Solely two and a half hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens is a simple vacation spot for folks eager to get away from the fast beat of metropolis life. Our Important Information to Port Stephens has all you could find out about this unsung hero of the NSW coast.
Mrs Romance and I’ve been visiting Port Stephens for years. It’s shut sufficient to Sydney that it’s a simple two-and-a-half-hour drive, but it surely’s far sufficient away to essentially give the sensation of being away from everybody.
In reality it options as one among our prime 9 straightforward Sydney getaways. Its white sandy seashores, pleasant seaside cities, and a wealth of eateries and issues to do make Port Stephens a simple resolution for while you simply need to escape town for a bit.
We’ve damaged our information down into three digestible sections with our actual favourites main every listing.
2. What to do
1. The place to eat
Chips & gravy at the Corlette Retailer, 27 Sandy Level Rd, Corlette
Not solely an area secret however an area favorite as properly, the chips and gravy from the Corlette Retailer are very good. These guys don’t have an internet site and preserve irregular hours, however they’re price a glance should you’re hungry!
Seize your chips and go chill out on the sand at close by Bagnalls Seashore.
John Dory’s Seafood – Stockton St, Nelson Bay
With our favorite chippy Sandbar closing on the marina, John Dory’s is a simple substitute – and maybe even an enchancment.
Just a little method into Nelson Bay city, it’s solely a brief stroll again to the water along with your takeaway so you may nonetheless sit on the marina and benefit from the view when you munch!
Murray’s Brewery – 3443 Nelson Bay Rd, Bobs Farm
On the way in which out of (or into!) Port Stephens is that this craft brewery. The craft beer they make and serve right here is great and the meals is simply too. In reality their burger is one among my all-time favourites. An enormous assertion.
This spot has been renovated and styled superbly, and is the right spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
Home Café in The House Inside – 41 Donald Road, Nelson Bay
This café inside a homewares retailer is extremely but unsurprisingly fashionable – particularly on the weekend. However with the most effective espresso on the town, it’s well worth the wait. You possibly can store when you wait.
Seabreeze Resort – 1 Stockton Road, Nelson Bay
The Seabreeze pub has the sunshine, ethereal cheerfulness you’d anticipate in a seaside bistro. The meals is on level and the service is skilled. However in order for you dinner – particularly on the weekend – bookings are important.
Port Stephens Recreation Fishing Membership – 57 Shoal Bay Highway, Shoal Bay
Just a little tough and prepared, however with killer views out over the bay, The Recreation Fishing Membership is definitely an actual diamond. If you wish to really feel like a part of the neighborhood, you’ll get that right here greater than wherever.
Simply watch your timings for meals; Salt Bistro’s kitchen fires 12pm-2pm for lunch and 6pm-8pm for dinner. No earlier, no later.
Crest Birubi Seashore – 73 James Paterson Road, Anna Bay
A part of the Birubi Seashore Surf Life Saving Membership and open for breakfast and lunch 7 days every week, this can be a café with the most effective views of the seashore.
On the proper time of 12 months, you may even spot whales swimming by when you benefit from the wonderful breakfasts they provide right here.
A stroll down on Birubi and Stockton Seashores, and a stroll by way of the unbelievable sand dunes post-feast is a should.
Crimson Ned’s Gourmand Pie Bar – Stockton Road, Nelson Bay
This little bakery has been going for years and boasts a formidable 50+ pie line-up. They provide every thing out of your traditional chunky beef to extra unique choices like smoked rooster and camembert.
It’s a simple place to identify – there’s a full-size model of Ned Kelly out the entrance!
Fingal Bay Cafe and Takeaway – 4 Market St, Fingal Bay
Additionally turning out very good pastry items is that this little native cafe. The pies are excellent and really fairly priced, although not fairly the extravagant vary of Crimson Ned’s, and so they even have a number of very tempting sweets within the cupboard price trying over.
Little Seashore Boathouse – Little Seashore Marina, 4 Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay
Proper on the water, this lunch and dinner restaurant is ideal for a special day meal and one thing a bit extra romantic than a variety of different locations in Port Stephens. The downstairs bar space is a favourite spot any time of day.
