A nature lover’s guide to the best Port Stephens camping

With 26 beaches and bays, a backdrop of ever-shifting sand dunes and large pockets of lush coastal forest, Port Stephens camping is simply extraordinary.

Port Stephens is a region where outdoor pursuits are part of your everyday itinerary. Taking long walks on sugar-white sand, swimming and snorkelling in translucent waters, four-wheel-driving or quad biking on gargantuan sand dunes…

What better place to recount stories of sun-drenched days than around a campfire, before being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the ocean? Covering everything from basic campsites to holiday parks that cater to your every need, our guide to Port Stephens camping will help you escape in no time.

1. Halifax Holiday Park

Conveniently wedged between two beautiful beaches in Port Stephens, and an easy 15-minute walk into the town of Nelson Bay, the location of Halifax Holiday Park can’t be beaten. It offers direct beach access to Little Beach and Shoal Bay Beach, both of which are calm and family-friendly swimming spots (so they’re perfect for stand-up paddle boarding, too). The Port Stephens camping spot is also a popular choice for boaties due to its deepwater boat ramp. As far as your actual digs go, there are powered tent and van sites, plus modern one- to four-bedroom villas, with fully equipped kitchens.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: A boat ramp, BBQs, kiosk, kids’ playground, laundry facilities and direct beach access
Accessibility: Yes, there’s a three-bedroom ‘Accessible Living’ cabin with lowered benches, ramp access, extra-wide parking, a shower chair and more custom features.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, but you must register your pooch before setting up.
Address: 5 Beach Rd, Little Beach, Nelson Bay

2. Shoal Bay Holiday Park

A stroll from the powder-soft white sands of picturesque Shoal Bay Beach and a short walk into the village, this holiday park is a top spot for chilled-out Port Stephens camping. Families with younger kids will love the activities during school holidays; keeping active and entertained is easy with a games room, cycleway just behind the park and on-site tennis court. The park has powered tent and van sites, ensuite van sites, uber comfy safari tents and one-, two- and four-bedroom villas. Just down the road, the Tomaree Headland Summit Walk is a short but challenging hike that offers spectacular views. Top the beachside bliss off with a stop at the Shoal Bay Country Club for a casual feed.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: BBQs, tennis court, laundry, camp kitchen, games room and direct beach access
Accessibility: Yes, there’s a two-bedroom accessible villa with a wheelchair ramp.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, but you must register your pooch before setting up.
Address: 71 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay

3. Big4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point 

indoor pool of Ingenia Holidays — Vacationing families will surely love the indoor pool.

Big 4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point is known for its kid-friendly fun thanks to the purpose-built bike track, an indoor kids’ water park, a jungle gym, an outdoor playground, a games room, a pedal kart hire, a giant chess board and more. The kids will no doubt flop into their beds at night, lulled to sleep by the sounds of the ocean, a hundred or so metres away. The Port Stephens camping hot spot features powered and ensuite caravan and campsites, a range of cabins, plus 1970s Airstreams that sleep four.

 Price: $-$$$
Facilities: BBQs, playgrounds, two swimming pools, water playground, bike and pedal kart hire, tennis courts, bowling alley and a kiosk
Accessibility: Yes, there’s a two-bedroom accessible cabin with a low-incline wheelchair ramp, bathroom with handrails, detachable shower head and accessible benchtops.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, but only at selected sites.
Address: 122 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point

4. Thou Walla Sunset Retreat

Located at the tip of Soldiers Point, Thou Walla Sunset Retreat is – as the name suggests – a spectacular location to enjoy a sky show as the sun dips behind the horizon. The park has access to two beaches, a nearby boat ramp and marina, tennis court, and is close to the Port Stephens Yacht Club and refined Point Restaurant. Accommodation types include caravan sites, one- and two-bedroom cabins, and glamping tents with amazing views of the sunsets.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: Swimming pool, glamping tents, BBQs, camp kitchen and laundry
Accessibility: Yes, there are accessible bathroom facilities for campers.
Dog-friendly?: No
Address: 2 Ridgeway Ave, Soldiers Point

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

5. Gateway Lifestyle Birubi Beach

room at Gateway Lifestyle Birubi Beach — Rooms are made for comfortable rest after a full day of adventures.

