Port Stephens Guidebook
Things to do
Moonshadow Cruises offer dolphin and whale cruises in the Bay, departing from D'Albora Marina. The boat has expansive open decks and indoor viewing, as well as a slide and boom net!
61 locals recommend
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises Boarding
Moonshadow Cruises offer dolphin and whale cruises in the Bay, departing from D'Albora Marina. The boat has expansive open decks and indoor viewing, as well as a slide and boom net!
Dreamt of getting into the water with dolphins? This experience is definitely one to tick off the bucket list! The crew are experienced and friendly, making sure that both the swimmers and the dolphins have a great time!
14 locals recommend
Dolphin Swim Australia
Teramby RoadDreamt of getting into the water with dolphins? This experience is definitely one to tick off the bucket list! The crew are experienced and friendly, making sure that both the swimmers and the dolphins have a great time!
The Stockton sand dunes are the largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. There are plenty of experiences to explore the dunes, on a quad or even a camel! You can drive onto the beach if you have a 4WD (make sure you have a permit first!)
45 locals recommend
Stockton Beach
The Stockton sand dunes are the largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. There are plenty of experiences to explore the dunes, on a quad or even a camel! You can drive onto the beach if you have a 4WD (make sure you have a permit first!)
Hike to the top of Tomaree headland for 360 degree views from the bay! The walk is steep at the beginning with some stairs but only requires a moderate fitness level. It takes about half an hour to reach the top, where you can take in the stunning views before heading back down.
56 locals recommend
Tomaree Mountain
Hike to the top of Tomaree headland for 360 degree views from the bay! The walk is steep at the beginning with some stairs but only requires a moderate fitness level. It takes about half an hour to reach the top, where you can take in the stunning views before heading back down.
This is a great experience for the kids (and adults!) to interact with the marine life. The experienced guides make this an educational day out, and there are lots of opportunities to get up close with the sharks and rays.
60 locals recommend
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
2 Jessie RdThis is a great experience for the kids (and adults!) to interact with the marine life. The experienced guides make this an educational day out, and there are lots of opportunities to get up close with the sharks and rays.
The main shopping center featuring Kmart, grocery stores, specialty stores and more.
59 locals recommend
Salamander Bay Square
2 Town Centre CctThe main shopping center featuring Kmart, grocery stores, specialty stores and more.
Food scene
Delicious authentic Greek food, located opposite the bay with beautiful views and location. A memorable dining experience! Atmos offers a number of vegan options and an impressive wine list. We recommend the lamb shoulder and any of their Greek inspired cocktails.
19 locals recommend
Atmos
35-45 Shoal Bay RoadDelicious authentic Greek food, located opposite the bay with beautiful views and location. A memorable dining experience! Atmos offers a number of vegan options and an impressive wine list. We recommend the lamb shoulder and any of their Greek inspired cocktails.
If you like seafood, this is the ultimate fine dining experience! The produce is sourced locally and changes seasonally, but it's a must visit! Not to mention the beautiful ambience and location on the bay.
21 locals recommend
Rick Stein at Bannisters
147 Soldiers Point RdIf you like seafood, this is the ultimate fine dining experience! The produce is sourced locally and changes seasonally, but it's a must visit! Not to mention the beautiful ambience and location on the bay.
The pest pastries in town! They go quickly though so make sure to head there early. We recommend the sourdough croissants and cinnamon buns - the coffee is great too!
16 locals recommend
Two Bobs Bakery
8 Yacaaba StThe pest pastries in town! They go quickly though so make sure to head there early. We recommend the sourdough croissants and cinnamon buns - the coffee is great too!
The best coffee in Nelson Bay and a delicious breakfast menu! Our recommendations are the Bacon Benedict and the milkshakes. They also welcome dogs in the outdoor dining space.
70 locals recommend
The Little Nel
7 Government RdThe best coffee in Nelson Bay and a delicious breakfast menu! Our recommendations are the Bacon Benedict and the milkshakes. They also welcome dogs in the outdoor dining space.
The perfect location for your morning coffee or afternoon mimosa - opposite the stunning Shoal Bay, the country club offers a number of dining options, a bar, woodfired pizzas and live music
95 locals recommend
Shoal Bay Country Club
35-45 Shoal Bay RdThe perfect location for your morning coffee or afternoon mimosa - opposite the stunning Shoal Bay, the country club offers a number of dining options, a bar, woodfired pizzas and live music
City/town information
Fingal Bay Beach is arguably one of the best beaches in the area! The white sand and clear water makes it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or stand up paddle boarding.
41 locals recommend
Fingal Bay
Fingal Bay Beach is arguably one of the best beaches in the area! The white sand and clear water makes it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or stand up paddle boarding.
Nelson Bay is the main city center in Port Stephens - abundant with restaurants, cafes and shops. There is a Woolworths, chemists and everything you need.
94 locals recommend
Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay is the main city center in Port Stephens - abundant with restaurants, cafes and shops. There is a Woolworths, chemists and everything you need.
Sightseeing
Drive up to the look out for the best views of the bay! You can see all of the headlands and stunning beaches.
52 locals recommend
Gan Gan Lookout
Lily Hill RoadDrive up to the look out for the best views of the bay! You can see all of the headlands and stunning beaches.