Holbert’s Oyster Farm – 52 Diemars Highway, Salamander Bay
In case you’re in search of real-world priced wine and beer to go along with the most effective native prawns and oysters within the space (plus superb views over the bay or into the shucking shed), this 5-generation family-run enterprise is tough to beat.
The picnic tables are fairly primary, however you may take them away to eat at your leisure. Both method, you gained’t style a more energizing oyster.
Internal Mild Tea Rooms – 5a Lighthouse Highway Nelson Bay
Being a part of the Nelson Bay lighthouse means this little breakfast-and-lunch café has views to die for. Its easy menus will preserve you going when you take within the vistas over the bay.
The Little Nel Cafe – 3-7 Authorities Rd, Nelson Bay
This cafe has a scrumptious menu and wonderful espresso too. Seize an outside desk for views down over Nelson Bay or take your cup of joe right down to the waterfront and benefit from the gently lapping waters of the marina shut up.
Two Brothers Indian Restaurant – Unit 2/30 Donald St, Nelson Bay
A development I’m thrilled to have seen not too long ago is the proliferation of superior Indian eating places in bigger regional cities round NSW. Past the same old bain marie takeaway joints, these full-service eating places are making curries that rival the most effective of London, Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham again within the UK.
Two Brothers is correct up there and does all of the fan faves from scintillatingly sizzling vindaloos to calm kormas, in addition to a number of lesser identified dishes.
This restaurant doesn’t have an alcohol licence, so that you’ll must BYO, however so far as we may inform they don’t cost corkage right here!
2. What to do
Cycle or stroll the cycle observe
From Nelson Bay to Corlette is a observe that dips and winds by way of bushland and seashores. It’s the right approach to work up an urge for food and to see the sights on supply from this stunning peninsular.
Simply so you realize, Bagnalls Seashore, which is in entrance of Corlette, is an actual rarity. It’s an all-year-round off-leash canine seashore.
Soldier crabs at sundown
A tremendous pure occasion each night because the solar goes down sees 1000’s of soldier crabs – in regards to the measurement of a ping pong ball – march in enormous regiments throughout the arduous sand at seashores all spherical Port Stephens.
These innocent crustaceans make for superior picture alternatives because the solar dips beneath the horizon.
Snorkelling within the marine reserve – Little Nelson Bay
Off the seashore at Fly Level Park are two dive websites – Seahorse Gardens and Fly Level. Fly Level is extra protected, so snorkelling is simpler right here. A number of fish and even turtles swim this part of the reserve.
Quad biking over the dunes with Quad Bike King
We did this a short while in the past with a Crimson Balloon reward voucher from my mother and father and it was a lot enjoyable. The crew practice you on dealing with the quad bikes then take you on a path by way of the magnificent sand dunes of Anna Bay and Stockton Seashore.
On the proper time of 12 months, you may even double up with whale watching as you hurtle across the largest shifting coastal sand dunes within the southern hemisphere!
Hike up headland and Mt Tomaree
The very best level within the space, Mount Tomaree was used as a lookout put up and gun placement in WWII. You possibly can nonetheless discover vestiges of the army base right here, and the views out from the highest are breathtaking. It’s a reasonably good hike too!
We’ve additionally heard inform of one other stroll that goes spherical the underside of the mountain alongside the coast. We haven’t completed this, but it surely’s speculated to be very fairly – to not point out a flat stroll, which is a bonus.
Get a spherical in on the Nelson Bay Golf Membership
You’re spoilt for alternative at this monumental 27-hole course and benefit from the spectators as they hop across the course with you – there are such a lot of kangaroos right here!
The nineteenth – or ought to that be twenty eighth – gap is a pleasure too. Meals served right here is great and views out over the course from the clubhouse make for an ideal lunch venue when you’re on the town. In reality, even should you’re not into golf, this can be a nice lunch possibility.
SUP
Turning into evermore fashionable, SUP or – Stand Up Paddle-boarding – is ideal for the (normally) calm situations and hotter waters of the bay.
The blokes who function Port Stephens Paddle Sports activities are pleasant and accommodating. Give them a name and organise while you need to give it a go. Extremely beneficial!