Located near Birubi Beach, which extends from Port Stephens to Stockton, this holiday park is the perfect base for sand-based adventures. The patrolled beach has four-wheel-drive access to the Stockton Sand Dunes, is famous for camel rides, and is safe for swimming and surfing plus exploring the rock pools. The park itself has unpowered and powered tent and van sites, in addition to one- and two-bedroom cabins.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: Mini golf, a heated pool, kids’ playground, beach access, camp kitchens, and ping pong
Accessibility: Yes, but there are no specialised areas for guests with access needs.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, across selected stays but all furry friends must be registered.
Address: 37 James Paterson St, Anna Bay

6. Big4 Bays Holiday Park

A little further away from the coast, Big4 Bays Holiday Park is yet another Port Stephens camping pick guaranteed to send the kids straight to heaven. It has a pool with a slide, plus plenty of activities for little ones, in addition to a wide choice of accommodation options. Choose from powered and unpowered sites, one- to three-bedroom cabins, and three ‘cosy’ caravans with coastal cool styling and contemporary finishes. The park is also close to Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, a must-visit for ocean lovers, and Birubi Beach.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: Swimming pool, playgrounds, pedal karts, giant jumping pillow, camp kitchen, BBQs, two amenities blocks and a laundry
Accessibility: Yes, there is an accessible amenities block for campers.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, across select cabins and sites, and there’s even a dog wash to keep them clean.
Address: 23 Port Stephens Drive, Anna Bay

7. Ganyamalbaa Camping Trial

On a remote beach in the Worimi Conservation Lands, the Ganyamalbaa Camping Trial is suitable for tents and single-axel camper trailers only. It’s the only place you’re allowed to camp within the conservation area and sites must be booked but do make the extra effort because the experience is one-of-a-kind. There are no facilities (i.e. not even toilets or water) so you’ll need to bring everything. The trade-off? Sleeping peacefully under a blanket of stars, with immediate access to the dunes, four-wheel-driving and quad biking.

Price: $
Facilities: Fire pits and that’s really about it — BYO water, a portable camp toilet and firewood.
Accessibility: No
Dog-friendly?: No
Address: Worimi Conservation Lands, Fern Bay

8. Fingal Bay Holiday Park

High shot overlooking Fingal Bay Holiday park and the beach. — Fingal Bay Holiday Park is made for families.

A family favourite for Port Stephens camping and caravanning, Fingal Bay Holiday Park is a large spot located directly opposite a patrolled beach, which is super convenient for surfers. It’s also excellent for whale watching between May and November when migration season strikes. The park has a swimming pool, tennis court, games room, playground and school holiday activities for kids. You can choose from powered tent and van sites, ensuite sites, and one- to three-bedroom cabins.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: Swimming pool, tennis court, games room, children’s playground, BBQs, direct beach access, a camp kitchen, laundry and picnic areas
Accessibility: Yes, there’s a three-bedroom deluxe villa with lower benches, safety rails and a wheelchair ramp.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, but you must register your pooch before setting up.
Address: 52 Marine Drive, Fingal Bay

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9. Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach

Beach lovers flock to Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach for the seemingly endless stretch of sand right on its doorstep. Kids are well catered to as various activities provide plenty of entertainment while the on-site pool, tennis court and basketball court provide after-beach fun for the whole family. There are powered and unpowered sites for camping and caravans, and everything from budget cabins to a luxury beach house sleeping eight.

Features: unpowered and powered sites, cabins, pool, playground, tennis, barbecues, pet-friendly, beach access, surf school, cafe

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: Swimming pool, tennis court, entertainment room, laundry, children’s playground, ball court, BBQs, glamping tents, a dump point, restaurant, bar and direct beach access.
Accessibility: Yes, with rails in some parts but there are no specialised areas for guests with access needs.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, across select cabins and camping sites.

Address: 426 Gan Gan Rd, One Mile

 10. Samurai Beach Bungalows

Nestled in Tomaree National Park, Samurai Beach Bungalows is a peaceful spot surrounded by ocean, dunes and headlands. The only catch? Clothing is optional. Yep, if you’re comfortable in your own skin (literally just your own skin) or don’t mind others who are, then you can spend your days here surfing, fishing and exploring the dunes. The Port Stephens camping spot is a YHA, so expect crowds of youngsters taking advantage of extensive facilities, free-flowing wi-fi and affordable price tags.

Price: $-$$
Facilities: Swimming pool, games room, BBQ, rentable bikes, reading room, a tour desk and pool table
Accessibility: Yes, but call reception in advance to discuss your unique accessible needs.
Dog-friendly?: No
Address: 2 Robert Connell Close, Anna Bay

11. Big 4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park

Looking for some serious serenity? The Big4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park right off Karuah River has its own private jetty to help you and your family live out your ultimate waterfront holiday dreams. Better still, many of the sites and cabins welcome dogs so the whole clan is invited. Choose from self-contained stays, such as a family bungalow, or powered sites with creature comforts located right nearby.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: Swimming pool, camp kitchen, laundry, tennis court, giant jumping pillow, splash zone for kids, volleyball court and campfires.
Accessibility: Yes, but there are no specialised areas for guests with access needs.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, across select cabins and camping sites.
Address: 88 Holdom Rd, Karuah

Originally written by Megan Arkinstall with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

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.