Each year, thousands of tourists travel upwards from Sydney to Port Stephens.
Located just North of Newcastle, Port Stephens offers a slice of seaside serenity which contrasts to the busyness of Sydney’s CBD. But how do you get from Sydney to Port Stephens?
Port Stephens is in the North of the Hunter Valley. It’s a pretty, quiet, and serene natural spot that attracts whale watchers, and those looking to get a splash of quiet seaside to contrast the bustling city of Sydney.
It’s only a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney – so it’s a great option if you want to do a day trip from Sydney!
How do you get from Sydney to Port Stephens?
The distance from Sydney to Port Stephens is about 2 hours.
There is lots of seafood, sandboarding, dunes and plenty of places to go and see whales! With gorgeous long stretches of beach, sandboarding and paragliding…
Port Stephens is home to a whole range of marine wildlife – watch as wild dolphins peek their heads out of the waters, or the humpback whales do flips.
Whether you explore Port Stephens by dunes, by water, or by land – it’s a beautiful, charming little town to explore.
Port Stephens is located just to the North of Newcastle. The most popular area of Port Stephens is Nelson Bay. Newcastle to Port Stephens is about a 40-minute drive, so if you’re taking public transport, you’ll most likely pass through Newcastle first!
Getting public transport
There are plenty of different public transport options if you’re looking to get to Port Stephens. You’ll have to get through Newcastle to get up there.
Driving to Port Stephens
If you’re driving from Sydney, then Port Stephens is about a 2.5-hour drive.
Simply take the M1 Motorway route. Get onto the New England Highway and go over the Hexham Bridge.
From there, take the Richardson Road – Raymond Terrace/Nelson Bay exit sign, and keep going along Richardson Road.
Continue, following the Nelson Bay signs that take you to the Karuah turn.
Flying to Port Stephens
Port Stephens doesn’t have an airport – but Newcastle does. Newcastle Airport welcomes passengers flying from all over Australia. So, if you needed to fly from Sydney, this is an option!
There is a taxi rank at the end of Newcastle Airport, where you’ll be able to jump in a taxi and get to Nelson Bay in Port Stephens in about 6 minutes.
Getting the train to Port Stephens from Sydney
But arguably the easiest way to get to Port Stephens is to get the train. The New South Wales Train Link has very easy and accessible train journeys, that go all over the country.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.