Secure surf seashores
If browsing and an enormous wave is extra your factor, One Mile Seashore and Fingal Seashore are each patrolled and save. They’re additionally each stunning seashores properly price testing even should you don’t fancy a dip.
Dolphin and whale watching
Extremely fashionable from Port Stephens, the dolphin recognizing cruises occur all 12 months spherical. Humpback whales do a return-trip migration yearly, going north within the winter and again south in the summertime months.
There are such a lot of firms to select from. Our recommendation: go along with the smallest boat doable and one with an open deck.
Sand dunes between Anna Bay and Stockton
In case you’ve pushed in from Sydney, you’ll have seen the sand dunes in your proper on the highway in. These sand dunes are a part of the Woromi Conservation Lands and are the biggest shifting sand dunes within the southern hemisphere.
There are many issues you are able to do on the dunes, from 4×4 excursions to sand boarding – or simply pretending your Laurence of Arabia!
Saturday markets round Port Stephens
There are a number of markets on each Saturday (and a few Sundays) within the Port Stephens space. From Meals to craft, there’s all the time one thing on on the weekend. Examine the schedule within the hyperlink above to search out out extra.
Irukandji, Shark and Ray Encounters – 686 Marsh Rd, Bobs Farm
This fully interactive expertise is run by a younger couple with conservation and schooling on the coronary heart of what they do. Far out of your common aquarium, this family-focused marine centre is all about exhibiting folks what the creatures of the blue are actually like and to assist us perceive the affect we’re having on their atmosphere.
Port Stephens ferry service – leaves from Victoria Parade Public Jetty Wharf
Catch a ferry to Tea Gardens to take a look at what’s happening throughout the bay. The service additionally does lunch cruises and dolphin cruises too. Simply so you realize, excessive winds and poor climate may cause cancelations to the service. Examine the web site for up-to-date occasions.
Every thing else
There’s a lot to do right here in Port Stephens – cinemas, procuring, diving, kayaking, jetskiing, fishing… the listing goes on and on. Extra info is right here within the native tourism information.
3. The place to remain
Sea Urchin, Corlette – Sandy Level Highway
There are actually tons of of locations to remain in Port Stephens, however every time we go, we’re in search of homely consolation, area and an area really feel. That’s why we all the time go for this cute vacation rental.
It’s on Sandy Level Highway, so all you need to do is cross the road and also you’re within the water. It’s excellent. Plus it’s simply down the highway from the Corlette Retailer and their legendary chips and gravy!
You’re additionally on the bus route out and in of Nelson Bay – and Sydney for that matter – and the observe that takes you all the way in which to the marina begins right here too. In case you’ve received a ship, there’s a ship ramp on the finish of the road too.
Bannisters Port Stephens – Troopers Level Rd, Troopers Level
The third property within the Bannisters empire, this Port Stephens venue is simply pretty much as good – if not higher – than the opposite two down in Mollymook.
It’s no accident that this place is equidistant from Sydney both – and the Rick Stein restaurant right here places the recent native seafood and produce to good use.
We haven’t had an opportunity to remain at this Bannisters but, but when it’s wherever close to pretty much as good as the unique – you may see our full assessment right here – it’s the most effective place to remain on the peninsula.
The Anchorage and Marina – Corlette
Additionally in Corlette, the Anchorage is lush residing and ideal when you’ve got your personal boat. The restaurant right here is claimed to be extraordinarily good too.
Amarna Resort at Dutchies Seashore
Boutique and really personal, this small resort whispers romance. From its infinity pool overlooking the seashore to its superbly decked out serviced flats, this 5 star lodging exhibits the most effective of what Port Stephens has to supply.
Port Stephens actually does have a lot to supply. This beautiful peninsular epitomises the Australian way of life folks assume all of us have! However regardless of its splendid setting, it by some means will get ignored as a vacation spot.
I say, let’s benefit from that whereas phrase’s nonetheless not fairly out!
Have you ever ever been to Port Stephens? What’s your favorite factor about it? Are there any unsung hero locations close to the place you reside? Inform us every thing within the feedback beneath!