Port Stephens Wine Region

Just north of the Hunter Valley, the Port Stephens Wine Region is a delightful surprise for wine lovers and coastal explorers alike. Here, the lush vineyards meet the sparkling waters of the bay, creating a unique landscape where you can sip a cool-climate Semillon while watching the sun set over the ocean. The region is small but mighty, with a handful of cellar doors offering personalised tastings and a relaxed, unhurried pace that feels a world away from the tourist trail.

Highlights & What to See

• Cellar-door hopping: Visit family-run wineries such as Murray's Vineyard and Port Stephens Winery, where you can sample Verdelho, Chambourcin and the region's signature Semillon. Many offer cheese platters or wood-fired pizzas to accompany your tasting.
• Dolphin watching & wine cruising: Combine a boat tour of the bay with tastings on board or at waterfront cellar doors. Bottlenose dolphins are almost guaranteed, and the views of Tomaree Headland are spectacular.
• Tomaree National Park: After a morning of wine, hike to the summit of Tomaree Head for a panoramic view of the bay, the ocean and the vineyards below. The 2.2 km return walk is steep but well worth it.
• Stockton Bight Sand Dunes: The largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere are just across the water. Take a 4WD tour or try sandboarding – a surreal contrast to the vineyard landscape.
• Nelson Bay foreshore: Stroll along the marina, browse boutique shops and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterside restaurants. The weekend markets are great for local produce.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days is ideal to explore the wine region without rushing. Spend the first day visiting cellar doors and enjoying a leisurely lunch with a view. Dedicate the second day to outdoor adventures – a morning hike in Tomaree National Park followed by an afternoon dolphin cruise. If you have a third day, head to the sand dunes or simply relax on one of the region's beautiful beaches, such as Shoal Bay or Fingal Bay. The pace is slow and easy, so don't over-schedule.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Wine Country – Australia's oldest wine region, just a 45-minute drive south, with hundreds of wineries, gourmet restaurants and luxury accommodation.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A pristine network of lakes, rivers and beaches, perfect for kayaking, fishing and camping, about an hour north.
• Port Stephens itself – The coastal towns of Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and Anna Bay offer swimming, surfing and whale watching (May–November).
• Newcastle – A vibrant city with a burgeoning food and craft beer scene, historic architecture and beautiful beaches, 45 minutes south.

Please check official sources for current details.