The Very Best Jamberoo Accommodation

Jamberoo is a wonderful rural village where one can simply retreat from the fray. Come see the historic buildings, explore its natural beauty and stay to enjoy its old-fashioned country charm.

This quaint historical dairy town is located at the top of a valley and flanked by the imposing Saddleback Mountain. Not much has changed here and that is part of its allure, and the best Jamberoo accommodation knows that.

It is almost as though time has stood still amid the rolling hills and emerald-green pastures here. There’s an old English theme to the village by way of its classic church structures and the dry-stone walls which separate the farmlands.

To make the most of this quaint part of the world, we’ve rounded up our top accommodation picks.

The Lodge Jamberoo

This riverfront resort is the bee’s knees when it comes to luxe country lodge offerings. The Lodge is only 10 minutes inland from Kiama and super close to the Jamberoo Action Park.

These 43 beautifully appointed rooms are surrounded by landscaped gardens, expansive acreage and regal pine tree towers.

trees and flowers surrounding The Lodge Jamberoo — The tree-lined entrance will give you an instant dose of tropical holiday vibes.

There are accommodation styles to suit everybody: adjoining rooms for large families, two-bedroom suites for groups of friends, or deluxe rooms with poolside views for a romantic weekend. In fact, it’s a divine South Coast wedding venue.

an outdoor pool with sunloungers at The Lodge Jamberoo — The retro-inspired pool is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. (Image: Krystal McKinley)

Jamberoo Abbey

Discover a unique rural New South Wales travel experience complete with a side of spiritual awakening if that’s your thing. Jamberoo Abbey is a very real Abbey, housing an enclosed community of Benedictine nuns.

It can accommodate twenty to thirty guests at a time. There are nine hermitages (sleeping one to two people in each) on-site and two spacious cottages with communal facilities. It’s evident that the abbey is a place where people come to seek peace in silence, nature, and prayer.

Note: there are often Sisters available to provide retreat guidance – enquire directly with the property for detailed information.

Jamberoo Valley Farm

Farm stays are fast gaining traction as a wonderful way to reconnect with the essentials of life – nature, nurture and nourishing food. Jamberoo Valley Farm ticks all the boxes when it comes to rural holiday destinations.

It’s a working permaculture farm that features luxury farm-stay cottages with hinterland and ocean views all throughout the property. Aside from the mixed fruit and vegetable market gardens it is also home to pasture-raised grass, fed cattle and free-range chickens.

the living room at Jamberoo Valley Farm Cottage — Lovers of elegant country style will delight in the cottage furnishings.

We love the outdoor Swedish-style hot tub, a wonderful place to warm up in the cooler months and admire the gorgeous vistas that abound – it transforms into a cold plunge pool in summer. The huge wrap-around entertainment deck only adds to this quintessential but extremely elegant country stay.

the cottage interior with huge windows at Jamberoo Valley Farm Cottage — Find a spot by the large windows and soak up an abundance of natural light.

These stunning cottages are suitable for all kinds of wanderlust devotees, including the solo adventurer, cosy couples and families ready to immerse themselves in an enchanting farm stay location.

the kitchen at Jamberoo Valley Farm Cottage — Jamberoo Valley Farm Cottage evokes a rustic feel.

The Historic Jamberoo Pub

Get out of town, or in this case, get out of the city and get yourself to the only and therefore the best pub in Jamberoo. Built in 1857, the character-filled Historic Jamberoo Pub has always been a popular drinking haunt for locals and visitors.

There are nine original pub-style rooms which are great for accommodating group bookings – you can have the entire top floor, with the bistro and bar right downstairs. The pub also makes an excellent base to explore nearby attractions such as Minnamurra Rainforest and the Jamberoo Action Park.

a bedroom with window at The Historic Jamberoo Pub — Rooms are simple with a blend of modern and kitsch design touches.

In addition to the original pub-style rooms, there’s also a motel wing (this section was built more recently and is usually quieter) with rooms that offer air conditioning, an ensuite, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV. It’s a basic yet tidy place.

It’s terrific that there are no pokies here, instead, the pub would much prefer to support live music and stack the walls with interesting memorabilia. And there are always classic pub bistro dishes on the menu at very reasonable prices.

the front of The Historic Jamberoo Pub — The Historic Jamberoo Pub is a must-visit in Jamberoo.

Ready for an exhilarating family-friendly outing? Try the fun waterslides and stacks of world-class rides at Jamberoo Action Park.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

A guide to the top Jamberoo accommodation