Port Stephens

Port Stephens is a coastal area surrounding the Port Stephens Bay, just north of Newcastle in New South Wales.

Understand
The area is very popular for its breathtaking coastal scenery, protected waters at the bay, good fishing, and the opportunity to watch whales during the migration season and the resident dolphins.

Oddly, there is no port at Port Stephens, nor any town of that name: the name applies to both the entire peninsula and the bay north of it (Port Stephens Bay). The largest settlements are and, both near the northeast tip.

By car
The most convenient means of transport into the area is by car. From Newcastle, just take the B63 north, and go for about 45 mins to an hour, depending on where in Newcastle you are. The B63 is mostly just a suburban road, but north of Salt Ash, there is a 100km/h speed limit, with two lanes each way making it feel like a motorway.

From Sydney, it's about 2:30 to Port Stephens along the A1 if the traffic gods are in your favor.

By train
If coming from Sydney, then the train to Newcastle is a good option in terms of speed and cost. From there, Port Stephens is a 30-minute drive by taxi or otherwise bus options are available.

By plane
Newcastle Airport is only 30-minute drive away via B63 and has connections to many large cities on the east coast. Sydney Airport is about 2.5 hours away by car.

Get around
As with most rural destinations in Australia, your best option is usually by car. The area can be cycled however.

See

 * Tomaree National Park contains various points of interest, particularly in the parts of Port Stephens that are still covered in vegetation.
 * Tomaree National Park contains various points of interest, particularly in the parts of Port Stephens that are still covered in vegetation.
 * Tomaree National Park contains various points of interest, particularly in the parts of Port Stephens that are still covered in vegetation.
 * Tomaree National Park contains various points of interest, particularly in the parts of Port Stephens that are still covered in vegetation.

Whale watching
Whale watching cruises leave from Nelson Bay and are well worth it in the seasons that humpbacks pass by (May to November). You may also see dolphins and penguins. There is a variety of vessels and price ranges to choose from at the marina.

Dolphin watching
There is a colony of resident dolphins that can be seen from the beaches or from the popular cruises that leave from Nelson Bay. The best season to watch dolphins is from the end of November to May.

Scuba diving
Nelson Bay has some of the best shore dives in New South Wales and attracts scuba divers keen to photograph the varied macro sea life at the sites of Fly Point and Halifax. The following dive shops offer gear rental, tank refill, and diving courses.



Sand dune tours
Several operators at Birubi Beach offer tours of Stockton Beach's sand dunes by 4WD or camel. Options include sledding down sand dunes and visits to picturesque, abandoned Tin City.

The dunes can get ferociously hot (50°C+) in the heat of summer, so the best time to go is actually winter, ideally after rain since this compacts the sand and lets you slide better.



Sleep


Port Stephens is a popular weekend getaway for Sydneysiders and there's plenty of accommodation options, especially in the higher price brackets. Prices are high in peak seasons but there are good discounts to be had off-season.

Connect
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all have minimum 4G in Port Stephens. Some have 5G in certain spots.

Go next

 * Newcastle
 * Hunter Valley