Guidebook for Nelson Bay
Food Scene
Nice cafe at Nelson Bay
71A Victoria Paradeexcellent food and coffee
Pet friendly
Rick Stien's new restaurant that has recently opened in the area.
Check website for opening hours and book online
26 locals recommend
Bannisters Port Stephens
147 Soldiers Point RdRick Stien's new restaurant that has recently opened in the area.
Check website for opening hours and book online
Little tapas bar in the heart of nelson bay. Open for breakfast and dinner.
11 locals recommend
Evviva Cafe &Bar
14A Stockton StLittle tapas bar in the heart of nelson bay. Open for breakfast and dinner.
A bit out of the way but worth the short drive. Viking themed restaurant/bar. They do some amazing wood fire pizzas! On the weekend they have live music and it is a great vibe. Gelato and coffee during the day and great little outdoor area at the back for the kids.
12 locals recommend
Valhalla Restaurant Bar
3834 Nelson Bay RdA bit out of the way but worth the short drive. Viking themed restaurant/bar. They do some amazing wood fire pizzas! On the weekend they have live music and it is a great vibe. Gelato and coffee during the day and great little outdoor area at the back for the kids.
One of our favourites!!! A Great spot for a weekend lunch among the vines and Australian bush. Dog friendly and plenty of activities for the kids with outdoor games. Live music and more importantly a great food and a good selection of local wines /beers made on site. They sometimes do a courtesy bus so ring ahead for pick up/drop off details.
58 locals recommend
Murray's Brewery
3443 Nelson Bay RdOne of our favourites!!! A Great spot for a weekend lunch among the vines and Australian bush. Dog friendly and plenty of activities for the kids with outdoor games. Live music and more importantly a great food and a good selection of local wines /beers made on site. They sometimes do a courtesy bus so ring ahead for pick up/drop off details.
Two Bobs Bakery
8 Yacaaba StFreshly made bread. Awesome Sourdough!
Nigronis
77 Magnus StPizza and wine kitchen. Recommend to make a booking on weekends/nights.
Longboat Cafe
3 Marine Drgreat coffee and excellent park for the kids to play in
Great little spot right on the water. Perfect for lunch or afternoon snack and drinks. Pet friendly.
Bay Harbour Cafe
14 18Teramby RoadGreat little spot right on the water. Perfect for lunch or afternoon snack and drinks. Pet friendly.
Drinks & Nightlife
amazing views
good all day round
open for coffee and late night drinks
Courtesy bus back to Nelson bay during the later hours on the night
95 locals recommend
Shoal Bay Country Club
35-45 Shoal Bay Rdamazing views
good all day round
open for coffee and late night drinks
Courtesy bus back to Nelson bay during the later hours on the night
Amazing location set on the water overlooking Little Beach. A must for a afternoon snack and drink by the sea
110 locals recommend
Little Beach Boathouse
4 Victoria ParadeAmazing location set on the water overlooking Little Beach. A must for a afternoon snack and drink by the sea
Essentials
has underground parking and BWS attached
cafe inside- coffee is good here
43 locals recommend
Woolworths Nelson Bay
Donald Streethas underground parking and BWS attached
cafe inside- coffee is good here
Entertainment & Activities
Play a round of golf amongst the kangaroos
Relax on the large open area deck above the green
35 locals recommend
Nelson Bay Golf Club
57 Dowling StPlay a round of golf amongst the kangaroos
Relax on the large open area deck above the green
Getting Around
Nelson Bay Taxis
132 George RdDownload the Nelson Bay Taxi app for bookings
Sightseeing
Drive up Gan Gan Hill Lookout just 3mins from the house. Very accessible with a mostly flat pathway. Amazing 360 degree views over Port Stephens without out the hike!
52 locals recommend
Gan Gan Lookout
Lily Hill RoadDrive up Gan Gan Hill Lookout just 3mins from the house. Very accessible with a mostly flat pathway. Amazing 360 degree views over Port Stephens without out the hike!
Fingal Bay spit.
Keep an eye on the tides if you are planning to walk across this! only crossable on low tide. plan your day accordingly. An iconic scene of the area and one to not pass up on. Long boat cafe is part of the surf club here and serve decent meals.
9 locals recommend
Fingal Spit
Fingal Bay spit.
Keep an eye on the tides if you are planning to walk across this! only crossable on low tide. plan your day accordingly. An iconic scene of the area and one to not pass up on. Long boat cafe is part of the surf club here and serve decent meals.
Parks & Nature
dog friendly beach
The largest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. So much to see and do here on this beach from sand boarding, surfing, walk the headland bush trails, Crest Cafe for breakfast/lunch, camel rides or just a great day at the beach. The northern end is more protected from the big surf and has rock pools for the kids to explore. Beach is also dog friendly.
9 locals recommend
Sand Dunes Anna Bay
The largest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. So much to see and do here on this beach from sand boarding, surfing, walk the headland bush trails, Crest Cafe for breakfast/lunch, camel rides or just a great day at the beach. The northern end is more protected from the big surf and has rock pools for the kids to explore. Beach is also dog friendly.
quiet little bay perfect for the family. lots of natural shade and BBQs. Standup paddle boards for hike on this beach.
22 locals recommend
Dutchmans Beach Reserve
1 Burbong Stquiet little bay perfect for the family. lots of natural shade and BBQs. Standup paddle boards for hike on this beach.
Cycle way from Corlette to Dutchies Beach. Great spot for a bike ride with the kids.
Bartlett Cycleway
Bartlett CyclewayCycle way from Corlette to Dutchies Beach. Great spot for a bike ride with the kids.
great rock pools for exploring. Good spot to watch the whales and dolphins swim by. Go on low tide as there is more sand and little private beaches start to appear.
Iris Moore Reserve
14 James Paterson Stgreat rock pools for exploring. Good spot to watch the whales and dolphins swim by. Go on low tide as there is more sand and little private beaches start to appear.
One Mile Beach
Gan Gan RdPatrolled Beach and good for swimming
If your up for a bit of a challenge it is worth the walk! Stunning 360 degree views at the summit overlooking the port. Take in the beautiful Australian bush as well as our crystal clear waters. Get up early and race up to watch the sunrise.
World war II gun emplacements and torpedo tubes are also located on this headland, just follow the signage.
85 locals recommend
Tomaree Head Summit walk
Shoal Bay RoadIf your up for a bit of a challenge it is worth the walk! Stunning 360 degree views at the summit overlooking the port. Take in the beautiful Australian bush as well as our crystal clear waters. Get up early and race up to watch the sunrise.
World war II gun emplacements and torpedo tubes are also located on this headland, just follow the signage.
If you want to go snorkeling this is the place!
This marine reserve is filled with sea life and easy access from the waters edge. When you walk in the water fish surround you. swim a little deeper and you may be lucky enough to see some blue gropers.
12 locals recommend
Fly Point Aquatic Reserve
Victoria ParadeIf you want to go snorkeling this is the place!
This marine reserve is filled with sea life and easy access from the waters edge. When you walk in the water fish surround you. swim a little deeper and you may be lucky enough to see some blue gropers.
Bagnall beach
150 Government Rdgreat off leash dog beach, no restriction to hours.