach. Be aware of blue ringed octopus in rock pools. Best to look at the rock pools rather than climb in them. Can be uncomfortable when the swell is coming straight into the beach (not often).
Fishermans Bay
Fishermans Bay (you'll see the turnoff in Anna Bay) is popular with families. It's only a small beach but the kids enjoy exploring to rocky coastline and confined beach. Be aware of blue ringed octopus in rock pools. Best to look at the rock pools rather than climb in them. Can be uncomfortable when the swell is coming straight into the beach (not often).
Quiet ocean beach adjacent to Tomaree Headland. Not patrolled and dangerous in some conditions. Rock diving is hazardous.
22 locals recommend
Zenith Beach Tomaree
1B Shoal Bay RdQuiet ocean beach adjacent to Tomaree Headland. Not patrolled and dangerous in some conditions. Rock diving is hazardous.
Neighbourhoods
A sleepy coastal village that has grown into a suburb over the years. Hub for Birubi, Fishermans Bay, Boat Harbour and One Mile. Great little shopping centre featuring an excellent butcher (their bacon is excellent!), IGA, Pasta di Porto and cafe. The pub features standard pub fare and has a bus that will transport you there and home. The Thai restaurant is a good suburban Thai with a few quirky menu options and they will deliver to One Mile Ridge. Good pharmacy, servo and other shops also available.
30 locals recommend
Anna Bay
A sleepy coastal village that has grown into a suburb over the years. Hub for Birubi, Fishermans Bay, Boat Harbour and One Mile. Great little shopping centre featuring an excellent butcher (their bacon is excellent!), IGA, Pasta di Porto and cafe. The pub features standard pub fare and has a bus that will transport you there and home. The Thai restaurant is a good suburban Thai with a few quirky menu options and they will deliver to One Mile Ridge. Good pharmacy, servo and other shops also available.
Action
Kids of all ages will enjoy the adrenaline rush as you pilot your toboggan down the run. Quite safe for the little ones.
46 locals recommend
Toboggan Hill Park
16 Aquatic ClKids of all ages will enjoy the adrenaline rush as you pilot your toboggan down the run. Quite safe for the little ones.
A favourite with the kids and not a bank breaker. Not open all year round.
10 locals recommend
SPLASH Waterpark
40 Victoria ParadeA favourite with the kids and not a bank breaker. Not open all year round.
Fighter World
49 Medowie RdMuseum and cafe at Williamtown RAAF base.
Just like being on your own Dakar Rally but slower and safer. You'll also learn about the Worimi Sand Dunes.
19 locals recommend
Sand Dune Adventures
2163 Nelson Bay RdJust like being on your own Dakar Rally but slower and safer. You'll also learn about the Worimi Sand Dunes.