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.
See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.
By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.
From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.
This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.
1. Share in ghostly tales
Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)
If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.
You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.
2. Wander art installations
See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)
Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.
For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.
3. Learn through lasers
Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)
Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.
The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.
4. Light up the lake
Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)
Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.
You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.
5. Be captivated by local culture
Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)
Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.
Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.
6. Discover a winter glow
See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)
Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.
Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.
Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.
