So you’ve booked Nelson Bay. Good call.
Port Stephens packs dolphins, whales, 26 beaches, a volcanic headland and the biggest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere into one easy coastal region – all within about 2.5 hours of Sydney. Here’s what we tell guests at Peninsula Nelson Bay when they ask what’s worth doing.
Short on time? Do these four: a dolphin or whale watching cruise from Nelson Bay Marina, the Tomaree Head Summit Walk at sunrise or sunset, a swim at Shoal Bay or Little Beach, and sandboarding on the Stockton Beach dunes at Anna Bay.
On the water
1. Dolphin watching cruise
Port Stephens is home to a large resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, so sightings are very likely year-round. Cruises leave from Nelson Bay Marina, a 10 minute walk from our front door.
2. Whale watching (May to November)
Humpback whales migrate past Port Stephens every winter and spring. Morning cruises head out past the heads, and on calm days you can spot blows from Tomaree Head.
3. Snorkel or dive Fly Point & Halifax Park
The Fly Point–Halifax Park aquatic reserve is one of the best shore dives in NSW, with nudibranchs, seahorses and rays. Go on a slack tide and check conditions first.
4. Go fishing
Join a game or sport fishing charter from the marina, or throw a line in off the breakwall. Ask our team for charter recommendations.
5. Paddle or hire a boat
Kayak, stand-up paddleboard and boat hire are available around the marina and Shoal Bay – the bay’s sheltered water is perfect for beginners.
On land
6. Climb Tomaree Head
The 161 m summit walk takes about an hour return and rewards you with one of the best coastal views in NSW, plus WWII gun emplacements along the way.
7. Ride the Stockton Beach sand dunes
Sandboard, take a 4WD tour or ride a camel on the Worimi Conservation Lands at Anna Bay, about 25 minutes’ drive away.
8. Walk the Tomaree Coastal Walk
This 27 km coastal track links Tomaree Head with Birubi Point. Do a short section – Zenith Beach to Box Beach is a local favourite.
9. Visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
See koalas in a natural bushland setting at One Mile, around 10 minutes’ drive from Nelson Bay.
10. Toboggan Hill Park
A family classic in Nelson Bay with a toboggan run, mini golf and a maze.
11. Nelson Head Lighthouse
Stop for scones and the view at the historic Inner Lighthouse between the marina and Little Beach.
Beaches
12. Little Beach & Shoal Bay
Little Beach is a 5 minute walk from us, with a netted swimming area and jetty. Shoal Bay is calm, clear and ideal for families.
13. Fingal Bay & Zenith Beach
Fingal Bay has a long sweep of sheltered sand, while Zenith Beach is a surf beach framed by Tomaree Head. Do not attempt to cross Fingal Spit unless conditions are safe.
Food & drink
14. Dinner at the marina
Fresh seafood, fish and chips and waterfront restaurants line Nelson Bay Marina, or eat in at our on-site restaurant.
15. Murray’s Brewery & Port Stephens Winery
Craft beer, local wine and a relaxed lunch at Bobs Farm – a great stop on the way into or out of town.
A simple 3-day Nelson Bay itinerary
| Day | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, swim at Little Beach, sunset dinner at the marina |
| 2 | Morning dolphin cruise, afternoon at Shoal Bay, Tomaree Head at sunset |
| 3 | Stockton sand dunes, lunch at Murray’s Brewery, head home |
Where to stay
Peninsula Nelson Bay is a 4-star motel and serviced apartment complex on Shoal Bay Road, right between Shoal Bay Beach and Nelson Bay Marina. Choose from King rooms, spa suites, family rooms or 2 and 3 bedroom apartments – and use code BOOKDIRECT to save 12%.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Nelson Bay?
A dolphin watching cruise from Nelson Bay Marina. Port Stephens has a large resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, so sightings are very likely all year.
When is whale watching season in Port Stephens?
Humpback whales migrate past Port Stephens from about May to November, with cruises departing Nelson Bay Marina.
How long is the Tomaree Head Summit Walk?
Allow about an hour return. The track climbs to 161 m and offers panoramic views over Port Stephens.
How far is Nelson Bay from Sydney?
Nelson Bay is about 2.5 hours’ drive north of Sydney and around 35 minutes from Newcastle Airport.
