Once a weary seaside block, Marina Resort is Port Stephens’ newest benchmark for swish coastal stays.
Nelson Bay lives in my memories as a series of salt-sprayed postcards. Childhood summers spent scanning sun-scorched sand for shells and silvery tides for dolphins; gums dotted with lorikeets; Bubble O’Bill ice creams from fish and chip shops.
But today I’m pulled back into the popular Port Stephens town, where my grandparents still live and which was recently named among Australia’s top 10 towns for nature and adventure, for another reason. Marina Resort, a once-forgettable hotel in an ’80s building, reopened last August following an overhaul by DOMA Group. The redevelopment is rethinking the holiday hotspot’s hotel landscape, promising a stylish cut above the sprawling caravan parks and paint-flaked cottages of old.
Where is Marina Resort?
Dive into the resort pool.
Five minutes’ walk uphill from Nelson Bay’s town centre, Marina Resort offers lovely views over the marina and bay beyond. Popular nearby beaches with calm waters include Dutchmanns Beach, Bagnalls Beach and Little Beach, while One Mile Beach is a sterling surf spot around 15 minutes away by car. For those keen to get some steps in, the start of the stunning Tomaree Head Summit Walk is a 10-minute drive away.
What is the style and character of Marina Resort?
Enjoy sweeping views of the ocean. (Credit: Gabriel Saunders)
Marina Resort is all about laid-back coastal living elevated by sun-washed spaces and design-forward details. From the moment my partner and I arrive at reception, I know we’ll be happy here. Staff are friendly and professional, and check-in is butter smooth. Pearly peach mosaics recall the bay’s shell-lined shores, while beige lounges edged with black piping sit opposite a brilliant sapphire-hued coffee table. It’s refined yet unpretentious.
The foyer balances neutrals with pops of colour.
Curated by Melbourne/Naarm design firm Stella Collective, guestrooms are a breezy blend of sand-hued linens, woven textiles, and sculptural wood that allude to Port Stephens’ native flora. I love that our Garden Terrace Room has a leafy private patio and an outdoor daybed overlooking the pool.
Earthy colours and texture bring the rooms to life. (Image: Gabriel Saunders)
Bedrooms are light and airy.
Find inspiration at the reading table. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)
To my delight, the room also boasts partial ocean views, despite its location on the ground floor. While the bathroom is kitted out with Grown Alchemist amenities, the entryway houses a microwave, pod coffee machine, ironing board and mini fridge – though snack hunters such as myself will need to look elsewhere for their fix.
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AI Prompt
What facilities does Marina Resort have?
Plunge into the 25-metre pool.
That hunt leads us to reception, where guests can purchase packaged nibbles and beverages from the vending machines or foyer bar. Canned yuzu, lime and pineapple gin cocktails prove the zesty refresher we’re craving after a surf at nearby One Mile Beach. We bring a few down to the hotel’s north-facing pool area, which offers a pristine 25-metre pool and luxe double-sized day beds (no dingy plastic lounges here, thank you).
Rinse off under the outdoor shower. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)
Those accustomed to high-end hotels might miss the close attention of roaming staff, but for me, the self-service approach means we can enjoy the simplicity of a sunset dip without disturbance.
What is the dining like at Marina Resort?
The hotel has a food truck and outdoor tables. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)
In step with the town’s easygoing, turtle-paced tempo, the hotel trades a restaurant for a pop-up food van open from 8am to 3pm. Here you’ll find freshly squeezed juices and light bites (think potato wedges, paninis, cereal and chia pudding) alongside several al fresco picnic tables.
We opt for a larger meal at The Little Nel, a buzzing local institution loved for its sunny deck and seasonal brunch menu. Later, we drive to Nelson Head Lighthouse – one of my favourite haunts for oven-warm scones and dazzling bay views at the cute little onsite cafe.
While more onsite dining options in the evening hours would complete the experience, it forces us to explore the town’s local dining scene. We dine at Taj Tandoori and love the authentic Indian flavours, though Dumpling Mamas Bar & Dining and Seabreeze Hotel Bistro and Bar are also popular spots.
Does Marina Resort have access for guests with disabilities?
Marina Resort offers accessible rooms.
Yes. Located on the top floor, the best room in the house is wheelchair-accessible, with grab rails in the bathroom.
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Is Marina Resort family-friendly?
Nearby Dutchmans Beach is perfect for families. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)
Marina Resort’s spaces are family-friendly, though they are best suited to well-behaved or older kids as it has a fairly quiet atmosphere. The outdoor pool has a wading pool for children, and the rooms are spacious and reasonably priced – making them ideal for families. Guests can also venture to nearby beaches with calm waters perfect for swimming and fishing.
The verdict
A four-star, contemporary coastal refuge ideal for couples and groups seeking a polished yet relaxed stay. Marina Resort lends easy access to all the things that transport me back to carefree childhood summers here, with the addition of contemporary luxe. For this, I’ll gladly forgo table service.
Details
Best for: couples and groups looking to unwind in style by the sea
Address: 33 Magnus St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
Room rate: Stay between Sunday and Thursday to score nightly rates from $209, a welcome drink and late checkout.
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Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.
For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.
From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.
These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.
1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.
There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.
Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.
The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike. Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.
Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.
3. Lunar Eclipse Hike
See dazzling celestial displays.
What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.
It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.
Book now for 3 March.
4. New Moon Hike
Catch the changing skies of a new moon.
A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.
Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.
6. Merritts Nature Track
Stop at swimming holes along the way.
On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track, where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.
The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.
7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour
Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.
While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.
The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.
8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.
If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.
The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.
