Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park

Stretching from the azure waters of Port Stephens north to the shimmering Myall Lakes, this vast marine park is a watery wonderland where bottlenose dolphins surf the bow waves of tour boats and humpback whales pause on their annual migration. Protected since 2005, the park encompasses 98,000 hectares of estuaries, beaches, and offshore reefs — a pristine playground for kayakers, snorkelers, and sailors. The calm, clear waters of the lower north coast feel a world away from Sydney’s bustle, yet are just a 2.5-hour drive north.

Highlights & What to See

• Dolphin watching in Port Stephens — the resident pod of around 140 bottlenose dolphins is one of Australia’s most accessible; join a cruise from Nelson Bay for guaranteed sightings.
• Snorkel or dive at Fly Point — a protected aquatic reserve teeming with wobbegong sharks, cuttlefish, and schools of bream; entry is via the sandy beach at Little Beach.
• Sandboarding at Stockton Bight — the 32-kilometre Stockton Beach is home to the largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere; quad-bike and sandboard tours depart from Anna Bay.
• Kayak the Myall Lakes — paddle through mirrored waterways fringed by paperbark forests and spot sea eagles; launch at Bombah Point or Mungo Brush.
• Humpback whale watching — from June to November, migrating whales are frequently seen from the headlands of Tomaree National Park or on dedicated cruises.
• Tomaree Headland Walk — a steep 2.2-kilometre return climb rewards with 360-degree views of the marine park, offshore islands, and the mighty Pacific.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least two full days to experience the park’s diversity. Day one: dolphin cruise in the morning, then snorkel at Fly Point and a late-afternoon walk up Tomaree Headland. Day two: sandboarding at Stockton Bight or a kayak expedition on the Myall Lakes. If you have a third day, explore the quieter northern reaches around Hawks Nest and the lower Myall River. The park is easily split into southern (Port Stephens) and northern (Myall Lakes) sections, each with its own character.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay — the bustling hub of Port Stephens with waterfront dining and departure points for most tours.
• Anna Bay — gateway to the Stockton Bight sand dunes and a string of surf beaches.
• Shoal Bay — a relaxed seaside village with calm swimming beaches and the start of the Tomaree walk.
• Tea Gardens / Hawks Nest — twin villages on the northern shore offering quiet beaches, a historic ferry, and access to the Myall Lakes.
• Myall Lakes National Park — contiguous with the marine park; explore by canoe or on foot through coastal heath and littoral rainforest.
• Broughton Island — a remote offshore island within the park, popular with campers and divers (accessible by charter boat).

Please check official sources for current details.