Stephens Port

Stephens Port is a serene coastal enclave on the southern shore of Port Stephens, where the calm waters of the bay meet the wild beauty of the Pacific. This is a place for slowing down: days are spent kayaking through mangrove-lined creeks, spotting dolphins from the beach, and watching the sun sink into the Tasman Sea from a clifftop lookout. The pace is unhurried, the air is salt-tinged, and the local seafood – think freshly shucked oysters and grilled flathead – is the stuff of legend.

Highlights & What to See

• Dolphin Watching Cruises – The resident bottlenose dolphins are almost guaranteed to put on a show; join a cruise or simply scan the water from the breakwall.
• Tomaree Head Summit Walk – A steep but short climb rewards you with a 360-degree panorama of the bay, the islands, and the coastline.
• Fingal Bay – A stunning sweep of sand with a lighthouse at one end and a blowhole that erupts on big swells.
• Port Stephens Oyster Trail – Sample the region's famous Sydney rock oysters at shacks and restaurants along the water.
• Gan Gan Lookout – An easy drive-up viewpoint that offers a bird's-eye perspective of the entire bay.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days is ideal: one day for the Tomaree walk and dolphin cruise, a second for exploring the beaches and oyster trail, and a third to kayak the Myall River or take a ferry to Tea Gardens. If you're pressed for time, a full day can cover the summit walk, a dolphin cruise, and a seafood lunch – but you'll want to linger.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay – The lively hub of Port Stephens, with cafés, shops, and boat hire.
• Shoal Bay – A quieter beachside village with calm swimming and a golf course.
• Anna Bay – Famous for its Stockton Beach sand dunes, where you can go sandboarding or 4WD.
• Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest – A charming twin village across the bay, reachable by ferry or a scenic drive.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A vast system of lakes and forests perfect for canoeing, birdwatching, and camping.

Please check official sources for current details.