Escape to a luxury bayside retreat in Port Stephens

Whether you’re seeking exploration, adventure, pampering or the perfect hideaway, it’s time to set sail to your very own utopia.

When the universe lands too much on your plate, even the normally joyful act of choosing a holiday destination can weigh you down. If only there was one place you needn’t think twice about. A year-round, protected paradise where worries are left at the door, service is intuitive and your every whim is swiftly and discreetly catered to. Well, get ready – whether you’re seeking exploration, adventure, pampering or the perfect hideaway, it’s time to set sail to your very own utopia. Secret passcode: The Anchorage Port Stephens.

The Anchorage, Port Stephens, Australia — The Anchorage Port Stephens is a year-round, protected paradise where worries are left at the door.

The quiet approach

Turning east off the highway just two hours’ drive from Sydney, time starts to wind backwards. For the next 45 minutes, streetscapes featuring ’80s-built homes with freshly mown lawns and concrete pelicans gradually melt away into laneways lined with rustic beach shacks, palm trees and lush parkland expanses. You catch a glimpse of talc white sand and pale turquoise ripples through a veil of scrub and wonder how on earth this stunning stretch of land has existed for so long known as Port Stephens, so close to home, without your knowledge – and you do a little happy dance in your seat because developers don’t appear to have received the memo either. Slowly edging towards the seaside village of Nelson Bay, at a fingertip of jutting land you exit, stage left, passing Corlette Point Park’s brilliant patch of green that fronts an incredibly pristine beach. Your gaze comes to rest on a sign that reads ‘Resort Guests Only’. You’ve arrived at a luxury haven by the sea.

Yacht sailing in the sea, The Anchorage, Port Stephens, Australia — You’ve arrived at a luxury haven by the sea.

Checking in to check out

A glass of sparkling wine is placed in your hand as you drift into the stunning Hamptons dressed lounge area for the check in experience, the perfect indicator of what lies ahead. Plump sofas and oversized cocoon chairs in beige, cream, caramel and indigo offer plenty of soft landings, poised to soak up the natural light which floods the hexagonal room from almost every angle. The decor, although straight from a page of a luxury home magazine, feels as comfortable as a pair of well-loved jeans and cable-knitted cashmere. Looking across the main resort pool towards the marina adjacent, a collective of yacht masts wave a gentle hello. Your host offers to book dinner for you, of course allowing ample time to settle in to your room and take a romantic stroll along the boardwalk which connects you to all points of the resort and marina. You’re guided to your awaiting chambers and before your host slips away, they present you with a small cache of handcrafted chocolates honouring your special occasion. Sweet.

Red wine being poured at The Anchorage Port Stephens, Australia — Indulge in a glass of wine as you get ready for what lies ahead.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Designer digs

You’ve lashed out on one of the split-level lofts because you truly deserve it. The entire whitewashed space, ethereal and streamlined, bears nautical hints, botanical artworks and mirrors that bring the blissful outdoors even closer. A small but inviting sitting room with a balcony connects to the upper deck via a slender light-house stairwell. First impressions evoke instant calm, but the full impact only emerges upon locating the master bedroom. A king-size bed sits central in an observatory, like a giant pearl resting in its shell. Climbing aboard, you marvel at the windswept coastline you’ll be waking to each morning. Slung across the foot of the bed, a fishing net-inspired throw hints toward you being the catch of the day, and who could argue? You spy a message with a bottle. It’s your favourite Alsatian riesling, that sensational drop you first sipped on your European honeymoon and couldn’t forget. The note reads “ Chill me. Tomorrow a surprise awaits". You dutifully follow instructions before sauntering, hand in hand, along the waterfront. The air is cooler than anticipated but a staff member appears with a knowing wink, handing you a light blanket to wrap around your shoulders.

Interiors, The Anchorage Port Stephens — The entire whitewashed space bring the blissful outdoors even closer.

Sophisticated tastes

Your table is waiting at The Wild Herring. Like most resort facilities, this restaurant is open only to guests. Although you know the resort is at capacity, you notice just a few other couples. Paying closer attention, they seem to know one another and the staff. It transpires that they are regular guests, and some have been making the pilgrimage for generations. Grown-up children who once built sandcastles on the shore now view the beautifully refurbished resort with fresh perspective, passing on the magic to new friends and lovers.

Oysters from the menu at The Anchorage, Port Stephens, Australia — The reimagined contemporary Australian menu features rock oysters from nearby waters.

