Port Stephens is comprised of a collection of relaxed coastal neighbourhoods – including Nelson Bay, Anna Bay, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, and more – with each offering something a little different. Discover everything you need to know below in our Port Stephens travel guide.

Getting to Port Stephens

Drive north of Sydney for 2.5 hours or north of Newcastle for 1 hour to arrive in the New South Wales coastal region of Port Stephens. If you’re travelling from further afield, catch a domestic flight to Newcastle Airport and travel the further 25 minutes by rental car or taxi to Port Stephens.

Top things to do in Port Stephens

There is a long, enticing list of things to do in Port Stephens, with something to satisfy every traveller: thrill-seekers can opt to quad bike over the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere; nature-lovers can head to the water to scuba dive with grey nurse sharks, brush up against majestic humpback whales and swim with the resident bottlenose dolphin population. Those accustomed to a more leisurely pace can simply spend long, hot summer days lazing on one – or all – of the 26 picture-perfect beaches on offer.

Best places to stay in Port Stephens

From camping to glamping, motels, Airbnbs, hotels and luxury beach resorts, there’s plenty on offer when searching for the perfect Port Stephens accommodation.

Where to eat in Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some standout dining establishments tucked in shopping strips, overlooking beaches, and nestled next to public parks all along the coast that are so worth a stop when travelling to this gem of a destination.