Port Stephens, New South Wales

Port Stephens, New South Wales 2315

Port Stephens is a complete gem to visit, a colour palette of white sandy beaches and bright blue skies.

The traditional owners of the land are the Worimi people and the 1000 square kilometre area size is twice the size of the famed Sydney Harbour. There are 26 beaches for you to explore or if you’re feeling adventurous, why not hike up to Mount Tomaree. There are activities galore on Port Stephens such as viewing the whales on their annual migration and scuba diving. Port Stephens is the perfect location for a great weekend away as you have plenty of options whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or family. Port Stephen’s is probably most famous for having the largest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, the Anna Bay Sand Dunes.

These jaw-dropping dunes can reach heights of up to 40 metres, stretching along Stockton Bright for over 34 kilometres at Birubi Beach. The dunes offer an array of activities for the whole family. Whether you visit these sand dunes for its sand boarding, camel rides, quad biking or simply to watch the sunset over the dunes, you will certainly not be disappointed.

How to get to Port Stephens

There a couple of options you have when deciding how to make the trip out to Port Stephens. The first is by driving from Sydney, which is around about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive. If you decide to take public transport, you can start from Central Station taking a 2.5-hour train ride to Hamilton, followed by a 1.5-hour bus journey to Port Stephens. The easiest way to get there? By tour bus of course! The most difficult part of your journey will be deciding where you want to sit on the bus and it alleviates the pressure of hiring a car or hopping on different modes of transportation which only extends your journey further.

Things to do at Port Stephens

• Quad biking

  

  Churn up the sand as you speed along the dunes for the day. Even if you are a newbie, quad biking is easy to pick up, allowing ages from 16 years up to ride solo. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or you’re faint of heart, quad biking can be a fun experience that caters to the whole family. Join in on this exhilarating adventure, speeding up across the desert sand from bush to beach.

• Sand Boarding

  

  If you are an adrenaline junkie, get your thrills and spills as you surf down the sand dunes! This is by far the most popular activity that draws in the tourist as they race down the 40-metre high sand dunes. Visitors can the slopes and soar down on the sandboards provided. Either sit, lie, or for the very brave, stand as you surf along the high sand slopes on plastic boards. This activity is even allowed for children, providing a great activity that the whole family will enjoy.

• Camel Rides

  

  Slow down with a camel ride around the dunes. This adventure is much less fast and furious, and much more Sahara desert. A great alternative for a laid-back journey offered for all ages above 2 years. Enjoy making friends with your animal conveyance as you marvel at the stunning scenery of the region. For an even better view, join on the sunset tours! This quirky experience is sure to be a favourite amongst the whole family and a memorable part of your trip.

What Else Can You Do in Port Stephens

Once you’ve finished discovering the desert wilderness, don’t despair, there is plenty more to do! Port Stephens is a great place to spot bottleneck dolphins and whales. Simply head out on one of the tour boat cruises and keep your eyes peeled for these creatures. Chances are you’ll see at least one, as there are around 165 dolphins that live there permanently around the coast. If you’re looking for a relaxing break amongst the stunning scenery, why not trek to the many beaches scattered around? Get that summer tan as you soak up the sun!

Another fun activity is the hike up to Mount Tomaree. The entryway to Port Stephens is flanked by this mountain which provides amazing views from the lookout that’s 161 metres high. The hike is 2.2 kilometres return and will take you between 90 to 120 minutes to complete if you can resist not stopping along the way to take some pictures! The panoramic view includes the Port Stephens Lighthouse and Zenith Beach. After this, head down to Zenith beach and enjoy the pristine sandy beach and its seclusion. Or, if you’re a fan of bike riding, then Port Stephens is the place for you. There are over 50 kilometres of trails to choose from.

What to eat in Port Stephens

Little Beach Boathouse in the Port Stephens region is a must visit eatery. With beachside dining, this restaurant dishes up Modern Australian cuisine utilising fresh and local produce. The star of the show here is seafood, so it’s recommended to go that route when you’re eating here. For those who don’t love seafood, there are plenty of other options such as crispy pork belly or lemon thyme chicken breast.

The Inner Lights Tea Rooms is a great cafe in the area that’s open 7 days a week for morning/afternoon tea and lunch. The reason why this café remains a favourite of both locals and tourists is that the restaurant itself boasts amazing views of Port Stephens. On a bright and sunny day, you can eat outside and overlooking the crystal blue water and mountains in the distance. If that doesn’t sound like heaven, we don’t know what does!

No trip to Port Stephens is complete without a visit to these iconic locations Try these activities on your next trip for an unforgettable adventure.