Signature cocktails are sipped as a stream of sail boats return to their moorings. Hours pass without once looking at your phone, swept away with destination dining at its finest. The reimagined contemporary Australian menu features rock oysters from nearby waters, sublime scallops, line-caught local fish and expertly matched wines. You’ve finally found time to reconnect and now only have eyes for each other. Your waiter suggests a nightcap in the stylish Moby’s Bar, and you go because you’re not quite ready for this night to end. The sumptuous whiskey den is swathed in richly hued textures: moss green and eggshell blue velvet, tanned and chocolate leather, and tartan rugs which soften the expanse of dark wood parquetry flooring. Cut crystal-style light fittings mimic whiskey decanters, adding a warm glow to the room, and are enhanced by flickering lantern lights dancing a merry jig. The atmosphere hugs you tight and you order another dram.

Signature Cocktails at The Anchorage Port Stephens — Sip on one of their signature cocktails.

Barefoot discoveries

Through enormous bay windows filtered with sea mist you spy a moody grey winter’s sky from your bed, and take it as a sign for a lie in. Your breathing syncs with the music of waves, lapping and shushing against the break wall. This is the peace you were seeking. Leisurely grazing on crisp pastries with a much-appreciated coffee fix, you’re presented with a hint of the day’s activities and are reminded to grab that special bottle. A pre-planned sailing adventure to mark your anniversary has you stepping onto a yacht deck just as the sun starts to peek through the clouds. You spend the day mesmerised by the drifting sea spray, seagulls gliding overhead and pods of frolicking dolphins so close you reach out in hope of an introduction. In the distance a whale breaches and life feels somehow more complete.

Segulls at The Anchorage, Port Stephens, Australia — Spend your day mesmerised by the seagulls.

After pulling into a quiet cove, you saunter along the seemingly untouched beach barefoot, investigating rock pools and dusting off shells, looking for the perfect keepsake. While you snorkel in the crystal-clear bay a blanket is set on the sand, weighted down with a picnic basket of crisp crudites, a selection of charcuterie and your favourite cheese, and a crusty baguette. It’s time to dry off. The riesling’s uncorked and you toast each other’s cleverness in discovering this special haven.

Post-lunch, a languid nature hike brings the day almost to a close, and you return to The Anchorage as the sun sets and the temperature drops dramatically. A crackling fire beckons you to the lounge. A ‘welcome home’ glass of mulled wine arrives, its spicy aroma transporting you to anniversaries past, and you share a smile. Back in your room you snuggle up with a movie and order in a burger. The chef’s accompanying house-made pickled vegetables are so damn good you ask for the recipe. Simple things.

Walking barefoot at The Anchorage Port Stephens — Saunter along the seemingly untouched beach barefoot.

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Ebb and flow

It’s your final full day and you find yourself humming Hotel California, refusing to believe you’ll ever leave. An early decision is made to explore further afield, so you rent two bikes from a nearby business and cycle along the coastal road, rewarding yourself with a wholesome breakfast at one of Nelson Bay’s laid-back cafes. After perusing a few elegant boutiques and homewares stores you top up with a mid-morning coffee to buoy your downhill ride. The breeze whips your hair away from your face and, squealing with delight, you remember the beach holidays of your childhood and less complicated, freer times. You land by the heated adults-only infinity pool, surrounded by immaculately groomed shrubbery for ultimate privacy, and read two pages of that book you’ve been yearning to dive into before falling asleep in the warmth of the sun. You awaken, shaded by an umbrella canopy you’re certain wasn’t there when you arrived. Complimentary seasonal fruit appears, followed by a range of bespoke popsicles. You could stay all afternoon but it’s time for a pampering salt scrub, full body massage and facial at in-house Spa Lucca. You float out some hours later to the strumming of live guitars timed for twilight cocktails on the deck. A small group enjoys a private mixology class and you make a mental note for next time, already knowing which friends you’ll have in tow. Tonight, you’re already committed; a specially themed chef’s table dinner has been arranged. Later in your room, a bath has been drawn, sprinkled with essential oils and freshly plucked petals. You linger, resisting sleep, but it’s futile – you’re already en route to the isle of dreams.

Spa treatments at Spa Lucca, the in-house spa at The Anchorage Port Stephens, Australia — It’s time for a pampering at the in-house Spa Lucca.

Same time next year

You wake to an expanse of blue and the scent of bacon wafting from The Galley Kitchen, a sprawling atrium-like space adjacent to the resort’s main pool. You relax a little longer, farewell new friends and stretch out the morning as long as you can. Navigation begins for a longer stay next winter, and perhaps a brief summer sojourn in between? You’re swayed to take one final meander around the area, soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Scrambling to a high point for a few more snapshots, you recall yesterday’s encounter with a deeply creviced fisherman. With a wry grin and a twinkle in his eye he maintained focus on the horizon as he carefully explained the technique of ‘catch and release’. Wise words for travellers. Abandon the helm and let The Anchorage steer your next escape.

Plan your visit at anchorageportstephens.com.au

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.